Chhath Puja 2023 Calendar: A Celebration Of Life And Nature
My Personal Experience with Chhath Puja
As a child growing up in India, I always looked forward to the festival of Chhath Puja. It was a time when our entire community came together to celebrate life and nature. We would wake up early in the morning and head to the nearby river or pond to offer prayers to the sun god. The atmosphere was electric, with the sound of hymns and the fragrance of flowers filling the air. As we grew older, our family continued to celebrate Chhath Puja with the same enthusiasm and devotion. And now, in the year 2023, I am excited to share the significance of this festival with the world.
What is Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival that is celebrated in the northern and eastern parts of India, as well as in Nepal. It is dedicated to the worship of the sun god and his two consorts, Usha and Pratyusha. The festival falls on the sixth day after Diwali, which usually falls in the month of November. The word ‘Chhath’ means ‘sixth’ in Hindi, and it is believed that the festival has been celebrated since ancient times.
Why is Chhath Puja Celebrated?
Chhath Puja is celebrated to thank the sun god for sustaining life on earth and to seek his blessings for the well-being of the family. It is also a way of expressing gratitude to Mother Nature for providing us with food and shelter. The festival is observed with great devotion and discipline, with devotees fasting for two days and abstaining from water. They offer prayers to the sun god at sunrise and sunset, and perform various rituals to purify their mind and body.
Events and Festivals in Chhath Puja 2023 Calendar
The Chhath Puja 2023 Calendar is packed with events and festivals that showcase the rich cultural heritage of India. Here are some of the major events that you can look forward to:
- Day 1 (November 3, 2023): Nahay Khay – This is the first day of Chhath Puja, and it involves taking a dip in the holy river or pond and preparing special food items like kheer and puri.
- Day 2 (November 4, 2023): Kharna – On this day, devotees observe a strict fast and break it in the evening by preparing special dishes like rice, dal, and pumpkin.
- Day 3 (November 5, 2023): Sandhya Arghya – This is the most important day of Chhath Puja, and it involves offering prayers to the setting sun. Devotees gather at the banks of the river or pond and perform various rituals.
- Day 4 (November 6, 2023): Usha Arghya – On the final day of Chhath Puja, devotees offer prayers to the rising sun. They break their fast and distribute prasad among family and friends.
Question & Answer
Q: What is the significance of taking a dip in the holy river or pond on the first day of Chhath Puja?
A: Taking a dip in the holy river or pond is believed to cleanse the mind and body of impurities. It is a way of purifying oneself before embarking on the four-day festival of Chhath Puja.
Q: Why do devotees observe a strict fast on the second day of Chhath Puja?
A: Devotees observe a strict fast on the second day of Chhath Puja to seek the blessings of the sun god. It is believed that fasting helps to purify the mind and body, and prepares one for the rigorous rituals that follow.
Q: What is the significance of offering prayers to the setting sun on the third day of Chhath Puja?
A: Offering prayers to the setting sun is a way of expressing gratitude to the sun god for sustaining life on earth. It is also believed to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity and happiness to the family.
Q: What is the significance of offering prayers to the rising sun on the final day of Chhath Puja?
A: Offering prayers to the rising sun is a way of seeking the blessings of the sun god for the well-being of the family. It is believed that the sun god brings light, warmth, and energy to the earth, and by offering prayers to him, one can attain peace and prosperity.
In Conclusion
Chhath Puja is a celebration of life and nature, and a way of expressing gratitude to the sun god and Mother Nature. It is a festival that brings together families and communities, and promotes a sense of unity and harmony. As we celebrate Chhath Puja in the year 2023, let us remember the significance of this festival and strive to live in harmony with nature.