Nahay Khay To Morning Arghya, Expert Shares Chhath Puja 2024 Dates

The month of Kartik is about to begin, and with it, the biggest festival of faith in Bihar and Jharkhand, Chhath Puja, is approaching. Chhath Puja is a festival that has been observed since Vedic times. This festival has become a significant part of the culture in states like Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. Although Chhath Mahaparv is celebrated across India, it is observed with particular enthusiasm in these states. As the festival approaches, many people are wondering when Chhath Puja will begin.

Pandit Nandkishore Mudgal, a famous astrologer from Mudgal Jyotish Kendra at Pagal Baba Ashram in Deoghar, told Local 18 that Chhath Puja starts from the fourth day (Chaturthi) of Shukla Paksha of the Kartik month. This festival lasts for four days. During Chhath Puja, a 36-hour waterless fast is observed, which is why it is considered one of the toughest fasts.

The festival begins with Nahay Khay. The first day is Nahay Khay, the second day is Kharna, on the third day an offering (Arghya) is made to the setting sun, and on the final day, the festival concludes with an offering to the rising sun.

Chhath Puja 2024 Dates:

The astrologer explained that this year, Chhath Mahaparv begins on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the waxing phase of Kartik month.

November 5 (Tuesday): Nahay Khay

November 6 (Wednesday): Kharna

November 7 (Thursday): Evening Arghya (offering to the setting sun)

November 8 (Friday): Morning Arghya (offering to the rising sun)

The astrologer explained that the waterless fast begins on the fifth day (Panchami) of the Shukla Paksha of Kartik month after consuming the Kharna Prasad. This year, Panchami falls on November 6, when the 36-hour waterless fast will begin.

There are various beliefs associated with Chhath Puja that make the fast very special. The fast observed during Chhath Puja is considered to be one of the toughest. This fast is observed for the well-being, long life, good health and prosperity of children and requires a strict 36-hour waterless observance. It is mostly women who observe this fast and there are strict rules that they have to follow.