Chhath Puja, a revered Hindu festival, is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God (Surya) and his consort Usha (Chhathi Maiya). Celebrated predominantly in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and in Nepal, this ancient Vedic festival emphasizes gratitude, purity, and devotion. In 2025, Chhath Puja will be observed with traditional fervor, uniting millions in prayer and ritual.
📅 Chhath Puja 2025: Dates and Timings
Chhath Puja spans four days, each marked by specific rituals and significance. The festival in 2025 will be celebrated as follows:
Day 1: Nahay Khay (नहाय खाय) – Saturday, October 25, 2025
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Sunrise: 06:41 AM
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Sunset: 06:06 PM
Devotees commence the festival with a ritualistic bath, symbolizing purification. They prepare a traditional meal, often comprising bottle gourd (lauki) and Bengal gram lentils with rice, consumed as the last meal before the fasting period begins.
Day 2: Kharna (खरना) – Sunday, October 26, 2025
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Sunrise: 06:41 AM
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Sunset: 06:05 PM
On this day, devotees observe a strict fast without water throughout the day. In the evening, after offering prayers, they break their fast with a meal of jaggery-based rice pudding (kheer) and chapatis, marking the beginning of a 36-hour nirjala (waterless) fast.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (संध्या अर्घ्य) – Monday, October 27, 2025
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Sunrise: 06:42 AM
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Sunset: 06:05 PM
Devotees gather at riverbanks or water bodies to offer 'arghya' (offerings) to the setting sun, accompanied by devotional songs and rituals. This evening worship is a significant aspect of Chhath Puja, symbolizing gratitude for the day's light and energy.
Day 4: Usha Arghya (उषा अर्घ्य) – Tuesday, October 28, 2025
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Sunrise: 06:42 AM
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Sunset: 06:04 PM
The final day involves offering prayers to the rising sun, seeking blessings for health and prosperity. After the morning rituals, devotees break their fast, concluding the four-day observance.
🌞 Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja holds profound spiritual and cultural importance:
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Sun Worship: The Sun God is revered as the source of life and energy. Offering prayers to Surya is believed to promote well-being, prosperity, and longevity.
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Chhathi Maiya: Alongside Surya, devotees worship Chhathi Maiya, considered the goddess of health and prosperity, and the protector of children.
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Purity and Discipline: The rigorous fasting and rituals emphasize physical and spiritual purity, self-discipline, and devotion.
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Environmental Harmony: Chhath Puja is celebrated without idol worship, using natural offerings, highlighting the festival's eco-friendly nature.
Rituals and Traditions
1. Nahay Khay (Bath and Eat):
The festival begins with devotees taking a holy dip in rivers, followed by preparing and consuming a single meal. This ritual signifies the purification of the body and soul.
2. Kharna:
Devotees observe a day-long fast without water, breaking it in the evening after offering prayers. The meal, comprising jaggery-based kheer and chapatis, is prepared without salt, onions, or garlic, maintaining purity.
3. Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering):
On the third day, devotees offer 'arghya' to the setting sun, standing in water bodies. The ritual includes singing traditional songs and lighting lamps, creating a serene and devotional atmosphere.
4. Usha Arghya (Morning Offering):
The final day's rituals involve offering prayers to the rising sun, followed by breaking the 36-hour fast. This act symbolizes gratitude and the hope for a prosperous future.
🍲 Traditional Offerings (Prasad)
Devotees prepare various offerings, including:
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Thekua: A sweet made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee.
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Kasar: Rice flour laddus mixed with sesame seeds and jaggery.
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Seasonal Fruits: Bananas, sugarcane, and coconuts.
These offerings are arranged in bamboo baskets and presented during the 'arghya' rituals.
🌍 Cultural Impact and Celebrations
Chhath Puja transcends regional boundaries, celebrated with zeal across India and Nepal:
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Bihar and Jharkhand: The festival is a significant cultural event, with communities gathering at riverbanks for collective worship.
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Uttar Pradesh: Cities like Varanasi and Lucknow witness grand celebrations, with devotees thronging the ghats.
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Nepal: Particularly in the Terai region, Chhath Puja is a major festival, reflecting the shared cultural heritage.
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Urban Celebrations: Metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai accommodate the festival by organizing events at local water bodies, enabling the diaspora to partake in the rituals.
🌿 Environmental Significance
Chhath Puja is lauded for its eco-friendly practices:
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Natural Offerings: The use of biodegradable materials like bamboo baskets and natural ingredients minimizes environmental impact.
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Cleanliness Drives: The emphasis on cleanliness during the festival promotes environmental awareness and community hygiene.
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Water Conservation: The rituals underscore the importance of water bodies, fostering respect and efforts towards their preservation.
🙏 Conclusion
Chhath Puja 2025 offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in a tradition that epitomizes devotion, discipline, and environmental consciousness.
As devotees gather to honor the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, the festival reinforces the values of gratitude, purity, and communal harmony.
Whether observed in the heartlands of Bihar or the urban landscapes of metropolitan cities, Chhath Puja continues to illuminate the cultural tapestry with its radiant rituals and timeless significance.