The Chhathi festival of Lord Krishna is celebrated after Shri Krishna Janmashtami. In the year 2025, it will be celebrated on Thursday, August 21st. On this day, along with the worship and bathing of Bal Gopal (child Krishna), offerings of Mathan Mishri, Panjiri, Panchamrit, Makhane ki Kheer (fox nut pudding), and Kadhi Chawal (yogurt-based curry with rice) are essential.
New Delhi: The Chhathi festival of Lord Krishna is celebrated six days after Shri Krishna Janmashtami. In the year 2025, this festival will be celebrated on Thursday, August 21st. On this day, Bal Gopal is bathed and worshipped, and offerings of Mathan Mishri, Panjiri, Panchamrit, Makhane ki Kheer, and Kadhi Chawal are made to him. The auspicious time for worship (Shubh Muhurat) is Brahma Muhurta from 04:26 AM to 05:10 AM, while other Muhurats are also considered especially auspicious throughout the day.
Date of Bal Gopal's Chhathi
In the year 2025, Shri Krishna Janmashtami was celebrated on August 16th. Six days after this, that is, on the Chaturdashi Tithi (fourteenth day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada, the Chhathi of Lord Bal Gopal will be celebrated. This time, this festival will be celebrated on Thursday, August 21, 2025. On the day of Chhathi, special bathing and worship of the Lord are organized. On this day, parents bathe Bal Gopal in their homes and offer him the Lord's favorite Bhog (food offerings).
Importance of Worship on the Day of Chhathi
The festival of Lord's Chhathi is not just a religious tradition, but it is also considered very auspicious for the happiness and well-being of children and the family. On this day, Bal Gopal is specially decorated and worshipped in the house or in the temple. It is believed that the Bhog (offerings) and worship done on this day bring happiness and prosperity to the family, and the Lord's grace remains.
Auspicious Timings for Worship
Several auspicious timings are considered significant for worship on the day of Bal Gopal's Chhathi. Parents and devotees follow these Muhurats (auspicious times) while performing the Puja. The major Muhurats for this year are as follows:
- Brahma Muhurta: 04:26 AM to 05:10 AM
- Abhijit Muhurta: 11:58 AM to 12:50 PM
- Vijay Muhurta: 02:34 PM to 03:26 PM
- Godhuli Muhurta: 06:54 PM to 07:16 PM
- Sayahna Sandhya: 06:54 PM to 08:00 PM
- Amrit Kaal: 05:49 AM to 07:24 AM
- Nishita Muhurta: 12:02 AM to 12:46 AM (next day)
Worshipping the Lord and offering Bhog during these Muhurats leads to greater rewards.
Bhog for Bal Gopal
Offering the Lord's favorite Bhog is considered extremely important in Bal Gopal's Chhathi. On this day, Bal Krishna is specially offered Mathan Mishri. This is one of his most beloved dishes. Along with this, Panjiri can also be offered, which is considered a symbol of children's health and family prosperity.
Devotees also offer Panchamrit on this day. Panchamrit is a mixture of milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and sugar. In addition, Makhane ki Kheer (fox nut pudding) and Kadhi Chawal (yogurt-based curry with rice) are also offered to the Lord. It is believed that offering these Bhogs maintains peace, tranquility, and prosperity in the house.
Puja Rituals on the Day of Chhathi
On the day of Bal Gopal's Chhathi, some special religious activities are performed. These mainly include bathing Bal Gopal, changing his clothes, and adorning him with jewelry. After this, a lamp is lit at the place of worship and the Lord's Aarti is performed. Devotees believe that the worship performed on the day of Chhathi brings the special grace of the Lord and increases good fortune in the family.
Why is Chhathi Celebrated?
The tradition of celebrating the Chhathi festival after the birth of Shri Krishna has been going on for years. It is especially celebrated in memory of Bal Gopal's childhood. Offering the Lord's favorite Bhog and worshipping him on this day brings happiness and prosperity to the family. Also, this day is important for the health of children and the happiness of the home.
