Chhath Puja 2024: City-Wise Sunrise Timings for Arghya Rituals Across India

Chhath Puja is one of the most important festivals in India, dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya (Shashthi Devi), who is worshipped as the goddess of fertility and protector of children. The festival is observed with great devotion and lasts for four days, involving strict fasting, special rituals, and the offering of Arghya (a ritual offering) to the rising and setting sun. In 2024, Chhath Puja began on November 5 and will end on November 8.

Key Dates of Chhath Puja 2024November 5: Nahay Khay November 6: Lohanda and Kharna November 7: Sandhya Arghya November 8: Usha Arghya Chhath Puja is most significant in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, but it is widely celebrated across India and Nepal by people originally from these regions. Devotees, particularly married women, observe strict fasts to seek blessings for their families and children's well-being. The festival honours the Sun God as the source of life and Chhathi Maiya as a protector of children and a goddess of fertility, prosperity, and well-being. During Chhath Puja, devotees perform various rituals, including: Purification: The festival begins with devotees taking a dip in rivers and fasting to purify themselves. Strict Fasting: Many devotees, especially women, undertake a rigorous fast without food and water for 36 hours. Arghya Offering: Devotees offer Arghya to the setting sun (Sandhya Arghya) and to the rising sun (Usha Arghya) the next morning. They use soop (a traditional bamboo tray) to offer fruits, sugarcane, coconuts, and other items.

City-Wise Sunrise Timings for Usha Arghya on November 8, 2024On the final day of Chhath Puja, the Usha Arghya ritual is performed early in the morning. Here are the sunrise timings for key cities across India where devotees will gather to perform the morning rituals: Delhi - 06:38 AM Patna, Bihar - 06:02 AM Ranchi, Jharkhand - 05:58 AM Kolkata, West Bengal - 05:45 AM Bengaluru, Karnataka - 06:16 AM Ahmedabad, Gujarat - 06:49 AM Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 06:05 AM Mumbai, Maharashtra - 06:42 AM Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh - 06:21 AM These times are crucial as devotees offer their heartfelt prayers precisely at sunrise to complete their observance. Significance of Chhath PujaChhath Puja is a festival celebrating life, gratitude, and reverence for nature. Surya Dev is believed to sustain all life on earth, while Chhathi Maiya is considered the goddess of fertility and life. Devotees believe that by honouring these deities, they ensure the well-being, prosperity, and health of their families. Surya Dev: Represents life and energy. Devotees worship Surya Dev to express gratitude for life and seek his blessings for vitality and prosperity. Chhathi Maiya (Shashthi Devi): Also known as Goddess Katyayani, an incarnation of Durga, Chhathi Maiya is regarded as the divine protector of children and the goddess of fertility.