Chhath puja 2020: Devotees offer sandhya argya to sun god
Most revered puja of North India is Chhath Puja that is marked from the sixth day after Diwali and it is a unique celebration as it does not worship any idol. The Sun God, Lord Surya, the god of energy and of the life-force, is worshipped during the Chhath Puja to promote life, well-being and prosperity. Chhath Puja is known by many names such as Surya Shashti, Chhath, Chhathi, Chhath Parv, Dala Puja and Dala Chhath. Surya Devta and his sister Chatthi Maa are worshipped with gratefulness for being the source of all life. Sun God is worshipped during the sunrise and sunset. People mostly go to a nearby water body, stand in the water and offer their respects to the rising and setting sun.
On the day of Surya Shashthi of Chhath Parva, we give you sunset timings of the day in a few cities.
- Lucknow 5:14 pm
- Noida 5.25 pm
- Kanpur 5:17 pm
- Patna 4:59 pm
- Varanasi 4:59 pm
While offering their respects to the Sun God and Chhati Maa, people also sing songs of praises and recite prayers. Folk songs and legends are told to those gathered. People observe a strict fast that goes on for 36-hours, without the intake of any food or water. They break their fast only after worshipping the Sun God. Witnessing the rising and setting sun is considered very auspicious so we hope the above timings help you to decide when you should be visiting the Chhath Ghat.
Chhath Puja Day 3
How Coronavirus has affected festivities:
Chhath puja is also a community festival where men and women come together to offer arghya to sun god. However, Covid era demands social distancing and isolation not to mention masks and sanitisers. In this case, to pevent super spreading of disease by mass gathering, state governments have prohibited use of ghats, beach and water bodies in their area. People are not coming in big gathering, though decoration and dresses are on ample display at their homes or society pools.
