Chhath 2023: Know Both Arghya Auspicious Timings On Saptami Tithi

The Chhath festival, prominent in Jharkhand, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, commences on Chaturthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in Kartik month and concludes on Saptami Tithi. It involves worshipping Lord Surya and Chhath Mata, with a unique tradition of offering arghya to the setting and rising sun. This year, due to a short time window, there’s a challenge in offering arghya to the rising Sun on Saptami Tithi. The astrologer from Deoghar can provide information on the precise ending time of Saptami Tithi this year.

Popular astrologer Pandit Nand Kishore Mudgal from Deoghar revealed to News18 that the four-day Chhath festival is set to commence on November 17, extending until November 20 this year. The festival showcases purity and holds significance in providing career and business progress, as well as ensuring good health for those offering arghya to both the setting and rising sun. Notably, in the Chhath Mahaparva 2023, both arghya rituals coincide with Saptami Tithi, a unique occurrence this year.

Pandit Nand Kishore Mudgal explained that an unusual occurrence is unfolding in this year’s Chhath Puja due to the Tithi’s decay. Saptami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in Kartik month starts at 7:51 AM on Sunday, November 19, and concludes at 5:36 AM on Monday, November 20. Chhath Arghya must be offered to the Sun God before 5:36 AM on Monday, and the evening half on Sunday falls within the Saptami Tithi. It’s crucial to complete the ritual by the morning as Ashtami Tithi begins afterwards, and tradition dictates that Chhath Arghya should not be offered on Ashtami Tithi.

As per the astrologer, offering Arghya to the Sun God during Chhath Puja is believed to bring prosperity and dispel negative thoughts from one’s life. This ritual is considered to alleviate suffering, result in the destruction of enemies, and contribute to the cessation of various diseases.

During Chhath Puja, women are recommended to wear cotton sarees, while men are advised to opt for dhotis. Emphasising purity and cleanliness is crucial during this festival. The use of a copper Kalash for offering Arghya to the Sun God on Chhath Puja is considered auspicious. Devotees should refrain from looking directly at the Sun while making the offering. Instead, focus on the falling water stream, offer Arghya and make a wish silently. It’s beneficial to continue the practice of offering water to the Sun daily after Chhath Puja, helping remedy any sun-related defects.