What is Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja is a deeply sacred Hindu festival observed with great discipline and devotion. Primarily celebrated in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh, and also in parts of Nepal, the festival honours the Sun God (Surya Dev) and his sister, Chhathi Maiya. The word “Chhath” literally means “sixth,” referring to the sixth day of the lunar month of Kartik when the principal rituals occur. Wikipedia+2Utsav+2
Unlike many other festivals that rely heavily on elaborate idols or rituals, Chhath primarily involves direct worship of nature — the setting sun and the rising sun — and the devotees stand in riverbanks offering arghya (offering) while immersed in water. The Indian Express+1
Chhath Puja 2025 Dates & Day-Wise Schedule
For 2025, the four-day Chhath Puja rituals fall as follows:
| Day | Date | Day | Ritual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 – Nahay Khay | Sat 25 Oct 2025 | Saturday | Bathing & first meal post-ritual |
| Day 2 – Kharna / Lohanda | Sun 26 Oct 2025 | Sunday | Day-long fast, then evening offering |
| Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya | Mon 27 Oct 2025 | Monday | Evening offerings to setting Sun |
| Day 4 – Usha Arghya & Parana | Tue 28 Oct 2025 | Tuesday | Morning offering to rising Sun & breaking fast |
These dates mark the sacred timeline when millions of devotees across India journey to river banks and pond-sides to observe the festival.
The History and Myths Behind Chhath
Chhath Puja traces its roots to ancient Vedic traditions and major Hindu epics. The Rig Veda contains hymns dedicated to Surya, hinting at the antiquity of sun-worship in Indian culture. The Indian Express+1
Legends tie the festival to the epic tales of the Mahabharata and Ramayana. In one story, Karna — the son of Surya Dev — is believed to have stood in water and offered prayers to the sun, a practice that inspired Chhath rituals. Another legend says after Lord Rama and Mata Sita returned to Ayodhya from exile, they fasted and worshipped the Sun, which became a root for the observance. The Indian Express+1
Thus, Chhath is not only a ritual of thanks, but also a spiritual homage to endurance, purity and the elemental forces of nature.
Why It Matters: Significance of the Festival
- Gratitude to Nature: Devotees express thanks to Surya Dev for sustaining life on Earth. Chhath stands out as a festival where both the setting and rising Sun are worshipped — a unique duality that acknowledges life’s cycle. Bihar Tourism+1
- Purity and Discipline: The vrat (fast) is marked by strict abstinence, often including a Nirjala (no-water) fast. Devotees stand in water during offering times, reflecting their spiritual commitment and self-control. Chhath+1
- Environment & Wellness: The timing of sun-offerings aligns with reduced UV radiation, and the river-bank rituals emphasise nature’s role. The festival also avoids heavy idol-based celebrations, making it relatively eco-friendly. Travel
Rituals & Celebration: The Four-Day Journey
Day 1 – Nahay Khay (Bathing & Purification):
Devotees take a holy dip in a river or water body, bring some of the sacred water home and prepare a simple vegetarian meal without onion or garlic. The entire household is cleaned and purified in preparation for the next days. Chhath+1
Day 2 – Kharna / Lohanda (Fast Begins):
On this day, the vrati (devotee) observes a day-long fast which is broken after dusk. The evening meal typically includes kheer (made of jaggery and rice) and chapatis. After breaking this fast, devotees begin a stricter fast that continues until Day 4. Chhath+1
Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering):
This is the pivotal day. Devotees carry bamboo baskets filled with offerings to the river bank. As the sun sets, they stand waist-deep in water and offer prayers and arghya to the Sun God. The atmosphere is charged with folk chants and communal devotion. Bihar Tourism+1
Day 4 – Usha Arghya & Parana (Morning Offering & Breaking Fast):
Before dawn, devotees return to the riverbank and wait for the sunrise. At first light they offer usha arghya (offering to rising Sun), pray for the wellbeing of their families and break their 36-hour fast. Traditional prasad (including thekua) is distributed. Chhath+1
Widespread and Growing Observance
Originally rooted in Bihar and eastern India, Chhath Puja today is celebrated across the country and even abroad. Urban centres such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai host large gatherings at ghats and water bodies where migrant communities recreate home-style rituals. Wikipedia+1
You’ll find major ghats such as Sun Ghat (Gaya), Kangan Ghat (Patna), and Yamuna Ghat (Delhi) drawing thousands of devotees who uphold the tradition with equal fervour. www.ndtv.com
Final Thought
Chhath Puja 2025 is more than just a festival — it is a rigorous act of faith, self-discipline and gratitude. Over four days of fasting, bathing, offering and prayer, devotees renew their connection with nature and the cosmos. In an era when ancient traditions compete with modern life, Chhath remains a shining example of spiritual resilience and communal harmony.
As October 25 approaches, prepare to witness one of India’s most atmospheric and culturally rich festivals — where the first rays of the Sun join hands with the hopes of millions.
