Chhath Puja 2024 date: When and how to celebrate? Know the correct dates, significance, sunrise, and sunset timings

Chhath Puja, a cherished Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, is celebrated annually with deep devotion. Widely observed across the states of Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal, this four-day festival begins on the sixth day of the lunar month of Kartika, as per the Hindu calendar. Falling six days after Diwali, Chhath Puja includes fasting, prayers, and ritual offerings to the Sun God.

Here’s a breakdown of the 2024 Chhath Puja dates, day-wise significance, and the exact sunrise and sunset timings.

Chhath Puja 2024: Dates and Calendar

• Nahay Khay: November 5, 2024
• Lohanda and Kharna: November 6, 2024
• Chhath Puja or Sandhya Arghya: November 7, 2024
• Usha Arghya or Parana Day: November 8, 2024

Day-Wise Significance

Nahay Khay (Day 1): This marks the festival’s beginning, where devotees, primarily women observing the vrat (fast), perform a sacred bath and eat a single meal. This ritual signifies purification and the start of their fasting journey.


Lohanda and Kharna (Day 2): The second day involves a strict nirjala vrat (fasting without water) observed from sunrise to sunset. Devotees break their fast at dusk and offer a special meal to the Sun God, expressing gratitude and respect.

Chhath Puja or Sandhya Arghya (Day 3): On the third day, prayers are offered to the setting sun, a symbolic ritual central to Chhath. Devotees continue fasting throughout the night, dedicating their prayers to the Sun God for strength and blessings.

Usha Arghya or Parana Day (Day 4): The final day is dedicated to offering prayers to the rising sun. After making their offerings, devotees break their 36-hour fast, concluding the festival with gratitude for health, prosperity, and divine blessings.

Sunrise and Sunset Timings for Chhath Puja 2024

• Nahay Khay (Nov 5): Sunrise at 6:36 am; Sunset at 5:33 pm
• Lohanda and Kharna (Nov 6): Sunrise at 6:37 am; Sunset at 5:32 pm
• Chhath Puja or Sandhya Arghya (Nov 7): Sunrise at 6:38 am; Sunset at 5:32 pm
• Usha Arghya or Parana Day (Nov 8): Sunrise at 6:38 am; Sunset at 5:31 pm

Key Puja Timings for Chhath Puja 2024

Shashthi Tithi begins at 12:41 am on November 7 and concludes at 12:34 am on November 8.
The main Chhath Puja ritual takes place between 6:38 am and 5:32 pm on November 7.