Chhath Puja 2017- Puja Date and Timing

 Day 1 - Nahay Khay

Auspicious Time

Tithi: Chaturthi

Sunrise at 05:43

Sunset at 16:57

The word ‘Nahaya’ refers to bath and ‘khaya’ refers to eating.

• People first brush their teeth with mango twigs.
• Then they go to a holy water body like river Ganga and take a bath.
• Some of the holy water is brought home.
• With that water, Prasad for Lord Surya is prepared.
• In the entire day, people eat only before Surya Udaya in the morning.
• After having food water is consumed only once.
• This fast is observed for 36 hours from then.
• The fast does not even permit water hence is known as ‘Nirjal’.
  
  
  Day 2 - Lohanda and Kharna
  

  Auspicious Time

  Tithi: Panchami
  Sunrise at 05:43
  Sunset at 16:57
  
  

  The word ‘Nahaya’ refers to bath and ‘khaya’ refers to eating.

  
  
  • The fasting continues this day till it completes 36 Hours.
  • In the evening Chati Maiyya is worshipped.
  • The Prasad from the puja is consumed to break the fast.
  • The Prasad prepared is usually Puri and Gud ka Kheer.
  • Salt is not at all consumed on this day.
    Day 3 - SANDHYA ARGHYA
    

    Auspicious Time

    Tithi: Saptami
    Sunrise at 05:44
    Sunset at 16:56
    
    

    This day basically observes the worship of the Sun in the morning when it rises. It is also known Bihaniya or Bhorwa Ghat (Morning Arghya).

    
    
    • On the early morning, devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Ganga or any other holy water body.
    • This is the last or you can say the final day of this auspicious festival.
    • The devotees gather at the bank of the river with their family and friends to offer bhorwa arghya to the rising Sun.
    • Devotees also worship Chatti Maiyya, distribute thekua and then return home.
    • The people who were fasting break the fast by taking the blessings of the elders and then eating ginger with water.
    • The other Prasad prepared are then consumed by them.
    • This is the most important part of the ritual. During the festival, the female folks spend their night by singing traditional Chhath songs.
    There is also a tradition of “Dandwat Pranam” during Chhath Puja. People who have wished or wish to succeed in something, take an oath to go to the Chhath Ghat by lying and saluting on the ground in simple cloth. With the help of a “Kanda” a type of stick easily found in locality or in fields, the devotee draws around line by lying on the ground with the help of stomach and stretching both hands in “Pranaam Mudra”. After arriving on the Ghat after “Dand” the devotee takes a bath in the holy river and worships Chatti Maiyya. READ MORE....