Introduction
Chhath Puja is one of the most ancient and revered festivals in India, celebrated primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. Dedicated to Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, it is a festival of gratitude, devotion, and spiritual purification.
Marking the end of Diwali festivities, Chhath Puja stands out for its unique rituals, strict fasting, and deep connection with nature.
In 2025, Chhath Puja will be observed from 25th october to 28th october, and devotees across India will prepare to honor the Sun God through prayers, offerings, and community celebrations.
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Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Chhath Puja 2025, from its history and significance to rituals, foods, and tips for participants.
History of Chhath Puja
The origins of Chhath Puja are deeply rooted in ancient Hindu mythology, blending tales of devotion, gratitude, and divine blessings.
According to the Mahabharata, Chhath Puja was first performed by Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas, after she and her sons escaped the infamous Lakshagriha (the House of Lac).
Another story is that Karna, the son of Surya (Sun God) and Kunti, was conceived after she observed Chhath Puja, highlighting the festival’s connection with divine blessings and fertility.
Later, Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, is also said to have performed Chhath Puja to seek victory in the Kurukshetra War.
Another legend traces Chhath Puja to King Priyavrata, the son of the first Manu, Svayambhu. Distressed by his lack of children, the king was advised by sage Kashyapa to perform a yajna. Though a son was born to Queen Malini, the child was lifeless. Mata Shashthi, the sixth form of Prakriti, appeared in the sky and blessed the child with life. Grateful for her divine grace, the king worshipped her, and this act of devotion is believed to have formalized the Chhath Puja tradition.
Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja holds immense spiritual, cultural, and social importance. The festival revolves around expressing gratitude to Surya Dev, who sustains life on Earth, and Chhathi Maiya, the goddess believed to protect devotees and bless them with prosperity and health.
Unlike other festivals, Chhath Puja emphasizes purity, discipline, and devotion. Devotees observe Nirjala fasts (without water) and perform rituals at riverbanks or water bodies, showcasing the festival’s strong connection with nature. It is not only a spiritual celebration but also a cultural phenomenon, preserving folk songs, traditional attire, and community bonding across regions.
Celebrating Chhath Puja is believed to bring health, wealth, and spiritual growth, while reinforcing the values of environmental consciousness and communal harmony.
Chhath Puja 2025 Dates
In 2025, Chhath Puja will span four days, each marked by specific rituals. Understanding the day-wise schedule helps devotees participate effectively:
- Nahay Khay (Day 1, Saturday, 25th October):
Devotees take a holy bath, clean their homes, and prepare prasad (offerings). The day signifies purification and the beginning of spiritual preparation. - Lohanda and Kharna (Day 2, Sunday, 26th October):
Devotees observe a fast for the entire day, breaking it in the evening with kheer (rice pudding) and jaggery, followed by prayers. This is an important step in building devotion and discipline. - Sandhya Arghya (Day 3, Monday, 27th October):
Evening prayers, called Sandhya Arghya, are offered to the Sun God while standing in riverbanks or water bodies. Devotees wear traditional attire, sing folk songs, and offer fruits, Thekua, and sugarcane. - Usha Arghya (Day 4, Tuesday, 28th October):
The festival concludes with morning offerings to the Sun God, after which the fast is broken. This marks the end of a spiritually fulfilling journey.
Chhath Puja Rituals and Traditions
Chhath Puja is known for its unique rituals, which are observed with strict discipline. Here’s a detailed overview:
1. Preparation Rituals
- Cleaning the house and surroundings, as purity is essential.
- Decorating the puja area with flowers and rangoli.
- Preparing special Prasad items like Thekua, seasonal fruits, and rice-based sweets.
2. Fasting Rituals
- Devotees observe Nirjala fasts, refraining from food and water for the 36 hours.
- Fasting symbolizes purification of mind, body, and soul.
3. Offering Rituals
- Offerings include Thekua (a sweet made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee), seasonal fruits, sugarcane, and water in earthen pots.
- Items are arranged on banana leaves and offered to the Sun God during Arghya.
4. Riverbank Rituals
- Devotees stand in water during sunrise and sunset, offering prayers while singing traditional folk songs.
- It’s a time for meditation, gratitude, and reflection.
5. Folk Songs and Attire
- Chhath Puja is incomplete without folk songs praising Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev.
- Women wear sarees, men wear dhoti-kurta, and everyone participates in communal harmony.
These rituals are passed down generations and make Chhath Puja one of the most disciplined and spiritual festivals in India.
Foods and Offerings in Chhath Puja
Food plays a crucial role in Chhath Puja, as devotees prepare Prasad with devotion and care:
- Thekua: Traditional sweet made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee.
- Fruits: Seasonal fruits like banana, coconut, and sugarcane are preferred.
- Rice Dishes: Kheer, laddus, and other rice-based offerings.
- Other Offerings: Water in earthen pots and milk-based sweets.
All offerings are vegetarian, pure, and homemade, symbolizing purity and devotion. Preparing and sharing Prasad fosters family bonding and community spirit.
Chhath Puja Celebrations Across India and Nepal
Chhath Puja is widely celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, with riverbanks like Ganga, Gandak, and Sone becoming vibrant hubs of celebration.
- In Nepal, Chhath Puja is equally significant and celebrated with similar rituals along rivers and ponds.
- Community participation is a hallmark of the festival, with people singing folk songs, dancing, and organizing fairs.
- In urban areas, Chhath Puja has adapted with temporary water tanks, ensuring devotees can celebrate even without river access.
Importance of Sunrise and Sunset Arghya
One of the most unique aspects of Chhath Puja is offering Arghya to the Sun God during sunrise and sunset.
- Sunrise Arghya: Symbolizes new beginnings, hope, and spiritual enlightenment.
- Sunset Arghya: Expresses gratitude for the day and acknowledges the Sun’s role in sustaining life.
Standing in rivers and offering prayers fosters patience, discipline, and environmental respect, making Chhath Puja a festival deeply connected with nature.
Chhath Puja 2025 Wishes
Celebrate the festival of devotion and gratitude with these heartfelt Chhath Puja 2025 wishes for your loved ones.
- May the Sun God bless you with health, wealth, and prosperity this Chhath Puja. Happy Chhath Puja 2025!
- Wishing you and your family a joyous Chhath Puja filled with devotion, happiness, and divine blessings.
- May Chhathi Maiya shower her blessings upon you, bringing peace, success, and endless joy into your life.
- Celebrate Chhath Puja with pure devotion and gratitude. May the Sun God fulfill all your wishes this year.
- On this sacred festival, may your life be illuminated with positivity, happiness, and prosperity. Happy Chhath Puja!
- May the divine rays of the Sun God guide your path, strengthen your spirit, and bring you eternal happiness.
- Wishing you a blessed Chhath Puja! May your home be filled with joy, peace, and the warmth of family love.
- As you offer Arghya to the Sun God, may your life shine brighter with health, wealth, and spiritual bliss.
- May this Chhath Puja mark the beginning of new hopes, new aspirations, and new happiness for you and your loved ones.
- May the divine grace of Chhathi Maiya protect you and your family and fill your life with happiness and peace.
- Let’s celebrate the festival of devotion and gratitude. Wishing you a spiritually fulfilling and joyous Chhath Puja 2025!
- Happy Chhath Puja! May the Sun God’s blessings bring harmony, happiness, and prosperity into your life.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja 2025 is more than a festival; it’s a spiritual journey, a cultural celebration, and a community experience. Observing strict rituals, offering prayers to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, and embracing eco-friendly practices make the festival meaningful and memorable.
Whether you are a devotee or a cultural enthusiast, Chhath Puja teaches gratitude, discipline, and respect for nature. As we approach the 2025 celebrations, let’s honor tradition while fostering a clean, safe, and joyous environment for everyone.
Celebrate Chhath Puja 2025 with devotion, love, and eco-consciousness, and experience the true spirit of one of India’s most revered festivals.
FAQs on Chhath Puja 2025
1. What is Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (Mother Goddess), celebrated for health, prosperity, and well-being. Devotees observe rigorous rituals, fasting, and offer prayers during sunrise and sunset over four days.
2. When is Chhath Puja 2025 celebrated?
In 2025, Chhath Puja will be observed from 25th October to 28th October. The festival begins with Nahay Khay and ends with the ritual of Arghya on the fourth day.
3. How many days does Chhath Puja last?
Chhath Puja lasts four days, consisting of Nahay Khay, Lohanda and Kharna, Sandhya Arghya (evening offerings), and Usha Arghya (morning offerings). Each day has specific rituals and fasting rules.
4. What are the main rituals of Chhath Puja?
Key rituals include holy bathing, preparing prasad (offerings) like Thekua, fasting without water (vrat), and offering arghya to the rising and setting sun along riverbanks or ponds.
5. Who can observe Chhath Puja?
Traditionally, women perform Chhath Puja, but men and families also participate. Devotees of all ages who wish to honor Surya and seek blessings for health, prosperity, and harmony can observe it.
6. What foods are prepared for Chhath Puja?
Traditional Prasad includes Thekua (sweet made of wheat flour and jaggery), seasonal fruits, rice dishes (khir), laddus, and sugarcane. All offerings are homemade and vegetarian, symbolizing purity.
7. Why is Chhath Puja performed near rivers or water bodies?
Devotees offer Arghya to the Sun God during sunrise and sunset while standing in water, as it symbolizes purity, devotion, and a connection with nature. Water is considered a medium to transmit prayers to the Sun God.
8. Where is Chhath Puja mainly celebrated?
Chhath Puja is most popular in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. It is also celebrated by migrant communities across India and abroad, wherever rivers, ponds, or water bodies are available for rituals.
