Chhath Puja 2025 is more than a ritual—it is a sacred celebration of nature, spirituality, and unwavering devotion. Widely celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, this four-day festival bridges the divine connection between humans and the Sun God (Surya Dev). Unique in its observance, Chhath Puja is the only festival where devotees offer prayers to both the setting and rising sun, symbolizing the cosmic balance of life and the harmonious cycle of nature.
This year, Chhath Puja will begin on 25th October (Saturday) with Nahay Khay, followed by Kharna, Sandhya Arghya (sunset offering), and culminate on 28th October (Tuesday) with Usha Arghya (sunrise offering). The rituals include holy river baths, strict fasts (vrat) without even water, preparing prasad like Thekua, and offering arghya to the Sun God. Families purify their homes, gather near rivers or water bodies, and sing devotional folk songs that echo with love, surrender, and gratitude. Chhath Puja 2025 continues to be a timeless tradition that celebrates faith, nature, and community togetherness.
Date of Chhath Puja 2025
Chhath Puja 2025 will be observed from Saturday, 25th October to Tuesday, 28th October 2025. The four-day festival includes Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and concludes with Usha Arghya.
Rituals And Traditions Of Chhath Puja Festival
Although the festival of Chhath Puja is mostly observed by females in a household and doesn't include any kind of idol worship, a large section of men also perform this Puja. This clearly depicts that Chhath Puja is not at all gender-specific.
While performing the Puja, the devotees pray for their family's well-being and their children's success and health. What makes the festival of Chhath Puja actually tough is the fact that once a person initiates the ceremonies relating to Chhath Puja, it becomes compulsory for him or her to perform it every year and also teach their children to do the same when they grow up. The festival can be skipped only if there has been a death in the family. However, if a person stops performing Chhath Puja without any reason, they cannot involve themselves in the festivities in the future ever again.
On this day, people make a diverse variety of Bihar signature dishes in their homes, such as sweets, kheer, thekua, and rice laddu, which they use as prasad. This prasad is normally offered in small winnows made of bamboo. Apart from the prasad, even regular food is strictly vegetarian and is cooked without the use of salt, onions, and garlic.
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History of Chhath Puja Celebrations
It has been said that the rituals of Chhath Puja may even date back to the ancient era of the Vedas. The Rig Veda features hymns that excessively praise Lord Surya. Interestingly, some of these customs are also mentioned in the epic Mahabharata, where Draupadi is described as performing the same rituals.
It has been stated in these scriptures that Draupadi and Arjuna religiously performed the rituals of this Puja on the recommendation of the great saint Dhaumya. It is believed that owing to these rituals, Draupadi overcame the struggles in her life and played a vital role in helping Pandavas defeat Kauravas and regain their kingdom.
It is also believed that in ancient times, the sages used to perform these rituals and gained energy directly from the Sun. Due to this, they could remain alive for a longer period of time without any food intake.
Another interesting anecdote that describes the historical mention of this Puja ritual is the story of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. As per the story, it is believed that after returning to Ayodhya and defeating the demon king, Raavana, Lord Rama, and Goddess Sita kept a fast for each other. While fasting, they offered their prayers to Sun God in the month of Kartik during the time of the former's coronation as King. Since then, Chhath Puja has become one of the major festivals in the Hindu religion.
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Major Attractions Of the Chhath Puja 2025
The rituals and traditions of Chhath Puja are deeply symbolic, representing devotion, purity, and a connection to the divine. This ancient festival is a celebration of the Sun God (Surya) and his consort, Chhathi Maiya, who is believed to bestow happiness, prosperity, and longevity. The observance of Chhath Puja spans four days, with each day marked by unique rituals that are performed with great reverence and discipline. Below are the key rituals and traditions followed during Chhath Puja:
1. Sandhya & Usha Arghya (Evening and Morning Offerings)
One of the most spiritually moving aspects of Chhath Puja is the offering of arghya (water) to both the setting and rising sun. On riverbanks and ponds, devotees stand in knee-deep water, holding bamboo baskets filled with prasad, and offer heartfelt prayers. This rare dual worship of the sun signifies balance, renewal, and gratitude for the life-sustaining energy of nature.
2. Devotional Folk Songs and Cultural Vibrancy
Throughout the four-day festival, traditional Bhojpuri and Maithili folk songs fill the air, passed down through generations. These devotional songs, often sung by women in groups, express deep spiritual longing, reverence for the Sun God, and the importance of family. The musical rhythm of Chhath Puja is a cultural treasure that binds communities together.
3. Holy River Baths (Nahay Khay Ritual)
The first day of Chhath Puja, known as Nahay Khay, begins with devotees taking a sacred dip in rivers such as the Ganga or local water bodies. This act of bathing symbolizes spiritual cleansing and is followed by preparing the first pure meal, often cooked on a clay stove using only river water. It sets the tone for the days of fasting and devotion that follow.
4. Thekua and Seasonal Offerings as Prasad
One of the highlights of Chhath Puja is the preparation of Thekua, a traditional sweet made with wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee. Along with fruits like bananas, sugarcane, and coconuts, these items are offered as prasad to the Sun God. Every item is prepared with strict purity and devotion, and is later shared with family and neighbors, enhancing the spirit of togetherness.
5. Eco-Friendly and Idol-Free Worship
Chhath Puja stands out as an eco-conscious festival. No idols are worshipped, and all rituals are performed using natural materials like bamboo baskets, earthen lamps, and organic offerings. The celebration promotes sustainability and deep respect for nature, aligning with environmental values even in today’s modern age.
6. Mass Participation at Ghats and Community Spirit
Perhaps the most visually striking part of Chhath Puja is the collective devotion witnessed at riverside ghats. Entire communities gather before sunrise and sunset, dressed in traditional attire, singing hymns, and performing rituals in harmony. The sense of unity, discipline, and shared faith during Chhath Puja is a true reflection of India's cultural richness and spiritual depth.
In addition, the sharing of prasad and the participation of entire communities in the preparations highlight the importance of sharing, compassion, and unity during Chhath Puja.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chhath Puja
Q1. What is Chhath Puja and why is it celebrated?
A1. Chhath Puja is a four-day Hindu festival dedicated to Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, observed primarily in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. It is celebrated to thank the Sun for sustaining life on Earth and to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and family well-being. The rituals promote purification, discipline, and harmony with nature.
Q2. When is Chhath Puja in 2025 and what are the main dates?
A2. Chhath Puja 2025 will be celebrated from Saturday, 25th October to Tuesday, 28th October. The four key days are:
- 25 Oct – Nahay Khay
- 26 Oct – Kharna
- 27 Oct – Sandhya Arghya (Sunset offering)
- 28 Oct – Usha Arghya (Sunrise offering)
Q3. What are the key rituals performed during Chhath Puja?
A3. Major rituals of Chhath Puja include taking holy dips in rivers, observing a strict fast without water, preparing traditional prasad like Thekua, and offering arghya to the setting and rising sun. The rituals are performed with great devotion and purity, usually near a water body.
Q4. Who is Chhathi Maiya and what is her significance?
A4. Chhathi Maiya is believed to be the sister of the Sun God and a benevolent goddess who protects children and grants fertility, health, and prosperity. Devotees worship her during Chhath Puja for the well-being of their families and to receive her divine blessings.
Q5. Is Chhath Puja only celebrated in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh?
A5. While Chhath Puja has its roots in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, it is now celebrated by migrant communities across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and even abroad. Its message of gratitude to nature and simplicity in rituals has gained global recognition.
