Chhath Puja 2024: The four-day Chhath Puja, dedicated to worshiping the Sun God, begins this year with Nahay-Khay on Tuesday, under an auspicious combination of nakshatras (constellations) and yogas (planetary alignments). Devotees observe this festival with great faith, beginning the rituals by bathing in rivers, especially the Ganges, and preparing offerings for the Sun God.
Significance and Process of Nahay-Khay
The Chhath Puja festival traditionally starts on Kartik Shukla Chaturthi with the Nahay-Khay ritual. Devotees, known as “Vratis,” purify themselves by bathing in the river, then return home to prepare and consume a simple meal as part of the ritual. The prasad (offering) prepared includes arwa rice, chana dal, pumpkin curry, and gooseberry chutney, which is first offered to the Sun God. This act of purification, combined with simplicity, helps Vratis set their intention for the four-day fast and rigorous prayers ahead.
Auspicious Nakshatras for Nahay-Khay
According to astrologers, Chhath Puja this year falls under highly auspicious nakshatras. On Tuesday morning, the Jyeshtha nakshatra will end at 8:37 a.m., giving way to Mool nakshatra, which will last until Wednesday at 10:13 a.m. Additionally, Sukarma yoga begins at 11:16 a.m. on Tuesday, making it an ideal time for Vratis to complete the Nahay-Khay ritual. This combination of nakshatra and yoga is considered especially favorable, enhancing the spiritual power and significance of the fast.
Importance of Nahay-Khay in Chhath Puja
As per astrologer P.K. Yug, the Nahay-Khay ritual holds immense importance in the Chhath Puja observance. It is not only a physical cleansing but also a way to spiritually and mentally prepare for the four days of disciplined worship. During this ritual, Vratis resolve to maintain strict self-discipline and follow a specific dietary regimen. The meal serves as an offering to the divine and prepares the body for the intense fast that follows. Additionally, a portion of the meal is reserved for a cow, symbolizing its involvement as a witness to the ritual.
Kharna: The Second Day Ritual
On Wednesday, the second day of Chhath, known as “Kharna,” will be observed under auspicious yogas, starting after 10:13 a.m. when the Poorvashadha nakshatra begins. Vratis will prepare a special prasad using jaggery and sugarcane juice to make kheer, accompanied by roti and radish. This offering is first dedicated to the Sun God before the Vratis consume it themselves. The Kharna ritual does not follow a specific timing and marks the beginning of a 36-hour waterless fast, which is a major component of the Chhath Puja.
Offering Arghya to the Sun in Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra
This year, a rare and highly auspicious alignment will allow devotees to offer arghya to both the setting and rising Sun under the same nakshatra, Uttara Ashadha. Astrologer Prem Sagar Pandey notes that this alignment is extremely rare and is considered highly beneficial for the Vratis. On Thursday, devotees will offer arghya to the setting Sun approximately half an hour before sunset, while the final arghya will be offered on Friday morning at dawn as the Sun rises.
The Chhath Puja is not only a display of immense faith but also a demonstration of discipline, devotion, and reverence for the Sun God. With this year’s alignment of favorable nakshatras and yogas, devotees believe the festival’s blessings will be even more powerful and spiritually uplifting.
