Chhath Puja – Worship of Surya Dev (Sun God)
Chhath Puja is a major Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, believed to be the sister of Lord Surya. Celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, it is a deeply spiritual and nature-centric festival.
Chhath Puja is unique in that it involves strict rituals, fasting, and offerings to the setting and rising sun, and is one of the few festivals where both sunrise and sunset are equally honored.
Chhath Puja 2025 Dates
(According to the traditional Hindu lunar calendar)
- Day 1 – Nahay Khay: October 29, 2025 (Wednesday)
- Day 2 – Kharna: October 30, 2025 (Thursday)
- Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering to the Sun): October 31, 2025 (Friday)
- Day 4 – Usha Arghya (Morning Offering to the Rising Sun): November 1, 2025 (Saturday)
Chhath Puja Rituals – Step-by-Step
1. Nahay Khay (Day 1)
- This day marks the beginning of Chhath.
- Devotees take a holy dip in a river or pond and clean their homes.
- Only satvik (pure vegetarian) food is consumed.
- The meal usually includes lauki-bhaat (bottle gourd with rice) prepared in a purified kitchen.
2. Kharna (Day 2)
- A strict day-long fast is observed without even drinking water.
- The fast is broken in the evening after offering prayers and preparing kheer (rice pudding) with jaggery, served with chapatis and fruits.
- After this meal, devotees begin a 36-hour nirjala vrat (fast without water).
3. Sandhya Arghya (Day 3)
- This is the most prominent day of Chhath.
- Devotees prepare offerings (called soop) which include fruits, thekua (a traditional sweet), sugarcane, and other items.
- Dressed in traditional attire, they gather near water bodies at sunset to offer ‘Arghya’ to the setting sun, with deep devotion and hymns.
4. Usha Arghya (Day 4)
- The final day involves offering prayers to the rising sun early in the morning.
- Families reach the riverbank before dawn, and after the final Arghya, the fast is broken.
- This day marks the end of the rituals and is filled with blessings and a sense of fulfillment.
Why is Surya Dev Worshipped in Chhath?
- Surya Dev is seen as the giver of life, energy, and health.
- Worshipping the Sun during Chhath is believed to:
- Cure diseases and improve well-being.
- Ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, especially children.
- Strengthen mental discipline, as the fast is rigorous and tests devotion.
Unique Features of Chhath Puja
- It is one of the strictest fasts in Hindu tradition.
- All offerings are made using eco-friendly, natural items.
- The rituals are often performed by women, though men also participate.
- It involves collective participation—entire communities gather on riverbanks in harmony.
Final Thought
Chhath Puja is not just a religious observance—it’s a celebration of nature, purity, devotion, and gratitude to the life-giving force of the universe, Surya Dev. Through heartfelt prayers and unshakable discipline, devotees connect with divine energy in its most radiant form.
Panchang Official