Chhath Puja, also called as “Dala Chhath” or “Surya Shashthi”, is celebrated after Deepavali , on the auspicious period of Kartik Shukla Paksha Shashthi that usually falls in the months October- November. Though Chhath puja is celebrated twice in a year, Kartik Chhath is regarded as the most important one.
People celebrate the festival with full of devotion and do their best to maintain the sanctity of this festival while observing the rituals, preparing Prasad and offering Arghya. There some specific do’s and don’ts of Chhath Puja which are to be followed very strictly.
Do’s:
1) Assist the Vratti (the woman devotee who observe the fast) in washing and drying the wheat and for making Prasad .
2) Keep the body and mind clean by taking a bath daily before indulging in any of the Puja activities.
3) Wash your hands before touching the items used in the puja.
4) Clean your hands and feet well before making Prasad,
5) On the day of Chhath Puja at the time of Sandhya Ghat and Bhorwa Ghat, take a bath, wear new clothes and follow your family and friends to the banks of the river.
6) Worship the Sun God and take the blessings of elders.
Don’ts:
1) Do not touch any item meant for puja without washing the hands or taking a bath.
2) Do not eat or touch salty items during Prasad making.
3) Do not eat non-vegetarian items if someone in your family is going to observe the Chhath Puja.
4) Do not allow children to eat the puja fruits and Prasad until the rituals end.
5) Do not spread the puja items here and there.
6) Do not wear dirty clothes during puja; use only clean and new clothes.
7) Do not drink liquor or smoke as it is strictly prohibited during puja.
8) It is generally believed that the Chhath Puja is performed with complete purity and devotion that brings good health and prosperity to all family members and friends.