Chhath Puja 2025 is one of the most sacred festivals celebrated in India, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. It is dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, who is considered the goddess who sustains life on Earth and blesses devotees with health, prosperity, and happiness.
Chhath Puja 2025 Dates
In 2025, Chhath Puja will begin on Wednesday, October 25th, and end on Tuesday, October 28th. The festival lasts for four days, each day having its own deep meaning and special significance:
Day 1: Nahay Khay (October 25th, Saturday)
The first day marks the beginning of purity and devotion. Devotees take a holy dip in rivers or ponds and prepare a simple, pure vegetarian meal—often rice, gourd, and lentils—cooked without onion or garlic.
Day 2: Kharna (October 26th, Sunday)
On this day, devotees observe a fast that ends after sunset. They offer kheer (sweet rice pudding), chapatis, and fruits to the Sun God. This food is shared with family and neighbors as a symbol of love.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (October 27th, Monday)
The most passionate part of Chhath Puja takes place on this day. Devotees gather on the riverbank to offer the first arghya (evening offering) to the setting sun. The sight of hundreds of diyas floating on the water, accompanied by devotional songs, creates a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
Fourth Day: Usha Arghya (October 28, Tuesday)
The festival concludes with the worship of the rising sun. Devotees offer the second arghya in the morning, praying for the well-being of their families and the prosperity of their communities. After offering arghya, they break their 36-hour fast with great devotion. This is a unique festival that is deeply rooted in the faith of the Santan Dharma.
Significance of Chhath Puja 2025
Chhath is not just a festival, but a symbol of faith, a discipline, and harmony with nature. It worships the Sun, the eternal source of energy, and shows gratitude for sustaining life on Earth. These rituals emphasize cleanliness, purity, and balance—both spiritually and ecologically pure and connect spirituality with nature.
The story of Chhath Puja also traces its roots to the Mahabharata, where Draupadi and the Pandavas performed similar rituals to attain happiness and overcome their troubles. Mother Sita also performed Chhath Maya Puja for the prosperity of the city of Ayodhya.
Puja Vidhi (Rituals and Practices)
Chhath Puja involves certain rituals that are performed with utmost devotion:
1- Purity and Cleanliness: Homes and surroundings are cleaned before the festival. Devotees often avoid eating dirty food during these days.
2- Holy Bath and Fasting: Devotees take a dip in rivers, which is believed to purify the body and soul.
3- Arghya: Fruits, sugarcane, thekua (a traditional sweet), and lamps are offered to the Sun God at sunrise and sunset.
4- Congregational Spirit: Families, neighbors, and entire villages come together to celebrate, singing folk songs, and decorating the ghats with lamps and rangoli.
Cultural and Environmental Essence
Chhath Puja is one such festival. Every ritual is performed using natural materials—no artificial decorations, no chemicals. It teaches respect for rivers, the environment, and the life-giving power of nature. The worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya also gives it a distinct identity. While the rising sun is generally worshipped, the setting sun is also worshipped during Chhath, making it unique.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja 2025 will once again bring people together in devotion, gratitude, and community spirit. Whether you’re observing the fast or witnessing the rituals from afar, the energy of this festival reminds us that faith and simplicity can create the most profound sense of peace.