Chhath Puja, one of the most sacred and vibrant festivals dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, begins with an auspicious ritual known as Nahay Khay. This first day marks the spiritual commencement of the four-day-long celebration, observed with deep devotion in states such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and even across Nepal. It’s not just a festival, it’s a way of life that embodies purity, gratitude, and harmony with nature.
Nahay Khay Chhath Puja 2025 Date
In 2025, Nahay Khay will be observed on Saturday, October 25. The day holds immense importance as it sets the spiritual foundation for the days that follow: Lohanda (Kharna), Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya. Each of these days has its own sacred meaning, but Nahay Khay is where it all begins, the cleansing of the body and soul to welcome divine energy.
The Meaning of Nahay Khay
The term ‘Nahay Khay’ literally translates to “bathe and eat.” The phrase itself beautifully encapsulates the day’s purpose, purification through water and the consumption of a sacred meal. This isn’t just a physical ritual but a symbolic spiritual reset, where devotees detach from worldly indulgences and prepare to embrace a state of divine devotion.
Rituals of Nahay Khay 2025
The rituals performed on Nahay Khay are simple yet profoundly symbolic. Every action, from the early morning bath to the preparation of food, carries deep spiritual meaning. Here’s how devotees observe the day:
1. Holy Bath and Purification
Devotees begin their day before sunrise, heading to nearby rivers, ponds, or clean water bodies for a ritualistic bath. This act is believed to wash away impurities and prepare the mind and body for the upcoming days of intense fasting and devotion. The holy dip symbolises spiritual cleansing and renewal, marking a fresh start filled with faith and discipline.
2. Preparation of the Sacred Meal
After the bath, devotees prepare a simple, sattvic (pure vegetarian) meal. This meal is made with utmost care, often in a separate kitchen space to maintain purity. Traditionally, the dishes include:
- Steamed rice - representing simplicity and nourishment.
- Bottle gourd (kaddu or lauki) curry - cooked with minimal spices for purity.
- Chana dal (split chickpeas) - symbolising energy and sustenance.
The meal is cooked without onion, garlic, or any form of tamasic (impure) ingredient. Devotees prefer to use earthen or brass utensils instead of modern cookware, as it is believed to preserve the sanctity and authenticity of the ritual.
3. Offering Prayers to the Sun God
Before partaking in the meal, devotees offer prayers to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. The food is first offered as prasad (sacred offering), after which it becomes the first meal of the four-day festival. This meal marks the transition into spiritual observance and devotion, reminding participants that Chhath is not just about ritual but about discipline, purity, and gratitude.
Significance of Nahay Khay
The importance of Nahay Khay goes far beyond tradition; it reflects a philosophy of balance, faith, and connection to nature. Every element of this day contributes to setting the tone for the days ahead. Here’s what makes it so spiritually meaningful:
1. Physical and Spiritual Cleansing
Nahay Khay symbolises the purification of the body and soul. The holy bath represents shedding negativity, while the sattvic meal purifies the inner self. Together, they create a foundation for the rigorous fasting and spiritual practices that will follow during Chhath Puja.
2. Reinforcing Purity and Simplicity
Chhath Puja revolves around cleanliness and simplicity. From the preparation of food to the environment in which it is cooked, purity is paramount. The rituals of Nahay Khay emphasise that spirituality is found in simplicity, not extravagance, a lesson that resonates deeply with devotees year after year.
3. Deep Connection with Nature
At its core, Nahay Khay celebrates humanity’s harmonious relationship with nature. Devotees use natural ingredients, cook in traditional utensils, and pray to the Sun, the ultimate source of light and life. This day reminds us of our dependence on nature’s elements and the divine energy that sustains life on Earth.
4. Setting a Devotional Tone
By observing Nahay Khay with devotion and discipline, participants prepare mentally and spiritually for the upcoming 36-hour nirjala vrat (fast without water), one of the toughest fasts observed in Hindu tradition. The humility, purity, and faith cultivated on this day carry through the rest of the Chhath Puja celebrations.
Cultural Importance of Nahay Khay
Beyond its spiritual symbolism, Nahay Khay has a strong cultural connection that binds families and communities. Women, men, and even children participate together, symbolising unity and shared faith. The aroma of kaddu-bhaat fills homes, and neighbourhoods come alive with preparations for the days ahead. It’s a time of collective devotion and cultural pride that transcends generations.
Nahay Khay Chhath Puja 2025 is not just the beginning of a festival; it’s the initiation of a sacred journey that celebrates life, discipline, and nature’s divinity. As devotees take their holy dip and eat their first pure meal on October 25, 2025, they renew their commitment to faith and gratitude. In an age of fast-paced living, the timeless rituals of Nahay Khay remind us to slow down, cleanse our souls, and embrace purity, both within and around us.
Also Read: Chhath Puja 2025: Date, Muhurat, Rituals and Significance
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
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