The holy feast of Chhath Pujaalso known as Maha Parv, is here. This year, the Chhath festival, dedicated to Lord Sun and Chhath Mata, will be celebrated from November 5 to 8. It is one of the biggest festivals in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and parts of Uttarakhand. According to the Hindu calendar, Chhath falls on the sixth day of the month “Kartik”. Playing Chhath is believed to bring happiness and prosperity in life and is traditionally observed for the well-being of children.

Chhath Puja and fasting
The 4-day festival begins with the ritual of Nahaye Khaye, during which devotees observe fast and begin with a holy bath in the Ganga river, then use the ganga jal to prepare traditional bhog made from steamed rice , lauki ki sabzi and fritters. THE food is prepared on mud chulha, and no onion or garlic is used. The bhog is first served to the deities and then the devotees eat. Bhog is believed to help purify the body and prepare for the 36-hour fast.
The second day of the festival is called Kharna. In this, devotees observe fast and after sunset prepare pori, kheer, gur ki kheer and roti and offer them to the deities and then devotees eat. In states celebrating Chhath, asking for this prasad is considered bliss, and people often visit others to consume this prasad in the evening.
Why is Chhath Puja celebrated?
The 4-day festival is celebrated for the well-being of the family. Traditionally, the festival is celebrated by mothers for the good health and prosperity of their children. Nowadays, people of all ages celebrate this festival for their holistic well-being. Additionally, helping those observing fast during this festival is considered very auspicious, and that is why people willingly offer their help at the ghats and even to neighbors who are celebrating the festival. Cleanliness plays a key role in this festival, and that is why even the streets are cleaned and washed by the local authorities.

Read also: How to make Thekua at home
Chhath Puja Date and Time
Chhath Puja Day 1
Tuesday November 5
Hours: Sunrise at 6:36 a.m. to sunset at 5:33 p.m.
Chhath Puja Day 2: Kharna
Date: Wednesday November 6
Hours: 6:37 a.m. to 5:32 p.m.
Chhath Puja Day 3: Sandhya Arghya
Date: Thursday November 7
Hours: Sunrise at 6:38 a.m. to sunset at 5:32 p.m.
Chhath Puja Day 4: Usha Arghya
Date: Friday November 8
Hours: 6:38 a.m. to sunset at 5:31 p.m.
Food rules to follow during Chhath Puja
1. Fasting is observed by both men and women, during which the faithful give up water and food for 36 hours.
2. Cleanliness plays a key role in this festival.
3. On the day of Nahaye Khaye, devotees cook rice, dal and lauki ki sabzi on mud chulha using the holy water of river Ganga after bathing in the holy river.
4. During this 4-day festival, consumption of garlic, onion, meat, eggs and any other tamasic food is strictly prohibited.
5. Consumption of alcohol and tobacco is also prohibited during this festival.
6. On the second day of the festival, called Kharna, devotees prepare pauper, roti, rice kheer and gur ki kheer (rasiyao) on mud chulha in the evening and offer them to the deity, then break the fast with . .
7. On the third day, the same mud chulha is used to prepare Thekua, which is a fried biscuit-like sweet made from whole wheat flour, fennel seeds, sugar and ghee.
8. On the third day, when devotees give up water and food, they eat bhog ka prasad, the next morning after offering argah to the rising sun, which also marks the end of the festival.

Take a look at these traditional dishes prepared on Chhath Puja.
Kaddhu Bhaat
This combo is performed on the first day of the 4-day festival and aims to purify the body. It consists of bottle gourd cooked in ghee and is served with steamed rice over mud chulha.
Thékua
Thekua refers to fried crispy discs made from wheat flour, ghee, sugar or jaggery, cardamom powder, grated coconut and nuts.
Kasar
It is a combination of rice powder and jaggery, which keeps the body warm during the winter season.
Green Chana
Rich in fiber, protein and vitamins, green chana is soaked overnight, sautéed in ghee with cumin seeds and green chillies, and served as prasad.
Kheer Rice
It’s a delicious combination of whole milk, rice, nuts and sugar.
Rasiyao
Another kheer recipe is prepared with water, rice, jaggery, ginger and cardamom powder.
Thumbnail and embedded images courtesy: istock