Chhath Puja, one of the most revered festivals in India, is dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (Mother Goddess). Celebrated primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, this festival holds immense spiritual and cultural significance. It is observed with strict rituals, devotion, and discipline, emphasizing gratitude to the Sun for sustaining life on Earth.
Chhath Puja 2025 Dates
Chhath Puja is celebrated over four days, starting from Pratipada (first day) to Paran (last day). In 2025, the festival will be observed on the following dates:
- Nahay Khay (1st Day): October 25, 2025
- Kharna (2nd Day): October 26, 2025
- Sandhya Arghya (3rd Day – Evening Offerings): October 27, 2025
- Usha Arghya / Paran (4th Day – Morning Offerings & Conclusion): October 28, 2025
Devotees plan their schedules well in advance to ensure they can perform all rituals with full dedication.
Rituals of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja involves a series of rituals performed with strict discipline and purity. The festival is unique because it does not allow idols, temples, or lavish celebrations. Devotees observe fasting, holy baths, and offerings to the Sun, emphasizing simplicity and devotion.
1 Nahay Khay (Day 1)
The festival begins with a holy bath in a river, pond, or water body. Devotees clean their homes and prepare prasad (holy offerings), typically including rice, vegetables, and fruits. The first day is about purification and preparing mentally and physically for the fast.
2 Kharna (Day 2)
On this day, devotees observe a day-long fast without water. The fast is broken in the evening after sunset with a simple meal called kheer (rice pudding), puris, and fruits. Post this meal, devotees resume fasting for the next 36 hours, only consuming water during the ritual days.
3 Sandhya Arghya (Day 3 – Evening Offering)
Devotees gather at rivers, ponds, or specially constructed ghats to offer prayers to the setting sun. The ritual involves standing in water and offering arghya (water mixed with milk and sugarcane juice) while singing traditional Chhath Puja songs. The devotion and collective energy at this time create a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
4 Usha Arghya / Paran (Day 4 – Morning Offering)
The festival concludes with prayers to the rising sun. Devotees offer fruits, thekua (a special sweet), and water to the Sun God while standing in the river or pond. After completing the offerings, devotees break their fast and share prasad with family and friends. This ritual marks the end of the Chhath Puja, ensuring blessings for health, prosperity, and well-being.
Spiritual Importance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is not only a religious event but also a deeply spiritual practice. Observing the festival is believed to:
- Bring health and vitality: Worshipping the Sun God enhances physical strength and energy.
- Promote mental peace and discipline: The rigorous fasting and rituals encourage mindfulness and self-control.
- Strengthen family bonds: Collective participation in the rituals fosters unity, love, and mutual respect among family members.
- Invoke prosperity and success: Devotees believe that sincere offerings and prayers during Chhath Puja bring wealth, happiness, and harmony in life.
The festival emphasizes gratitude towards nature and the Sun, reminding humanity to respect natural resources and lead a balanced life. The combination of fasting, meditation, and devotion makes Chhath Puja a powerful spiritual practice.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja 2025 is an opportunity to reconnect with nature, family, and the divine. By following its traditional rituals and observing its spiritual principles, devotees experience a profound sense of peace, gratitude, and positivity. Whether at home or by riverbanks, Chhath Puja reminds us of the importance of faith, discipline, and devotion in everyday life.
