Chhath Puja 2024: It’s the festive season, and right after Diwali and Bhai Dooj, it’s time for the much-awaited Chhath Puja! This year Chhath will be celebrated on November 7, 2024, celebrations will be in full swing especially in Bihar, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand. This four-day festival brings families together as they pray to the Sun God, also known as the god of energy, for health and prosperity. Known by many names – Surya Shashthi, Chhath festival, Dala Chhath – Chhath Puja takes place on the sixth day (Shashthi) of Kartik month in the Hindu calendar.
Read also: When is Bhai Dooj 2024? Date, time and 5 classic dishes for your family celebration
Chhath Puja 2024: Dates and puja timings
Day 1: November 5, 2024
Chaturthi – Nahay Khay
Sunrise: 06:36 am Sunset: 05:33 pm
Day 2: November 6, 2024
Panchami-Kharna
Sunrise: 06:37 am Sunset: 05:32 pm
Day 3: November 7, 2024
Shashthi – Chhath Puja, Evening Arghya
Sunrise: 06:38 am Sunset: 05:32 pm
Day 4: November 8, 2024
Saptami – Usha Arghya, Paran day
Sunrise: 06:38 am Sunset: 05:31 pm
(Source: drikPanchang.com)
Chhath Puja 2024: What does it mean and how is it celebrated?
Chhath Puja is a way for families to come together and pray to the Sun God for blessings. Many women observe a fast for the well-being of their loved ones and offer “arghya” (water offering) to the rising and setting sun. Devotees often observe a strict fast of 36 hours, without water and break it only after offering Arghya to the Sun. Each day has its own rituals – from fasting throughout the day and eating only after puja, to staying awake all night on the third day, culminating with a final prayer at sunrise on the last day.
Chhath Puja 2024: 5 must-try dishes for the festival
Rasiyaav
This comforting kheer made of jaggery, rice and milk is a perfect sweet for Chhath Puja. Jaggery cooked in milk gives it a rich, earthy sweetness. Top it with dry fruits for extra crunch! Click here for recipe
thekua
Thekua is a crisp, sweet and essential offering of Chhath Puja. Made from wheat flour, desiccated coconut, melted sugar and ghee, it has a bit of tradition in every piece. Click here for recipe
Puri
No Indian festival meal is complete without puri! This crispy, fried roti made from wheat flour is often paired with dishes like kheer, sabzi and hara chana for a complete meal. Click here for recipe
pumpkin curry
A simple yet delicious pumpkin curry that goes perfectly with puri. Cooked with rock salt, spices and ghee, it is a comforting dish that is always a crowd pleaser. Click here for recipe
green gram
A true Chhath-special dish! Hara chana (green gram) is soaked overnight and then cooked in ghee, green chillies and cumin seeds. It is a light and tasty addition to the festive spread. Click here for recipe
This Chhath Puja, try these classic recipes and make the celebration even tastier with family and friends.