Chhath Puja is a unique and ancient festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and his sister, Chhathi Maiya, to honour them and seek their blessings for health, happiness, and prosperity.
This four-day festival is celebrated in the month of Kartika (October-November), and for 2024, the most auspicious time for Sandhya Arghya, the evening offering to the setting sun, is on November 8th at sunset, while the Usha Arghya, the morning offering to the rising sun, is performed on November 9th at dawn.
Light is an essential element in Chhath Puja — the glow of diyas (earthen lamps) symbolises the purity, warmth, and divine blessings that come with this sacred tradition. Lighting these lamps creates a holy atmosphere that embodies hope, faith, and a deep connection to nature.
As the festival approaches, here’s a look at the significance of light in Chhath Puja and some simple tips to ensure that you perform this aspect of the ritual correctly.
7 Tips to Get the Chhath Puja Light Ceremony Right:
- Choose Natural Diyas Over Electric Lights
During Chhath Puja, it’s traditional to use earthen diyas filled with ghee (clarified butter) or mustard oil. The flickering light of these diyas has a natural warmth and simplicity that embodies the humble spirit of Chhath. Avoid using electric lights, as the essence of the ritual lies in lighting lamps made from natural elements, symbolising our bond with nature.
- Place Diyas Strategically
Diyas are traditionally placed around the home, on the puja thali (plate), and on the riverbank or lakeside where the offerings are made. If you’re observing the puja at home, place diyas in areas where the family gathers to pray, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere. On the day of Sandhya Arghya (the evening offering) and Usha Arghya (the morning offering), arrange diyas around the water body to illuminate the surroundings, connecting divinity and spirituality to the rituals.
- Use Organic Ingredients for the Diyas
It’s believed that using pure ghee or mustard oil in diyas invites positive energy and divine blessings. Avoid using synthetic oils, as they do not carry the same sacredness as natural oils. The smoke from pure mustard oil or ghee also has purifying effects, adding a fragrant and calming presence to the puja area.
- Keep Safety in Mind
With multiple diyas lit at once, it’s crucial to ensure safety, especially when setting up diyas near water bodies or in crowded areas. Use stable diyas that won’t tip over easily, and keep a watchful eye on young children. Also, be careful about placing diyas on surfaces that can catch fire, ensuring that the beauty of Chhath’s light remains safe and worry-free.
- Involve the Family in Lighting the Diyas
Lighting diyas together as a family is a beautiful way to spread positive energy. This act of unity brings family members closer and reinforces the festival’s spiritual significance. Involving everyone also deepens the bond between generations as traditions are passed down, creating lifelong memories associated with this special festival.
- Maintain a Clean and Sacred Space
Before lighting the diyas, it’s essential to clean the area thoroughly, whether it’s by the river or in your home. A clean space reflects purity, which is a key aspect of Chhath Puja. Decorate the area with fresh flowers and leaves to enhance the sacred ambiance, making it a place fit to invite divine blessings.
- Pray with a Pure Heart
Lighting diyas during Chhath Puja isn’t just about following tradition — it’s a time for quiet reflection and heartfelt prayer. As you light each diya, focus on the intention of your prayers, whether it’s for health, happiness, or peace. This mindful approach brings deeper meaning to the ritual, filling the light with your love and gratitude.
In Chhath Puja, light is more than a symbol; it’s a spiritual bridge between the devotee and the divine. Lighting diyas is a way to express gratitude, seek blessings, and invite positivity into our lives. With each diya, we honour the Sun God’s life-giving light and Chhathi Maiya’s nurturing presence. By following these simple yet mindful tips, you can celebrate Chhath Puja in a way that keeps its essence alive, ensuring that this festival of devotion shines brightly in both your home and heart.
Subscribe to AstroKapoor for more enlightening content on astrology and health!
To Book Your Appointment with Prashant Kapoor
Call: +91 9289245568
Whatsapp: +91 9289245568/ +91 9911373368
Follow him on:
Twitter– https://x.com/Astrokapoor
Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/astro.parshantkapoor
Instagram– https://www.instagram.com/pkapoor80?i
Youtube– https://www.youtube.com/astrokapoorcom
Astrokapoor– https://www.instagram.com/astrokapoorcom
Website– https://astrokapoor.com/
Website for Buying Gemstones – https://astrokapoor.net/
Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpg-rSVxo3EgwEmWHl2nN9A/join