Chhath Puja 2024: Nahay Khay marks the beginning of a time of cleanliness and purity and the beginning of the Chhath festival. It’s essential to strictly follow Chhath rituals and avoid any mistakes during this time.
Chhath Puja 2024: The revered Chhath Puja festival, celebrated from the fourth to the eighth day of the waxing phase of Kartik month in the Hindu lunar calendar, has begun today, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. This four-day celebration, which has its roots in Hindu customs, begins with “Nahay-Khay,” is followed by “Kharna,” the evening sacrifice (Sandhya Arghya), and ends with the morning sacrifice (Usha Arghya).
Throughout these days, devotees observe strict rituals and rules. Purity is crucial during Chhath Puja, and in order to maintain the festival’s sacredness, certain rules must be adhered to. Any oversight can impact the spiritual merit associated with this observance.
In order to preserve the sacredness of Chhath Puja, here are certain essential traditions and things to avoid.
Things Not to Do During Chhath Puja:
- Grooming and Haircuts: During the Puja days, it is considered unlucky to cut your hair, trim your beard, or trim your nails.
- No Handling of Puja Items Without Bathing: Because it may make them unclean, avoid handling any objects associated with Chhath Puja until you have had a bath.
- Prepare Only Sattvic Meals: The family should only eat sattvic (pure, vegetarian) meals during the course of the four days. Steer clear of any tamasic (non-vegetarian or strongly flavored) meals, like garlic and onions.
- Avoid Sleeping on a Bed: As a sign of humility and devotion, observing devotees are encouraged to lay on the floor rather than on beds throughout these days.
- During the festival, women who are menstruating should stay away from the Puja area and anything associated with it.
- Avoid Specific Foods: During Chhath Puja, stay away from eating raw turmeric, carrots, and radishes.