Chhath Puja 2018 Day 1: Nahay Khay Puja Vidhi, Muhurat, Significance, Why it is celebrated?
Chhath Puja 2018 started on November 11 with the traditional ceremony of Nahay Khay, which also marks the first day of this four-day long festival. Chhath, started on November 11, will end on November 14 with Usha Arghya. This ancient festival is celebrated primarily in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Orissa. It is also celebrated in some parts of Nepal. It is the only Vedic festival that is dedicated to the worship of Sun God. People believe that Sun is the eternal source of all powers. It is considered as God of life and energy, and worshipped in order to pray for well-being, health, prosperity and happiness. During this four-day festival, people express gratitude towards Sun God and Chhathi Maiya and some devotees also observe fast called Vrat.
Chhath is celebrated twice a year. The Chhath which falls in winters is also known as the Karthik Chhath. It is usually celebrated in the month of October or November. The Shashti is observed on the sixth day after Diwali.
Chhath Day 1 Nahay Khay Rituals
On the first day of Chhath, Nahay Khay, the devotees take a dip in the holy river earning in the morning and cook a proper meal for themselves. Kaddu Bhaat along with the Chana Dal is a common meal which is prepared by the devotees. The food is cooked in the bronze utensils using mango wood on a earthen stove. The women who observe fast eat only once throughout the entire day.
Nahay Khay 2018 Muhurat
11 November 2018
Sunrise: 06:38
Sunset: 17:32
Why is Chhath Puja celebrated?
There are many backstories behind Chhath Puja. It is believed that during the ancient times, Draupadi and the Pandavas of Hastinapur celebrated this festival to pray for the solution of their problems and regain control over their lost kingdom. The Puja was first conducted by Surya Purtra Karna, who ruled over the Anga Desh during the Mahabharata age.
