Chhath Puja 2025 will be celebrated for four days starting October 25 in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and the Terai regions of Nepal. This is a major festival dedicated to the Sun God, where devotees observe a waterless fast (nirjala vrat) and offer 'arghya' (sacred offering) to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya. The puja thali (prayer plate) includes special items like Thekua, fruits, coconut, lamps, flowers, and other offerings for 'arghya'. The festival symbolizes self-purification, discipline, and family well-being.
Chhath Puja 2025: The grand festival of folk faith, Chhath Puja, this year will be celebrated from October 25 (Saturday) in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and the Terai regions of Nepal. This four-day festival is observed for the worship of Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees perform rituals such as Nahay-Khay, Kharna, and offering 'arghya' to the Sun God. The puja thali includes Thekua, fruits, coconut, lamps, flowers, and other items for 'arghya'. The festival aims for progeny, family welfare, and spiritual purity.
Chhath Puja 2025 Dates and Significance
In 2025, Chhath Puja will begin on October 25 (Saturday). On the first day, Nahay-Khay, women take a holy bath, purify their homes, and consume a prasad (holy offering) of bottle gourd and chana dal. On the second day, Kharna, devotees observe a waterless fast throughout the day and break it in the evening by eating jaggery kheer (pudding) and roti (flatbread). On the third day, during the first 'arghya', water, milk, and flowers are offered to the setting sun. On the fourth day, the fast concludes with an 'arghya' to the rising sun, and prasad is shared with the family.
The rituals and rules of Chhath Puja distinguish it from other festivals. It is not just a festival of sun worship, but also a symbol of self-purification, self-control, and religious discipline.
Essential Items for the Chhath Puja Thali
The Chhath Puja thali is considered extremely sacred, and every item placed in it holds special religious significance. It is essential to decorate and prepare it carefully.
- Thekua: Thekua is the main prasad (holy offering) of this festival. It is prepared from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, and offered to Lord Surya.
- Fruits and Flowers: Seasonal fruits such as bananas, coconuts, guavas, lemons, sugarcane, apples, sweet potatoes, and oranges are placed in the puja thali. Flowers are used to purify the atmosphere and adorn the arghya offering.
- Coconut (including copra): Coconut symbolizes completeness and purity. It is placed on top of the kalash (pitcher) or given a place in the thali.
- Lamps and Incense Sticks: Lamps are used to worship Lord Surya, and incense sticks purify the atmosphere.
- Vermillion (Sindoor) and Turmeric: Women apply vermillion in their hair parting during the puja, and turmeric is considered a symbol of auspiciousness.
- Karwa and Sup (Bamboo Basket): Prasad and arghya items are placed in the 'sup' (bamboo basket). Water is filled in the 'karwa' (earthen pot) and offered to Lord Surya.
- Sugarcane and Radish: Sugarcane symbolizes longevity, and radish is considered a symbol of purity and penance.
- Betel Leaf, Areca Nut, Cloves, and Cardamom: These hold special significance in the worship of Lord Surya and become part of the prasad.
Items for Offering Arghya to Lord Surya
It is essential to pay attention to specific items when offering 'arghya' to the Sun God.
- Bamboo Sup or Daura (basket)
- Lota (pot) filled with milk and water
- Lamp
- Flowers (red or yellow)
- Seasonal fruits and Thekua
- Red or yellow cloth
- Milk, water, sandalwood, and flowers for arghya
All these items are chosen based on their religious and cultural significance. Performing the puja with the correct items and rituals brings the blessings of Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya.
Spiritual and Social Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is not merely a festival of sun worship; it also symbolizes self-control, penance, and family well-being. Rituals like Nahay-Khay and Kharna purify the body and mind of the individual. During the first and second arghya, devotees offer water, milk, and flowers to the setting and rising sun, praying for progeny, prosperity, and the fulfillment of their wishes.
The celebration of Chhath Puja is also significant from a social perspective. It showcases the unity, cooperation, and collective devotion of entire families and the community. During the festival, there is a wonderful confluence of devotion, discipline, and cultural traditions.
Chhath Puja 2025 is not only a festival of religious faith but also a symbol of self-purification, self-control, and spiritual development. The Chhath Puja thali and the items for offering 'arghya' to Lord Surya are prepared with sanctity and according to rituals. Offering 'arghya' with the correct items and methods brings spiritual benefits and mental peace to devotees. Observing this festival enhances happiness and prosperity in the family, the well-being of children, and social harmony.
