When Is Chhath Puja 2023? Date, Time, History, Day-Wise Significance And Celebrations

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Chhath Puja 2023: A prominent Hindu festival, this one is unique in its own way and is dedicated to Sun God or Surya Dev and Chhathi Mata (sister of Lord Sun).

According to the Hindu Calendar, it is observed on the sixth day of the lunar month of Kartika, or Vikram Samvat, which is six days after Diwali. Let us know when is Chhath Puja, shubh muhurat, worship method, history, significance, and celebrations associated with this day.

Chhath Puja 2023: Date, Time
This year Chhath Puja will begin on Friday, 17 November 2023, and end on Monday, 20 November 2023.
17 November 2023 (Friday) - Nahay Khay Day- Sunrise- 06:45 am and Sunset- 05:27 pm
18 November 2023 (Saturday) - Lohanda And Kharn Day- Sunrise- 06:46 am and Sunset- 05:26 pm
19 November 2023 (Sunday) - Sandhya Arghya - Sunrise- 06:46 am and Sunset- 05:26 pm
20 November 2023 (Monday) - Usha Arghya, Parana Day - Sunrise- 06:47 am and Sunset- 05:26 pm

Chhath Puja 2023: Day-Wise Significance
The word 'Chhath' means 'six' and hence the festival continues for 6 days. It is predominantly celebrated in the northern parts of India, especially in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh. Also, it is observed in some parts of Nepal.

Women observe fast on this day for the long life and well-being of their children and show gratitude to the Sun, who is the provider of life on Earth. Chhath Puja is also known as Surya Shashthi, Prathihar, Chhathi, and Dala Chhath.

• The first day is known Nahay Khay and on this day, women take a dip in holy water and consume only a single meal in the entire day.
• The second day of Chhath is known as Kharna and keep nirjala or waterless fast or vrat from sunrise to sunset. The fast is broken just after sunset after offering food to the Sun God.
• The third day on which Sandhya Arghya is observed, fasting begins after having Prasad on the second day. This is the main day of the puja and Arghya is given to the setting Sun. This fasting continues throughout the night.
• The fourth day, which is Usha Arghya, Parana Day, women continue their fast till sunrise. When Arghya is given to the rising Sun, it is known as Usha Arghya. The 36-hour-long fast is broken after giving Arghya to the Sun.

Chhath Puja 2023: Celebrations
The celebrations consist of a series of rituals and traditions. On the very first day of Chhath Puja, devotees first take a holy bath and they consume only one meal in the entire day. On this auspicious day, saatvik items like chana dal, bottle gourd, and rice are prepared. On the second day, women observed a waterless fast, and hence nothing is consumed.