Chhath Puja in 2025 will commence on Saturday, October 25th, and conclude on Tuesday, October 28th. The four-day festival encompasses Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya. This fast is primarily observed by married women and mothers for the well-being and prosperity of their children and family.
Chhath Puja 2025: The grand Chhath festival will begin on Saturday, October 25, 2025, and will conclude with Usha Arghya on Tuesday, October 28. This festival is dedicated to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya. The four-day observance includes Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya. Primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, women undertake a waterless fast for the prosperity of their families and the well-being of their children.
Significance of Chhath Mahaparv
Chhath Puja is predominantly celebrated with great fervor in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. This festival is observed by married women and mothers who pray for the prosperity of their families and the well-being of their children. The Chhath fast is known as a 'Nirjala Vrat' because devotees observe it without consuming water until they offer Arghya to Lord Surya.
Nahay Khay: The First Day
The Chhath Mahaparv begins with Nahay Khay. On this day, devotees take a holy bath in a river, pond, or reservoir and consume pure food. In 2025, this ritual will take place on Saturday, October 25th. Nahay Khay is considered a symbol of purifying the body and mind. On this day, devotees also focus on cleaning their homes and making preparations for the puja.
Kharna: The Second Day
The second day of Chhath is known as Kharna. This day will be celebrated on Sunday, October 26th. On Kharna, devotees observe a waterless fast from sunrise to sunset. After sunset, devotees offer Arghya to Lord Surya and then partake in the Prasad, which typically includes Kheer (rice pudding) made with jaggery and roti. The ritual on this day signifies the devotee's restraint and devotion.
Sandhya Arghya: The Third Day
The ritual of Sandhya Arghya takes place on the third day. In 2025, this will be performed on Monday, October 27th. Sandhya Arghya holds immense significance as devotees offer Arghya to the setting sun. On this day, special prayers and rituals are conducted at riverbanks and ghats. Devotees offer Arghya to the sun with full devotion and light lamps to seek blessings from Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya.
Usha Arghya: The Fourth and Final Day
The final day of Chhath Puja is Usha Arghya. In 2025, this will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 28th. On this day, Arghya is offered to the rising sun in the early morning. Devotees break their fast after completing approximately 36 hours of a waterless observance with Usha Arghya. Usha Arghya is considered the most significant day of the festival as it marks the culmination of the fast and the final opportunity to worship Lord Surya.
Preparations for Chhath Puja
During the Chhath Mahaparv, riverbanks and ghats are decorated. Devotees prepare special puja items at home and gather fruits, sweets, and other offerings for the Chhath ghat. Both women and men observe the fast with utmost faith and devotion, offering Arghya while adhering to the religious rules.
Traditional Food and Prasad
On the days of Nahay Khay and Kharna, devotees consume specially prepared pure food. Jaggery Kheer, roti, and seasonal fruits are the primary components of the Prasad. This food is important for maintaining the health and energy of the devotees.
