Chhath Puja is a grand festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and is deeply rooted in folk faith. It is mainly celebrated in the eastern regions of India—Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and the Terai region of Nepal. This festival is not just religiously significant but also reflects gratitude toward nature, water, the Sun, and the earth. In 2025, Chhath Puja will begin on October 27 and continue till October 28.
Chhath Puja 2025 Dates and Calendar
- Nahay-Khay: October 25, 2025 (Saturday)
- Kharna: October 26, 2025 (Sunday)
- Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering): October 27, 2025 (Monday)
- Usha Arghya and Parana (Morning Offering and Fast Conclusion): October 28, 2025 (Tuesday)
Main Rituals of the Fast
First Day – Nahay-Khay
On this day, the devotee takes a holy bath and consumes pure vegetarian food. Maintaining cleanliness and sanctity at home is very important.
Second Day – Kharna
Devotees observe a strict fast without water throughout the day. In the evening, they prepare prasad made of jaggery kheer (rice pudding), chapati or fried bread made with gram flour and lentils. This offering is then distributed among family members and neighbors.
Third Day – Sandhya Arghya (October 27)
This is the most sacred phase of the Chhath Puja. At sunset, devotees offer Arghya (sacred water offering) to the setting Sun. They decorate bamboo baskets (soop) with offerings such as thekua (traditional sweet), bananas, seasonal fruits, diyas (lamps), and coconuts and proceed to the river or pond. The ritual symbolizes the balance between life’s end and new beginnings.
Fourth Day – Usha Arghya (October 28)
At dawn, devotees assemble on the ghats to offer Arghya to the rising Sun. The morning offering represents new hope, prosperity, and vitality. After this, the difficult 36-hour fast is concluded by consuming holy offerings like sherbet, milk, and thekua.
Essential Items for Chhath Puja
- 3 large bamboo baskets
- Bamboo or brass soops (winnowing fans)
- Ghee lamps and cotton wicks
- Milk, rice, vermilion, turmeric, sugarcane, sweet potato, and coconuts
- Seasonal fruits (banana, guava, orange, pear)
- Thekua, malpua, rice laddoos, semolina halwa, puri, and kheer
All items must be prepared and handled with utmost purity and devotion, as the essence of Chhath Puja lies in cleanliness and sanctity.
Religious and Astrological Significance
Religious Significance:
According to the Vedas, the Sun is the life-giver of the entire universe. Through the worship of the Sun and Mother Nature during Chhath Puja, devotees pray for health, success, and prosperity.
Cultural Significance:
This festival represents the simplicity, self-discipline, and unity of Indian culture. It does not involve priests or grand ceremonies; instead, it emphasizes cleanliness, discipline, and connection with nature.
Astrological Significance:
On Kartik Shukla Shashti, the Sun is in a special astronomical position, believed to infuse the human body with energy. Offering Arghya during this period enhances physical vitality and removes negativity.
Spiritual Meaning of the Offerings
Thekua is not merely a sweet but a symbol of devotion, hard work, and purity. Devotees prepare it by hand and offer it with utmost reverence. It is never fried or placed in an impure area, signifying respect and sanctity.
Life Philosophy of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja teaches us that every challenge in life can be overcome through patience, restraint, and faith. Worship of both the setting and rising Sun reflects that every end marks a new beginning — a message of balance and continuity.
May the blessings of Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya bring light, abundance, and happiness into your life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is Nahay-Khay in 2025?
It will be observed on October 25, 2025 (Saturday).
2. When will Sandhya Arghya take place in 2025?
It will be offered on October 27, 2025 (Monday).
3. What is the symbolic meaning of Usha Arghya?
It represents new beginnings, hope, and the infusion of positive energy into life.
4. Why are both Sandhya and Usha Arghya offered during Chhath?
They symbolize reverence for both ends and beginnings—illustrating life’s balance and eternal continuity.
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