New Delhi:
Chhath Puja, one of the most significant and revered festivals in India, is observed every year during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) of the Kartik month. Known for its strict fasting rituals, Chhath Puja is dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya (the Sun God) and is performed for the well-being, prosperity, and health of family members, particularly children. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival spans four days, and it culminates with offering Arghya (water oblation) to the setting sun.
After the rituals of Nahay Khay and Khara, today, November 7, marks the third day of the festival when devotees perform the Sandhya Arghya, offering prayers and offerings to Lord Surya during sunset. The devotees stand in a river, pond, or any sacred water body to offer their Arghya as the sun sets, expressing gratitude and seeking blessings. Here’s a look at the auspicious time for the Sandhya Arghya during Chhath Puja 2024, both in India and the United States.
Chhath Puja Sandhya Arghya Shubh Muhurat
In India, the Sandhya Arghya during Chhath Puja 2024 will be offered at 5:31 PM IST, coinciding with the sunset. Below are the local times for sunset in various U.S. cities:
- Alabama, Birmingham – 5:02 PM
- Arizona – 5:32 PM
- Colorado, Denver – 5:02 PM
- Connecticut – 5:02 PM
- Florida, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville – 5:02 PM
- Georgia – 5:02 PM
- Hawaii – 5:02 PM
- Oregon, Portland – 4:32 PM
- Washington, Seattle – 4:23 PM
- Pennsylvania – 5:02 PM
- South Carolina – 5:02 PM
- South Dakota – 5:02 PM
- Tennessee, Nashville – 5:02 PM
- Texas – 5:02 PM
- Utah – 5:02 PM
- Virginia – 5:02 PM
- West Virginia – 5:02 PM
How to Offer Arghya to Surya Dev
Offering Arghya to Lord Surya during Chhath Puja holds immense religious significance. During the Sandhya Arghya, devotees stand in the water and offer Arghya using a brass pitcher (lotah) filled with clean water, along with a few drops of raw milk, red sandalwood powder (Rakta Chandan), rice (Akshat), Kusha grass, and flowers.
The Arghya is offered while chanting mantras, and it is important that no drops of the water fall on the feet during the offering. While offering Arghya, devotees also keep the goddess Chhathi Maiyya in their thoughts. After the Arghya, devotees sing Chhath songs and listen to the legend of the festival. The ritual concludes with the offering of Arghya to the rising sun the next morning.
Surya Dev’s Mantra
The following mantra can be chanted while offering Arghya to Lord Surya:
“Om Ahi Surya Dev Sahasransho Tejo Rashi Jagatpate | Anukampaya Ma Bhaktya Grihanardhya Divakar:”
(Disclaimer: The information provided is based on common beliefs and sources. NewsPR Today does not verify the accuracy of the details.)
