Chhath Puja 2024: 6 Prasad items you can offer to Chhathi Maiya

Chhath Puja is one of the most prominent Hindi festival which is celebrated few days after Diwali. The festival is mainly celebrated in the India states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and West Bengal. This festival is also celebrated in Nepal with immense devotion. During thr festival of Chhath, devotees offer their prayers to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya . This year, Chhath Puja will start from November 5, and it will culminate with Usha Arghya, on November 8, 2024.

Devotees perform various puja rituals and offer different types of bhog prasad to seek blessings of Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya. Offering bhog prasad is one of the important part of this festival and here we are going to mention 6 important food items that are offered to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya and celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm and zeal. Let's check out these traditional food items that are offered as bhog:

1. Thekua

Thekua is an Indian cookie, which is known by many names ad it is one of the most well known chhat prasads. Thekua is made with whole-wheat flour, sugar or jaggery, and ghee. It is the most well-known prasad item during Chhath Puja and represents simplicity and dedication. Thekua is valued for its rich flavor and lengthy shelf life.

2. Bananas

Bananas are the most common bhog prasad and an integral part of Chhath Puja. The banana tree represents Lord Vishnu and is regarded auspicious in Hindu Scriptures. It is regarded as Chhathi Maiyya's favorite fruit as well.

3. Water Chestnut

Water Chestnut is full of nutrition that will keep you energized for longer. Water chestnuts are low in calories and high in antioxidants that helps you to keep hydrating. This also help to control blood pressure and reduce indigestion.

4. Sugarcane

Sugarcane is included in Chhath Puja because it is believed to be highly auspicious for puja. Sugarcane is a symbol of fertility, and sweetness. It is also connected to the festival's agricultural theme and appreciation for a plentiful crop. The goddess Chhathi Maiyaa is offered the fresh sugarcane to seek her blessings.

5. Rasiya

Those who are keeping a Chhath fast, they prepare this prasad on the second day of Chhath Puja, Kharna. Rasiya is made with mashed ripe bananas, grated coconuts, jaggery, milk, ghee, cardamom powder, chopped nuts and is slow cooked on flame.

6. Daabh Nimbu

Being one of Chhathi Maiyya's favorite bhog, the vitamin-C-rich Daabh nimbu has many health benefits. Daabh nimbu, which is rich in fiber and other minerals, aids in maintaining digestive health. Its high flavonoid and antioxidant content makes it a superfood for preventing heart disease.