Chhath Puja 2024: How to perform Sandhya Arghya? Ritual steps, timings across major cities

Chhath Puja 2024: On the third day of Chhath Puja, known as Kharna, devotees observe the sacred ritual of Sandhya Arghya, a heartfelt offering to the setting sun. This practice reflects gratitude toward the Sun God, as families pray for blessings, prosperity, and well-being. Below, find the exact timings for Sandhya Arghya in major cities across India, along with the steps for performing this ritual.

What is the significance of Sandhya Arghya in Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja is a unique festival dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, where devotees express gratitude for sustaining life on Earth. The Sun God represents energy, strength, and renewal, making this a powerful prayer for family health and prosperity.

Sandhya Arghya timings for major cities

In 2024, Sandhya Arghya for Chhath Puja will take place on Thursday, November 7. Here are the sunset timings for major cities:

• Delhi: 5:32 PM
• Patna: 5:15 PM
• Mumbai: 5:48 PM
• Kolkata: 5:01 PM

Rituals for offering arghya to the Sun god

Devotees begin the third day of Chhath Puja with an early bath, ideally in a holy river like the Ganga, though a home ritual bath is also suitable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to performing Sandhya Arghya:

1. Prepare the Area: Clean the prayer area and set up a small platform with an image or idol of the Sun God.
2. Light the Lamp: Place a ghee lamp before the deity and arrange offerings, including fruits, flowers, sugarcane, and Thekua (a traditional sweet).
3. Face the Setting Sun: Hold a plate of offerings, face the setting sun, and chant mantras such as “Om Suryaaya Namah.”
4. Pray for Blessings: Bow to the Sun God, seeking health, prosperity, and happiness for your family.

Essential items needed for the Arghya ritual

To perform Sandhya Arghya, gather the following items:

• Copper Pot – for offering water
• Ganga Water, Milk, Curd, Honey, Sugarcane
• Fruits and Flowers
• Thekua (traditional sweet), Coconut
• Lamp with Ghee, Incense Sticks
• Vermilion, Sandalwood Paste, Kaner Flowers
• Bamboo Basket – for holding offerings

Why do we worship the Sun god on Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja is about revering the Sun God as a vital source of life and Chhathi Maiya as a protector. Through Arghya, devotees express thanks and seek blessings, hoping for family well-being, good health, and prosperity. The ritual embodies renewal and connection to nature, as worshippers honor the Sun’s life-giving force.