Chhath Puja 2018: Significance, rituals, timings

Chhath Puja 2018 has begun on Sunday and will continue till November 14. Chhath Puja is a thanksgiving festival of the Hindus, especially those from Bihar. The festival is also celebrated in a grand scale in Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. Chhath means sixth in the Bhojpuri language. The day is marked to offer gratitude to the Hindu Sun god - Lord Surya and Chhati Maiyya for the bountiful life on earth. Believers and devotees wake up early in the morning and wait for the sunrise. As the sun rises, prayers are offered to grant certain wishes for the well-being of the family and loved ones. The festival is observed for four days with fasting and praying. 

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Chhath Puja 2018 Day 1 - November 11 - Nahay-Khay

On the first day, people take a dip in the holy river Ganga early in the morning and prepare offerings to the sun god. They take just one meal and observe fast throughout the day. Houses and surroundings are also cleaned. The rituals starts on the fourth day of Kartika month as early as 6.30 am.

Chhath Puja 2018 Day 2 - November 12 - Lohanda and Kharna

On Kharna, the second day of Chhath, fasting without water is observed from sunrise to sunset. The fast is broken after making food offering to the Sun God as the sun sets.

Chhath Puja 2018 Day 3 - November 13 - Sandhya Argh

The third day of Chhath Puja is called Sandhya Argh. On this day, a full day fast without water is observed and all the rituals are performed in the evening. And the fasting continues in the night. Devotees stand in the River Ganga for hours and pray for their family and loved ones.

Chhath Puja 2018 Day 4 - November 14 - Usha Arghya, Parana

The final day of Chhath Puja is called Usha Arghya, Parana. It is also called Suryodaya Argh. On this day, early morning prayers are offered to the god of life and energy. Devotees then break their fast after 36 long hours. This ritual is called Parana.

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Dates and time for Chhath Puja 2018

Sunrise on Chhath Puja Day- 06:41 AM

Sunset on Chhath Puja Day- 05:28 PM

Shashthi Tithi begins at 01:50 am on November 13, 2018

Shashthi Tithi ends at 04:22 am on November 14, 2018