2016 Chhath Puja: Check out date, vidhi and shubh muhurat for the mahaparv

Chhath Puja 2016 will begin from Nov4- 7, Chhath Puja is performed inorder to thank lord Surya and Chhati Maiyya (Usha, lord Surya's wife),for sustaining life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes. Chhath means sixth, because it falls on the sixth day of the month of Kartika (October/November) or simly on the sixth day after Diwali. God Surya is worshipped very passionately for the well being of their family and near and dear ones. Chhath Puja is celebrated mainly in the states of Bihar, UP, Jharkhand and some parts of Nepal. This year Chhath Puja, it starts on 4th November and continues till 6th november.

Chhath Puja 2016: Date, Vidhi and Muhurat

Chhath Puja 2016:  Day 1 (November 4)

Chhath Puja 'Nahay Khay'

Sunrise at 06:35

Sunset at 17:34

The ritual starts on the fourth day of Kartika month where people take a holy dip in the  water of Ganga to purify themselves. Devotees first take a bath, eat something before the fast starts, which then continues for the next 36 hours. 

Chhath Puja 2016: Day 2 (November 5)

Chhath Puja 'Lohanda and Kharna'

Sunrise at 06:36

Sunset at 17:33

The second day of Chhath is known as Kharna. On this day fasting without water is observed from the sunrise to the sunset. The fast is broken just after sunset after making food offering the Sun God. The third day fasting begins after having Prasad on the second day.

Chhath Puja 2016:  Day 3 (November 6)

Chhath Puja 'Sandhya Argh'

Sunrise at 06:37

Sunset at 17:32

The third day of Chhath Puja  is known as 'Sandhya Argh' as all the rituals take place in the evening. Devotees stand in water for long hours and pray for their family and loved ones. A full day fast without water is observed on the third main day of Chhath Puja. Offering Arghya to the setting Sun is the main ritual of the day. It is the only time of the year when Arghya is given to the setting Sun. The third day fasting continues throughout the night. 

Chhath Puja 2016: Day 4 (November 7)

Chhath Puja Usha Arghya, Parana

Sunrise at 06:38

Sunset at 17:32

The fourth and the final day, also known as Suryodaya Argh is the day to offer early morning prayers to the God of life and energy followed by 'Parana' where devotees break their fast after 36 long hours.