Chhath Puja 2025: Date, Rituals, History, and Significance

Published on Aug 21, 2025

Chhath Puja is one of the most sacred Hindu festivals dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (Usha, the goddess of dawn). It is a festival deeply rooted in Indian culture, mainly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal’s Terai region. Unlike other Hindu festivals, Chhath Puja does not involve idol worship but focuses on offering prayers directly to the rising and setting sun.

In 2025, millions of devotees will observe Chhath Puja with great devotion, fasting, and rituals that span four days. The festival is a symbol of purity, discipline, and gratitude towards nature.

Chhath Puja 2025 Date and Muhurat

The dates of Chhath Puja are determined according to the Hindu lunar calendar, falling on the Shashthi Tithi of Kartika month (sixth day after Diwali).

• Chhath Puja 2025 Start Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025

• Chhath Puja 2025 End Date: Friday, October 31, 2025

• Main Arghya Offerings:

  • Sandhya Arghya (Evening Arghya): October 30, 2025

  • Usha Arghya (Morning Arghya): October 31, 2025

Devotees observe fasting, take holy dips, and offer Arghya (water offerings) to the setting and rising sun on these days.

The Four Days of Chhath Puja 2025

Chhath Puja is not just a one-day ritual but a four-day-long festival with strict fasting and rituals observed mainly by women, though men also participate.

1. Day 1: Nahay Khay (October 28, 2025)

• The festival begins with devotees taking a holy dip in rivers or ponds.

• The house and surroundings are cleaned for purity.

• A special meal of rice, dal, and pumpkin vegetable cooked in bronze utensils is prepared.

• Devotees consume this meal after offering it to the Sun God.

2. Day 2: Lohanda and Kharna (October 29, 2025)

• Devotees observe a strict fast for the entire day.

• In the evening, they prepare kheer (made of jaggery or sugar), chapati, and fruits as offerings.

• After sunset, the offerings are shared as Prasad, and the fasting devotees eat for the last time until the end of Chhath.

• After this, a 36-hour long Nirjala Vrat (fast without water) begins.

3. Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (October 30, 2025)

• Devotees prepare soop (bamboo basket) filled with fruits, thekua, and sugarcane as offerings.

• In the evening, devotees go to riverbanks, lakes, or ponds with family and friends.

• The first Arghya is offered to the setting sun, with devotional songs and prayers.

• The environment becomes spiritual, filled with the sounds of Chhath geet (folk songs) and chants.

4. Day 4: Usha Arghya (October 31, 2025)

• Devotees gather before sunrise at the riverbank.

• The final Arghya is offered to the rising sun, praying for health, happiness, and prosperity.

• After completing this ritual, devotees break their 36-hour fast with Prasad.

• The festival concludes with blessings and joy shared among family and community.

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Significance of Chhath Puja

The spiritual and cultural significance of Chhath Puja is immense:

1. Worship of Sun God – The Sun is considered the source of energy, health, and prosperity. By worshipping the Sun, devotees express gratitude for sustaining life on Earth.

2. Environmental Harmony – Chhath emphasizes clean rivers, natural offerings, and eco-friendly rituals.

3. Discipline and Purity – The strict fasting rituals symbolize self-control, purity, and devotion.

4. Women Empowerment – Though both men and women observe, the majority of fasting devotees are women, making it a festival that highlights feminine spiritual strength.

5. Community Unity – Chhath is celebrated collectively, symbolizing equality and harmony among all sections of society.

History and Legends Behind Chhath Puja

Several legends are associated with the origin of Chhath Puja:

1. Mahabharata Connection – Draupadi and the Pandavas performed Chhath Puja to overcome difficulties and regain their kingdom.

2. Ramayana Connection – After returning from exile, Lord Rama and Sita observed Chhath Puja by offering Arghya to the Sun God in Ayodhya.

3. Surya Dev and Karna – According to mythology, Karna, the son of Surya, was a great warrior who always worshipped the Sun. Chhath Puja is believed to have roots in these ancient practices.

4. Usha Devi Worship – Chhathi Maiya, believed to be Usha, the wife of Surya Dev, is worshipped for the well-being of children and family prosperity.

Rituals and Practices in Chhath Puja

1. Soop and Prasad Preparation – Devotees prepare Thekua (a sweet made of wheat flour and jaggery), fruits, coconuts, sugarcane, and rice as offerings.

2. Holy Bath – Bathing in rivers or water bodies is a crucial ritual, symbolizing purification.

3. Fasting – Observing a Nirjala Vrat (fast without water) for up to 36 hours shows devotion and endurance.

4. Arghya Offering – Devotees offer water and milk to the Sun God while standing in rivers, symbolizing surrender to natural powers.

5. Traditional Songs and Dances – Folk songs dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya are sung in Maithili and Bhojpuri languages.

Cultural Importance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is not just a festival but a cultural identity for Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh. The festival is:

• Eco-friendly – No use of artificial colors, chemicals, or idols.

• Inclusive – People of all castes and communities come together to celebrate.

• Folk Traditions – Songs, dances, and local rituals give Chhath a distinct cultural touch.

• Global Celebration – With migration, Chhath Puja is now celebrated in Delhi, Mumbai, Mauritius, Fiji, and the USA by Indian communities.

Chhath Puja 2025: Preparation Tips

1. Clean Surroundings – Ensure your home and surroundings are cleaned before rituals.

2. Arrange Puja Items Early – Fruits, thekua, sugarcane, bamboo baskets, and earthen lamps should be prepared in advance.

3. Follow Ritual Discipline – Maintain purity in food preparation and rituals.

4. Join Community Celebrations – Participate in collective offerings at riversides for a more spiritual experience.

5. Health Precautions – If fasting strictly, ensure medical precautions are followed, especially for elderly or weak devotees.

Difference Between Chhath Puja and Other Hindu Festivals

Aspect	Chhath Puja	Other Hindu Festivals
Deity	Sun God & Chhathi Maiya	Various gods & goddesses
Rituals	No idol worship, only Arghya	Idol worship, rituals, and temples
Duration	4 days	Usually 1–2 days
Region	Bihar, UP, Jharkhand, Nepal	Pan-India
Fasting	Strict Nirjala fast (36 hours)	Varies (some allow fruits/milk)

Conclusion

Chhath Puja 2025 will once again bring together millions of devotees in India and across the world to honor the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. The four-day festival reflects India’s cultural richness, spiritual discipline, and eco-friendly traditions.

Whether celebrated on the banks of the Ganga in Patna, in neighborhood ponds, or by NRIs abroad, Chhath Puja continues to be a symbol of faith, gratitude, and community spirit.

FAQs on Chhath Puja 2025

Q1: What is the date of Chhath Puja 2025?

Ans. Chhath Puja 2025 will be observed from October 28 to October 31, 2025.

Q2: Which day is Sandhya Arghya in Chhath Puja 2025?

Ans. The Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering) will be on October 30, 2025.

Q3: Which day is Usha Arghya in Chhath Puja 2025?

Ans. The Usha Arghya (Morning Offering) will be on October 31, 2025.

Q4: Why is Chhath Puja celebrated?

Ans. It is celebrated to honor the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya for granting life, health, and prosperity.

Q5: What are the main offerings in Chhath Puja?

Ans. Thekua, fruits, sugarcane, coconuts, and rice-ladoo are the main offerings.