Chhath Puja 2024 Begins Today With Nahay-Khay; Know The Rituals, Timings, Best Satvik Food For Fasts

The vibrant festival of Chhath Puja, spanning four days, initiates on the sixth day of the Kartik lunar month. This year, the festivities kick off on November 5th, marking the first day as Nahay-Khay. Dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiyya, this revered celebration aims at fostering the health and prosperity of children.

Commencing with a ceremonial bath on the initial day, individuals then proceed to make arrangements for the upcoming festival.

Rakesh Chaturvedi, a renowned astrologer and expert in Vastu from Ghaziabad, elaborates on the customs of Nahay-Khay and offers the propitious schedule for Arghya on the occasion of Chhath.

The celebration of Chhath Mahaparv spans from Chaturthi Tithi to Saptami Tithi in the Kartik month according to him. The festivities commence with Nahay-Khay, leading to Kharna the subsequent day. Arghya is presented to the setting sun on Shashthi Tithi and to the emerging sun on Saptami Tithi, signifying the end of the festival.

Timing of Sunrise and Sunset in Nahay-Khay

The astrologer elaborated that the optimal moments for Chhath Puja are determined by the sunrise and sunset timings. In Delhi, for instance, the sunrise was at 6:36 am today, with the sunset anticipated at 5:33 pm. This period will be dedicated to offering prayers to the sun god through a ceremonial bath, meditation, and partaking in a satvik meal for those observing the fast.

Chhath Puja 2024: Propitious Moments to Celebrate

As per the Vedic Panchang, the Shashthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in Kartik month commences at 12:41 pm on November 7 and concludes at 12:34 pm on November 8. Evening Arghya is scheduled for November 7, with the morning Arghya following on November 8.

Exploring the Benefits of a Sattvic Diet

During the Nahay-Khay ceremony, adherents of the Chhath fast partake in a diet rich in satvik fare. It is customary to consume foods that alleviate hunger and thirst on this occasion. Dishes are typically prepared without the use of onion and garlic, with special attention given to cooking gourd and pumpkin. A popular meal consists of chickpea lentils paired with rice. Pumpkin, known for its hydrating qualities, is highly esteemed for enabling worshippers to maintain their stamina throughout the prolonged fasting period.