Chhath Puja 2023: Date, Significance, Rituals, Facts, Special Trains

Get ready to celebrate Chhath Puja 2023 with enthusiasm and joy! Dive into the significance, rituals, and fascinating facts surrounding this auspicious festival. Plus, don’t miss out on the details about special trains for a hassle-free journey!

Chhath Puja is a prominent Hindu festival celebrated with fervor in regions like Bihar and parts of Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its deep spiritual significance. The festival revolves around the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Mata. It lasts for four days. 

Significance of Chhath Puja 2023

Chhath Puja in regions like Bihar, Jharkhand, Purvanchal, and Nepal, is a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Mata. This four-day festival involves rituals, fasting, and offering Arghya to the Sun. Devotees observe this festival to seek happiness, health, and prosperity for their children. The festival is rooted in deep religious beliefs and is considered holy and auspicious.

Chhath Puja Rituals

The rituals of Chhath Puja are both rigorous and spiritually enriching, lasting for four days. Here’s a brief overview:

Day 1 – Nahay-Khay

The first day involves devotees taking a holy dip in rivers like Kosi, Ganga, and Karnali. They bring home the holy water for special offerings and rituals. Houses are cleaned thoroughly on this day to prepare for the festival.

Day 2 – Lohanda or Kharna

On the second day, known as Kharna, devotees observe a day-long fast. It is broken in the late evening after worshiping Mother Earth. Special offerings to the gods include rice pudding (kheer) and fruits. They are distributed among family members and friends.

Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offerings)

The third day involves the preparation of prasad (offerings) for the evening Arghya (offerings). These offerings, also known as Sanjhiya Arghya. They are performed by the banks of rivers and include arghya (offerings) to the setting sun. Folk songs are sung, reflecting the rich culture and history of Bihar.

Day 4 – Bihaniya Arghya

On the fourth and final day, family members and friends gather by the riverside before sunrise to make offerings (Arghya) to the rising sun. After this ritual, devotees break their fast and distribute Prasad to neighbors and relatives.

Historical and Mythological Significance

While the exact origin of Chhath Puja remains somewhat ambiguous, it is associated with Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. In the Ramayana, it is believed that Lord Rama and Sita observed a fast in honor of the Sun God upon returning to Ayodhya. This practice subsequently evolved into Chhath Puja.

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Chhath Puja is a great example of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'. #MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/5vhKtxZuvY

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 30, 2022

In the Mahabharata, Karna, a prominent character, is said to be the child of the Sun God and Kunti. It is said that Karna used to offer prayers while standing in the water. Another story relates how Draupadi and the Pandavas performed a similar puja to regain their kingdom.

Chhath Puja 2023 Dates

Scientific Significance

Chhath Puja holds scientific significance as well. The ritual of taking dips in water and exposing the body to the sun increases the flow of solar bioelectricity, improving overall body functionality. It is also believed to help in the elimination of harmful bacteria and prepare the body for the upcoming winter season.

Unique Facts Associated with Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja holds some unique characteristics:

• It is the only Vedic festival celebrated in India.
• It has connections to multiple characters in the Mahabharata.
• All the rituals have scientific reasons, contributing to a rigorous process of detoxification.
• Chhath Puja aids in calcium and vitamin D absorption and boosts the body’s immunity.
• It brings mental benefits, reducing negative energies like hatred, fear, and anger.

Special Trains Schedule during Chhath Puja 2023

To accommodate the increased number of passengers traveling during this festival, the Indian Railways has announced special trains connecting Patna, Gaya, and Jaynagar to Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi.

Here’s a breakdown of the schedule for the special trains to facilitate Chhath Puja travelers:

Patna to Anand Vihar Terminal (Train No. 03255/03256):

• A superfast special train will depart from Patna every Wednesday and Sunday at 10:20 PM between November 23 and December 10.
• On the return journey, it will leave from Anand Vihar Terminal every Friday and Monday at 11:30 PM from November 24 to December 11.

Patna to Anand Vihar Terminal (Train No. 02391/02392):

• A superfast special train will leave from Patna every Saturday at 10:20 PM between November 25 and December 9.
• On the return journey, it will depart from Anand Vihar Terminal every Sunday at 11:30 PM from November 26 to December 10.

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Gaya to Anand Vihar Terminal (Train No. 03635/03636):

• The train will start from Gaya every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 07:00 AM between November 21 and December 9.
• On the way back, it will set off from Anand Vihar Terminal every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 7:00 AM from November 22 to December 6.

Jaynagar to Anand Vihar Terminal (Train No. 05557/05558):

• A special train will initiate its journey from Jaynagar every Tuesday at 6:00 AM between November 21 and December 5.
• On the way back, it will depart from Anand Vihar Terminal every Wednesday at 7:30 AM from November 22 to December 6.

These special trains, equipped with sleepers, AC, and general coaches, will make halts at various stations to facilitate the convenient journey of passengers celebrating Chhath Puja.

Conclusion

Chhath Puja is a celebration of spirituality, devotion, and the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. The Indian Railways introduction of special trains for Chhath Puja adds to the convenience. 

It has deep-rooted historical and mythological significance., Chhath Puja remains one of the most cherished and spiritually enriching festivals in India.

FAQ for Chhath Puja and Special Trains