Day after Chhath Puja

What Is Day after Chhath Puja?

Day after Chhath Puja refers to the fourth and concluding day of the ancient Hindu Chhath Puja festival. This day, known as Usha Arghya or Paran Day, involves the final rituals dedicated to the Sun deity, Surya, and his consort, Usha (the dawn). It marks the breaking of the rigorous 36-hour fast undertaken by devotees.

The observances on this day are integral to the completion of the entire Chhath Puja. It follows three days of preparation, ritual bathing, and offerings to the setting sun. The Day after Chhath Puja focuses on expressing gratitude to the rising sun, seeking blessings for wellbeing and prosperity.

History and Origins of Day after Chhath Puja

The history of Day after Chhath Puja is intrinsically linked to the broader origins of the Chhath Puja festival itself. Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival with roots in Vedic traditions, primarily devoted to the Sun deity, Surya, and his consorts, Usha and Pratyusha (dusk). The festival is believed to predate many other Hindu festivals, with references found in ancient texts such as the Rigveda and the Mahabharata.

The observance seeks to express gratitude to the Sun for sustaining life on Earth and granting prosperity and well-being. Historically, the worship of the Sun deity was prominent across various ancient civilisations. Within the context of Chhath Puja, the fourth day’s rituals, focusing on the rising sun, complete the cycle of devotion that began with offerings to the setting sun. This culminating day ensures the full ceremonial completion and the final transfer of blessings to the devotees.

The tradition has been maintained for centuries, particularly in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh in India, as well as in the Terai region of Nepal. While the overall Chhath Puja has a long history, the final day’s specific rituals like Usha Arghya and Paran are crucial components of its enduring cultural significance.

How Day after Chhath Puja Is Celebrated

The celebration of Day after Chhath Puja is marked by specific rituals performed at dawn, following a night of vigilance and devotion. Devotees, who have fasted for approximately 36 hours, gather at the banks of rivers, ponds, or other water bodies before sunrise. They submerge themselves partially in the water, awaiting the first rays of the sun.

As the sun rises, participants perform the Usha Arghya, offering milk and water to the rising sun from a traditional brass or bamboo tray (soop or daura). This offering is accompanied by prayers and hymns to Surya. Following this main ritual, the devotees break their fast, a practice known as Paran. The fast is typically broken with specific food offerings (prasad), including Thekua, Ladoo, fruits, and other traditional delicacies prepared during the festival.

The Day after Chhath Puja is also a time for community gathering and distribution of prasad among family members, neighbours, and friends. After the morning rituals, devotees return home, concluding the arduous four-day observance. The communal sharing of prasad and blessings reinforces social bonds and the collective spirit of the festival.

When Is Day after Chhath Puja?

Day after Chhath Puja does not have a fixed date in the Gregorian calendar. It is determined by the Hindu lunar calendar, specifically falling on the Shukla Saptami (seventh day of the bright fortnight) of the Hindu month of Kartika. This day is the fourth and final day of the Chhath Puja festival, which commences six days after Diwali.

Due to its reliance on the lunar calendar, the date for Day after Chhath Puja typically varies each year, usually occurring in late October or November in the Gregorian calendar. The exact timing of the rituals depends on the local sunrise, with devotees performing Usha Arghya at dawn.

Day after Chhath Puja Key Facts