Chhat puja 2009 Date: When is Chhat puja 2009? – 2009 Chhat puja falls on 24 October 2009.

Chhat is one of the important festivals of Bihar and Jarkhand. It is also observed in some parts of West Bengal, Orissa, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Mauritius and Nepal.

The word ‘Chhat’ denotes the number six and thus the festival begins on the sixth day of the month of Kartik (October-November). It is a 4-day long festival also called ‘Suryashashthi.’ This year (2009) the main Chhat festival is celebrated on 24th and 25th October 2009.

The Ritual:
Chhath is the festival of truth, non-violence, forgiveness and compassion. It is dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God), Agni (the Fire God) and Lord Kartikeya or Muruga. The rituals usually consist of fasting, folklores, hymns, together with the somber hues on the banks of the celestial Ganga or any fresh watery body. A million lit lamps with thousands hands offering ‘Arghya’ to the sun makes it a delightful sight.

Chhath is the only time when the setting sun as opposed to its rising is celebrated for its glory as the cycle of birth starts with death. People fast for the whole day and in the evening they offer Chhat Sandhya Argh to setting Sun at seashore or riverbank. ‘Arghya’ and ‘Soop’ are offerings consisting of flowers, fruits, sprouted grains, dry coconut, sugarcane, white radish, sweets and khajurees. The offering is made to Surya by standing in knee-deep water.

After sunset, the devotees return home where a grand celebration takes place by singing hymns. In the evening pujas are performed at home and a special puja is done for Agni. This puja is performed in a special area cordoned off by four sugarcane sticks. The fast is broken after performing the puja. Kheer, sweets and fruits are offered to deities and then the whole family shares the ‘Prasad’.

People pray to the Sun for their well being. It is believed that people get their wishes fulfilled, if they observe Chhat Puja. There is a popular belief that worshiping Surya will help in curing diseases like leprosy and also ensure longevity and prosperity of the family.