Devotees Gather At Ghats To Offer Sandhya Arghya Today (Img: IANS)
New Delhi: Chhath Puja, one of the most significant festivals dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, has reached its most important stage on Sunday, November 15. Devotees across the country will offer Sandhya Arghya to the setting Sun, marking the third day of the four-day festival.
The ritual is observed during a rigorous 36-hour Nirjala fast, in which devotees abstain from food and water. The celebrations began on November 13 with Nahay Khay, followed by Kharna on November 14.
On the third day, devotees gather at riverbanks, ponds, and other water bodies to worship the setting Sun. The offerings, arranged in traditional bamboo baskets and winnowing baskets, include thekua, coconuts, bananas, sugarcane and seasonal fruits.
Unlike most traditions that associate sunrise with new beginnings, Chhath also honours the setting Sun. The ritual reflects gratitude towards the Sun for sustaining life and conveys that respect should be shown not only during success but also when a journey comes to an end.
The worship is believed to bring prosperity and happiness to families, while devotees seek blessings for the long life and good health of their children.
Devotees stand in water facing the setting Sun and offer Arghya using water and milk. Traditional Chhath songs are sung at the ghats as families pray to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.
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Here is the list of city timings for the evening offerings to the Sun God.
Delhi: 5:28 pm
Patna: 5:01 pm
Kolkata: 4:53 pm
Mumbai: 6:00 pm
Varanasi: 5:10 pm
Gorakhpur: 5:06 pm
Kanpur: 5:19 pm
Meerut: 5:25 pm
Prayagraj: 5:14 pm
Darbhanga: 4:57 pm
The festival will conclude on Monday, November 16, with Usha Arghya to the rising Sun, followed by Parana, marking the end of the fast.
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Devotees are advised to maintain cleanliness, preserve the sanctity of prasad, and follow traditional rituals. Special care should be taken around water bodies, particularly for children and elderly family members.
