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Chhath Puja is a significant multi-day festival that is primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. It is celebrated after the six days of Diwali and on the six days of the Kartik month (in Suklapakshya) as per the Hindu calendar year. The festival demonstrates devotion, spiritual inclination, and fresh energy, as its rituals differ from those of other festivals in India.
In Chhath Puja, devotees observe a fast, offer prayers, and perform Argahs to the deity Sun and Chhaithi goddess by standing on the banks of a pond or river, and share prasad with their family. The uniqueness of the festival lies in the worship of the setting Sun. In this blog, we will cover the significance of Chhath Puja and delve into its unique traditions and practices.
About Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is among the major Hindu festivals that are celebrated in four days with distinct rituals. It is observed from Shashthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Kattik month. The festival is famous for the worship of the Sun, which is the source of light and energy. During the celebration, devotees also worship the goddess Chhathi Mata, who is the divine mother of the sixth (chhathi). She protects children and devotees offer her prayers to bestow the goddess’s blessing and seek prosperity and well-being for their children and family.The worship of Chhath Puja includes Nahai Khay, which includes the rituals of bath and eating, then comes the kharna, marking the start of Chhath fasting, where the day-long fast is broken with kheer (rice pudding) and other transitional food. The third day is called Sandhya Arghya, where the Arghya (pure water) is given to the setting Sun along with prayers, and the last is Usha Arghya, where devotees worship the rising Sun.
When is Chhath Puja in 2025
People often search for the 2025 Chhath Puja date and wonder chhath puja date when is chhath. The festival is celebrated over four days, and observing the rituals on the correct dates is important for devotees. This year Chhath Puja will be celebrated from 25th to 28th of October, 2025.
- 25th October 2025: Nahay Khay – The first day of Chhath Puja begins with a holy bath and preparation of offerings.
- 26th October 2025: Kharna – Devotees observe a day-long fast and break it in the evening with jaggery kheer and puris.
- 27th October 2025: Sandhya Arghya – Offering Arghya to the setting Sun and singing folk songs by the riverbank.
- 28th October 2025: Usha Arghya – Devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun and break their fast with prasad.
Chhath Puja History
Chhath Puja has a rich and ancient background. Its origins can be traced back to early Hindu scriptures, including the Rigveda, the Ramayana, and the Mahabharata. According to the Ramayana, after Lord Rama returned from exile, he and Sita observed a fast to honor the Sun God, which eventually became a practice that evolved into Chhath Puja.Similarly, in the Mahabharata, Karna, known as the son of the Sun God, would offer prayers to the Sun while standing in water and share food with the needy. These acts of devotion gradually formed the foundation of the Chhath Puja rituals that are followed today. The festival also highlights women’s devotion, with Chhathi Maiya, the protector of children, being the central focus of worship.
How is Chhath Puja Celebrated?
The celebration of Chhath Puja takes place over four days, each day featuring special rituals:- On the first day, Nahay Khay, devotees purify themselves by taking a holy bath in rivers or ponds and prepare simple vegetarian food, marking the beginning of the festival.
- On the second day, Kharna, involves fasting throughout the day. In the evening, devotees break their fast with jaggery kheer and puris while offering prayers to the Sun God.
- On the third day, Sandhya Arghya, is considered the most important. Devotees stand in water and offer Arghya to the setting Sun, singing folk songs and observing a strict fast without water, symbolizing dedication and self-discipline.
- On the fourth day, Usha Arghya, devotees rise early to make offerings to the rising Sun. The fast is concluded with prasad, completing the festival.
Interesting Facts About Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is not only a festival of devotion but also full of fascinating traditions and unique practices.Here are some interesting facts that make this festival special:
- Chhath Puja is one of the few Hindu festivals where both the rising and setting Sun are worshipped, symbolizing gratitude for energy and life.
- The festival is mainly observed by women, who show extraordinary dedication through fasting, prayers, and standing in water for long hours.
- Devotees prepare offerings (Prasad) in eco-friendly containers like bamboo baskets (soop), reflecting harmony with nature.
- The festival has ancient roots, with references in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Rigveda, making it one of the oldest festivals in Hindu culture.
- Chhath Puja is celebrated in many parts of India, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and even in Nepal, with each region adding its own local customs.
- The fasting and rituals during Chhath Puja are believed to detoxify the body, improve mental focus, and increase spiritual energy.
- Folk songs sung during Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya add a cultural and devotional touch, making the festival vibrant and soulful.
Also check out our thoughts on Why Chhath Puja is Celebrated
