As the country winds down from the colorful festivities of Diwali, devotees in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal prepare for the upcoming Chhath Puja, a four-day festival dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. Starting from November 5 to November 8, 2024, millions of believers will celebrate by fasting from sunrise to sunset. As we await the sacred celebration, here are some heartwarming greetings and social media updates to share with loved ones during Chhath Puja 2024. Stay tuned for the correct date, muhurat, and puja rituals for this significant festival.
Chhath Puja 2024: A Four-Day Celebration of Faith and Devotion
Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival that is celebrated in the northern states of India, particularly in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. The festival is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and his wife, Chhathi Maiya, who is considered the Goddess of Power and Fertility.
Dates and Rituals
In 2024, Chhath Puja will be celebrated from November 5 to November 8. The main rituals of the festival include:
Significance
Chhath Puja is a festival of gratitude and renewal. It is believed that by offering prayers and offerings to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, devotees can earn their blessings and ensure good health, prosperity, and the fulfillment of their wishes.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What are the dates of Chhath Puja in 2024? Answer: November 5 to November 8, 2024.
2. What is the significance of the "kheer" dish? Answer: Kheer is considered a sacred food that is offered to the deities during Chhath Puja.
3. How do people prepare for Chhath Puja? Answer: Devotees prepare by cleaning their homes, preparing special dishes, and taking purificatory baths.
4. Where is Chhath Puja celebrated? Answer: Chhath Puja is primarily celebrated in the northern states of India, particularly in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
5. What are some safety precautions for Chhath Puja? Answer: Devotees should take precautions to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration, especially during the fasting period. They should also avoid swimming or entering deep water during the arghyas.
As Diwali celebrations come to an end, the day after is marked by the auspicious festival of Govardhan Puja or Annakut. In 2025, this festival falls on Wednesday, 22 October, and is a reminder to express gratitude towards nature and the environment. Devotees prepare special offerings and decorate their homes with flowers and diyas, honoring Lord Krishna and the bounty of nature. While the article provides general guidance, it also urges readers to consult experts before implementing any beliefs or practices discussed.
The Udupi Catholic diocese has extended warm Diwali greetings, citing the festival as a symbol of moving from darkness to light, falsehood to truth, and death to new life. The diocese emphasizes India's diversity and unity in celebrating different festivals together. Sharing a symbolic story, the diocese urges people to be the candle of hope that relights peace, faith, and love in the world. The message concludes with a call to action to be the light that builds bridges of love, faith, and compassion.
The Hindu Vikram Samvat calendar marks October 22, 2025, as Gujarati New Year, a day of renewal, positivity, and joy for devotees. From early morning prayers to temple visits, sweets, and sharing warm messages, the day is a festive symbol of hope and abundance. As it falls a day after Diwali, it's also a time to open new accounts, perform rituals like Chopda Puja, and spread love, gratitude, and togetherness with family and friends.
As Diwali celebrations come to an end, Mumbai is facing a major problem of poor air quality. The city is engulfed in a thick layer of smog, with visibility reduced to minimal in some areas. The situation has been worsened by unseasonal rain, with no significant improvement in air quality. It is not just Mumbai, but several other cities in India are also dealing with pollution levels breaching the "very poor" and "severe" categories. With AQI readings hitting 380 in some areas, measures need to be taken to combat this worsening air quality situation.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, founder of Indian biotech giant Biocon, met with top government officials in Karnataka, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, to discuss the city's deteriorating infrastructure. This follows a recent social media post where Shaw called out the government for their ineffective management and lack of accountability. With heavy rains expected in the coming days, these concerns take on even more urgency as residents brace for potential waterlogging and traffic congestion.
Hospitals in the city have reported an increase in burn cases linked to the celebration of Diwali, with over a hundred cases reported at AIIMS Delhi alone. Despite the worsening air pollution, no major increase in respiratory distress cases was seen, but senior doctors anticipate an increase in the coming days. Several patients who suffered burns during the festival recounted how even seemingly harmless firecrackers resulted in severe injuries. While most cases were minor, a total of 129 patients were treated for firecracker-related injuries at Safdarjung Hospital.
Diwali, the festival of lights, is a celebration of good over evil and light over darkness. This festival is rooted in a rich history of mythological connections, with Hindus commemorating Lord Rama and his victory over the demon king Ravana. However, Diwali is not limited to just one faith - it is celebrated across beliefs and traditions, including Jains, Sikhs, and Newar Buddhists. Festivities and celebrations during this time include illuminations, rituals, feasting, and community gatherings, making it a time of joy, renewal, and gratitude.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis honors the brave officers who sacrificed their lives in an ambush laid by Chinese troops in Ladakh. He pays respects at the martyrs' memorial on Police Commemoration Day, highlighting their inspiration for courage and integrity. The event is observed annually to remember the 10 valiant policemen who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked Diwali by joining the armed forces aboard INS Vikrant, India’s indigenous aircraft carrier. A cultural programme on the vessel, showcasing the creative talents of naval personnel, left a lasting impression on the PM. He took to Twitter to express his admiration for the emotional and artistic depth within the armed forces, highlighting the symbolic power of Diwali – light triumphing over darkness – as a reflection of India’s growing strength.
On the sacred occasion of Diwali and the Hindu New Year, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj extended blessings to BAPS followers worldwide. In a handwritten letter, he encouraged individuals to celebrate a Diwali that glows within the soul and radiates throughout society, with lamps of service, humility, and righteousness. He prayed for universal well-being in the New Year and reminded devotees to ignite the flame of virtue in their homes, not just through lighting lamps but also through acts of love, compassion, and service.