Chhath Puja 2025 is not just a festival; it’s an emotion that radiates devotion, discipline, and a deep spiritual connection with nature. This ancient Vedic festival, primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and among Indian communities worldwide, pays homage to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. The rituals are marked by purity, faith, and gratitude for the life-giving energy of the Sun, the ultimate source of light, health, and prosperity.
This year, the four-day Chhath Puja will be observed from October 25 to October 28, 2025, bringing families together in prayer, fasting, and offering of “arghya” to both the setting and rising sun. Let’s explore the complete schedule, rituals, and spiritual meaning behind this sacred celebration.
Chhath Puja 2025 Dates and Muhurat Timings
The rituals of Chhath Puja unfold across four deeply symbolic days. Each day reflects a different stage of purification and devotion.
- Day 1 - Nahay Khay (Saturday, October 25, 2025): The festival begins with devotees taking a holy dip in rivers or ponds. They prepare a simple, pure meal of kaddu-bhat (pumpkin and rice) with chana dal. This marks the start of spiritual cleansing.
- Day 2 - Lohanda and Kharna (Sunday, October 26, 2025): On this day, devotees observe a fast that ends after sunset with kheer (rice pudding) and roti. This meal, shared with family, precedes the 36-hour-long nirjala vrat, a fast without food or water.
- Day 3 - Sandhya Arghya (Monday, October 27, 2025): The most important day, when devotees gather at riverbanks to offer arghya to the setting sun. Women dressed in vibrant saris, carrying bamboo baskets filled with thekua, sugarcane, fruits, and diyas, create an ethereal sight. Sunset Time: Around 05:40 PM (New Delhi)
- Day 4 - Usha Arghya and Parana (Tuesday, October 28, 2025): Devotees offer the final arghya to the rising sun before concluding their fast. This marks the end of the puja with prayers for peace, prosperity, and well-being. Sunrise Time: Around 06:30 AM (New Delhi)
The Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is more than a ritual; it’s a meditative journey of body, mind, and soul. The festival celebrates the Sun God’s vital role in sustaining life and honours Chhathi Maiya, believed to be the protector of children and the granter of wishes.
Standing waist-deep in water while offering arghya symbolises surrender to nature’s elements, sun, water, air, and earth. It’s believed that by observing this vrat with purity and devotion, one attains spiritual awakening, healing, and inner strength.
Who First Performed Chhath Puja?
The origins of Chhath Puja trace back to the Mahabharata and Ramayana, giving it deep mythological significance.
- Karna’s Devotion: Karna, the son of Surya Dev and Kunti, was the first to perform Chhath rituals. His unwavering devotion to his divine father made him a symbol of strength and integrity.
- Sita Mata’s Offering: After returning to Ayodhya with Lord Rama, Sita Mata performed Chhath Puja on the banks of the Sarayu River, praying for the kingdom’s prosperity.
- Draupadi’s Faith: In another tale, Draupadi observed the rituals during the Pandavas’ exile on the advice of sage Dhaumya, which brought them divine blessings and victory.
The Four Sacred Days of Chhath Puja
Each day of Chhath holds a distinct meaning and purpose, combining simplicity with devotion.
1. Nahay Khay - The Beginning of Purity
On this day, the vrati (observer of the fast) purifies their body and mind through a holy bath and prepares a sattvic meal. It symbolises detachment from material indulgence and preparation for spiritual cleansing.
2. Kharna
The second day tests the devotee’s endurance. After a day-long fast, the vrati prepares kheer and roti as prasad, breaking the fast at sunset. From that moment, the challenging 36-hour waterless fast begins, a true act of devotion and mental strength.
3. Sandhya Arghya
As the sun sets, devotees offer arghya to the Sun God while standing in rivers or ponds. The glow of countless diyas, folk songs in Maithili and Bhojpuri, and rhythmic beats of traditional instruments create a divine ambience of reverence and unity.
4. Usha Arghya
Before sunrise, devotees gather again to offer prayers to the rising sun, symbolising renewal and hope. After this ritual, they break their fast with prasad, marking the completion of the puja and renewal of the soul.
Eco-Friendly and Mindful Chhath Puja 2025
In a world where environmental awareness is vital, celebrating Chhath Puja mindfully ensures that traditions harmonise with nature.
- Use Biodegradable Materials: Choose bamboo baskets and earthen lamps instead of plastic items.
- Keep Water Bodies Clean: Perform rituals at designated ghats or use clean tubs at home if necessary.
- Natural Offerings: Use organic fruits and avoid artificial decorations or non-biodegradable substances.
- Pass It On: Involve children and young family members in preparing prasad to keep traditions alive across generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is Chhath Puja in 2025?
Chhath Puja in 2025 will be observed from October 25 (Nahay Khay) to October 28 (Usha Arghya and Parana).
2. Why is Chhath Puja celebrated?
It is celebrated to express gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life and to seek blessings for health, happiness, and prosperity.
3. Who performed the Chhath Puja first?
According to legends, it was first performed by Karna, the son of the Sun God. Other tales mention Sita Mata and Draupadi performing it for the well-being and prosperity of their families.
4. What is the significance of the 36-hour fast?
The 36-hour waterless fast, or nirjala vrat, represents complete surrender, discipline, and purification of the mind and body, inviting divine energy and blessings.
Chhath Puja 2025 beautifully merges spirituality, discipline, and devotion. It’s not just a ritual but a heartfelt expression of human connection with nature and the divine. As the golden rays of the Sun touch the horizon, millions of devotees bow in gratitude, a sight that reflects India’s timeless cultural soul.
May the divine blessings of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya fill your life with light, good health, and endless prosperity. Celebrate this Chhath Puja with purity, mindfulness, and faith.
Also Read: Bhai Dooj 2025: Date, Mahurat, Significance and Rituals
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I’m Akanksha Sinha, a dedicated Sports Content Writer and Blogger with proven expertise in creating engaging sports blogs, news stories, and entertainment-driven articles. With a passion for storytelling and a strong command of research, I strive to deliver content that not only informs but also captivates readers across all age groups. At Possible11, she covers fantasy sports, match previews, and trending topics, making her a trusted voice for sports enthusiasts.
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