Chhath Puja 2023: Commencement, Accurate Date, Narratives, and Culinary Delights

Chhath Puja 2023: According to the Panchang, the initiation of Kartik Chhath Puja is slated for November 17, 2023, commencing on a Friday. This auspicious festival unfolds on the Shashthi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik, falling on a Monday.

The anticipation for Chhath Puja has grown fervently post-Diwali and Bhai Dooj. The Hindu faith bestows particular significance upon the Chhath festival, celebrated with grandeur in various regions of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. As per the Panchang, Kartik Chhath Puja (Chhath Puja 2023) will kick off on November 17, 2023, a Friday, starting from the Shashthi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik. This festivity extends over four days, occurring six days after Diwali.

The initiation of Chhath involves the Nahay Khay ritual. The second day is known as Kharna, where devotees observe a day-long fast. In the evening, fasting women prepare a delectable offering, Gud Wali Kheer, on a clay stove. The third day of Chhath entails the worship of Lord Surya, with women offering Arghya to the Sun God in lakes or rivers during the evening. The culmination of Chhath occurs on the fourth day by offering water to Lord Surya. Let us delve into the narrative of Chhath and the preparation of the traditional Gud Ki Kheer.

Chhath Puja Special Gud Ki Kheer Recipe:

This delectable kheer is specially crafted on the occasion of Chhath Puja. Gud Ki Kheer, known by various names like Rasiya in Bihar and Raskheer in Uttar Pradesh, enjoys widespread popularity.

Ingredients:

Rice
Jaggery
Milk
Water
Almonds
Cashews
Raisins
Cardamom

Procedure:

1. To prepare Gud Ki Kheer, commence by taking rice, cleaning it thoroughly, and soaking it in water for a while.
2. Subsequently, take milk in a vessel, place it on the gas for boiling. Once the milk reaches a boil, remove the soaked rice from water and add it to the milk without any residual water.
3. Cook the rice and milk mixture, stirring continuously to prevent scalding. Gradually reduce the heat.
4. Meanwhile, in another container, put jaggery and water on the gas to heat. After a while, when the jaggery completely dissolves in the water, turn off the heat.
5. In the pot with rice and milk, add cashews, almonds, raisins, and cardamom, mixing them thoroughly.
6. Strain the jaggery water using a sieve. Now, combine this mixture with the rice and milk mixture.
7. Finally, add dry fruits for garnish and serve.

Chhath Puja 2023 Katha:

In the scriptures, Goddess Durga’s sixth form, Katyayani Devi, is revered as Chhath Mata. Chhath Maiya is also known by the name of the Mother who bestows offspring. It is believed that this fast is observed for the prosperity of progeny. According to tradition, Chhath Devi is the sister of Lord Surya, and her worship is conducted to appease Lord Surya. Devotees performing the ritual offer prayers along the banks of rivers, such as the Ganga and Yamuna. Cleanliness and purity hold particular significance during this festival.

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