Importance and method of worship of Sandhya Arghya, avoid these mistakes:

News India Live, Digital Desk: Chhath Puja is not just a festival, but a great festival of faith and belief. In this festival, everyone worships the rising sun, but the specialty of Chhath is that the setting sun is also offered Arghya with full devotion and respect. It teaches us that we should respect even that which is setting because tomorrow it will rise again. Let us know in detail about Chhath Puja and especially the evening Arghya, so that we can celebrate this great festival with the right rituals.

Chhath Puja: A look

Chhath Puja is celebrated twice a year, once in the month of Chaitra and second in the month of Kartik. However, Chhath Puja held in the month of Kartik has special significance and is celebrated with more pomp and show. The festival lasts for four days, starting with ‘Nahay-Khay’, then ‘Kharna’, concluding with ‘Sandhya Arghya’ on the third day and ‘Usha Arghya’ on the fourth day. This fast is observed for the long life of the children, happiness, prosperity and good health of the family.

What is the importance of Sandhya Arghya?

The third day of Chhath Puja is most special, when the devotees offer Arghya to the setting sun after observing a waterless fast throughout the day. This is called ‘Sandhya Arghya’. It is believed that at this time Surya lives with his wife Pratyusha. Therefore, offering Sandhya Arghya pleases Pratyusha and bestows good fortune on the fasting people. It is also a way of showing gratitude towards nature.

Timings of Sandhya Arghya 2025:

This year, the evening Arghya of Chhath Puja will be offered on Friday, 24 October 2025. The estimated time of sunset will be around 5:41 pm. However, this time may vary by a few minutes in different cities.

Contents and method of worship of Chhath Puja

Preparations for Chhath Puja start well in advance. Some special things are required for this:

• Worship material: Bamboo or brass soup, bamboo basket, lamp, milk, water, vermillion, sugarcane, turmeric, radish, ginger plant, coconut, fruits (apple, banana, water chestnut) and most importantly ‘Thekua’ which is made from wheat flour, jaggery and ghee.
• Method of worship:
  1. On the third day, the devotees observe fast without eating or drinking anything throughout the day.
  2. In the evening, the whole family gathers at the ghat on the banks of a river, pond or any clean reservoir.
  3. All the offerings, fruits and puja materials are arranged in a bamboo basket.
  4. The devotees stand in water and offer Arghya to the setting sun. Arghya is offered to the Sun God with milk and water along with the ingredients kept in the soup.
  5. After offering Arghya, the devotees return to their homes and start preparing for the next morning.

Do not make these mistakes during Chhath Puja

Chhath fast has very strict rules. Some things should be kept in mind during this period:

1. Cleanliness: This festival is a symbol of purity. No puja material or place should be dirty. Take special care of cleanliness while making Prasad and during puja.
2. Honoring Prasad: Chhath Prasad is considered very sacred. While making or eating it, do not touch it with bare hands or disrespect it.
3. Use of copper: One should never use copper utensils while offering Arghya to the Sun. Use only bamboo soup.
4. calm mind: This is a festival of self-discipline. During this period, do not get angry at anyone and do not create an atmosphere of fighting in the house.
5. Do not sleep on the bed: The fasting person should sleep on a mat spread on the floor for four days.

Chhath Puja teaches us to connect with nature and remain equanimous in every situation. It is not just a fast, but an art of living.