Mumbai: The auspicious festival of Chhath Puja begins today, November 5, 2024, with the traditional Nahay Khay ritual, marking the start of a sacred four-day festival dedicated to worshipping the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya. Observed primarily in northern India, including states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, Chhath Puja is an occasion for millions of devotees to engage in deep religious observances and fasting for family prosperity, health, and spiritual blessings.
Each year, the festival begins on the Kartik Shukla Chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon in Kartik month) and concludes on the Kartik Shukla Saptami (seventh day) when devotees offer the final arghya (water) to the rising sun. This year, the Chhath Puja festival runs from November 5 to November 8, with the first day, Nahay Khay, symbolising the start of the sacred journey through ritual purity.
Nahay Khay: Significance and Rituals of the First Day
The first day of Chhath Puja, known as Nahay Khay, represents the purification of the mind, body, and soul. On this day, devotees, particularly women observing the fast (known as vratis), undertake a ritual bath, typically in holy rivers or water bodies, to cleanse themselves. This ritual purification extends to the home, as devotees meticulously clean and purify their surroundings to establish a sanctified environment for the festival.
Observing dietary purity is also central to Nahay Khay. Devotees prepare a simple, satvik (pure) meal, abstaining from ingredients like garlic and onions. Traditional dishes for this day include chana dal (split chickpeas), kaddu ki sabzi (pumpkin curry), and rice. The food, cooked with purity in mind, is first offered to Surya Dev as a mark of devotion before the devotees partake in it. The meal signifies the start of the fast and a commitment to purity throughout the festival.
| Ritual | Details |
| Bathing Ritual |
Holy river bath or water with added Ganga Jal (holy water)
|
| Home Purification |
Complete cleaning to create a sanctified environment
|
| Dietary Restrictions |
Satvik meal, excluding garlic, onions, and any tamasic ingredient
|
| First Offering to Surya Dev |
Food is offered to the Sun God before consumption
|
Rules to Observe on Nahay Khay
Following specific rules on Nahay Khay enhances the spiritual benefits of Chhath Puja and reinforces devotees’ commitment to the festival. Some essential guidelines include:
- Clean the entire house thoroughly, removing any impurities.
- Prepare satvik food in new or thoroughly cleansed vessels to maintain purity. Only pure, fresh ingredients are used, with particular care taken to avoid tamasic items.
- The meal prepared on Nahay Khay is first offered to Surya Dev before consumption.
- The meal is traditionally consumed first by those observing the Chhath fast, followed by other family members. This emphasises the devotion of the vratis.
- Even family members not observing the fast are encouraged to eat satvik food, supporting the purity of the occasion.
Auspicious Timings (Shubh Muhurat) for Nahay Khay 2024
The Nahay Khay ritual for Chhath Puja 2024 falls on November 5, with sunrise at 6:39 AM and sunset at 5:41 PM. Devotees perform their ritual bath and offer prayers to Surya Dev during these hours.
| Date | Event | Sunrise Time | Sunset Time |
| November 5, 2024 | Nahay Khay | 06:39 | 17:41 |
Nahay Khay Puja Vidhi
On Nahay Khay, vratis start their day with a ritual bath, ideally in a sacred river such as the Ganga. If a river is not accessible, they may add Ganga Jal (holy water) to their bathwater. Following the bath, devotees dress in fresh or new attire and perform the vow (sankalp) to observe the Chhath fast with dedication for family prosperity.
After taking the vow, devotees offer arghya (water) to Surya Dev, expressing gratitude and seeking blessings. The satvik meal, prepared without any impure ingredients, marks the beginning of the fast and is shared among family members, with vratis eating first as a mark of respect for their devotion.
Importance of Nahay Khay in Chhath Puja
Nahay Khay serves as the first step in Chhath Puja, symbolizing a fresh start, purification, and the abandonment of past sins. This day is a powerful symbol of new beginnings, where devotees purify their minds, bodies, and surroundings. The spiritual process is believed to bring blessings and peace to the family, establishing a foundation for the upcoming days of worship and prayer.
Chhath Puja is a time of reverence, purity, and devotion for millions, with each day playing a vital role in the festival’s spiritual journey. Nahay Khay, as the first day, sets a powerful tone, encouraging devotees to purify themselves and their surroundings in preparation for the offerings to Surya Dev. This sacred beginning ensures that Chhath Puja remains a cherished and spiritually significant part of the cultural and religious landscape. May this Chhath Puja bring blessings, health, and prosperity to all who observe it.
