Chhath Puja 2025 – The Festival of Sun Worship, Faith & Nature
Chhath Puja is one of the most ancient and unique festivals of India, dedicated to the worship of the Sun God (Surya Dev) and his consort Usha. Celebrated with unmatched devotion mainly in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal’s Terai region, this festival represents gratitude towards nature and the cosmic energy that sustains life on earth.
🌞 When is Chhath Puja in 2025?
In 2025, Chhath Puja will be celebrated from Tuesday, October 28 to Friday, October 31. It is a four-day festival observed after Diwali, during the Shukla Paksha of Kartik month according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
- Day 1 – Nahay Khay: October 28, 2025
- Day 2 – Kharna: October 29, 2025
- Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering): October 30, 2025
- Day 4 – Usha Arghya (Morning Offering): October 31, 2025
🪔 The Story and Significance of Chhath Puja
The origins of Chhath Puja can be traced back to ancient times. It is mentioned in the Rigveda and associated with the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
- According to legend, Draupadi and the Pandavas performed Chhath Puja to seek blessings and regain their lost kingdom.
- In another story, Lord Rama and Sita observed Chhath Puja after returning to Ayodhya from exile, offering prayers to the Sun God for prosperity and peace.
The festival symbolizes purity, discipline, and devotion. Devotees fast rigorously, pray standing in water, and offer Arghya (water offerings) to the setting and rising sun.
🌅 The Four Days of Chhath Puja – Rituals and Meaning
1. Nahay Khay (The Holy Bath and Meal)
The first day marks the purification of the body and soul. Devotees take a dip in the river (usually Ganga or a local pond) and prepare a simple meal of rice, bottle gourd, and lentils cooked on a clay stove using mango wood.
2. Kharna (Fasting and Offering)
On the second day, devotees observe a day-long fast without water and break it after sunset with a prasad of gur ki kheer (jaggery rice pudding), fruits, and chapati. Afterward, they begin a 36-hour fast without food or water.
3. Sandhya Arghya (Offering to the Setting Sun)
The third day is the main event where devotees gather near rivers or ponds at sunset to offer Arghya to the setting Sun. Women dressed in bright sarees sing traditional Chhath songs, and the surroundings resonate with devotion.
4. Usha Arghya (Offering to the Rising Sun)
On the fourth day, devotees return early in the morning before sunrise to offer Arghya to the rising Sun. This marks the completion of the fast and signifies gratitude for life, energy, and prosperity.
🌾 The Deity of Chhath Puja – Surya Dev & Usha
Chhath Puja is the only Vedic festival dedicated to the worship of Surya Dev (the Sun God). The festival acknowledges the Sun as the source of energy, healing, and life. Devotees also worship Usha (the first light of dawn), symbolizing hope and renewal.
🧭 Where to Experience the Best Chhath Puja in India
- Patna (Bihar): The banks of the Ganga at Gandhi Ghat become a sea of devotion with lakhs of devotees.
- Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh): The ghats come alive with prayers, diyas, and hymns during the evening Arghya.
- Ranchi & Dhanbad (Jharkhand): Large community gatherings by rivers showcase unity and tradition.
- Kathmandu & Janakpur (Nepal): The festival connects Indian and Nepali devotees in shared faith.
- Delhi NCR: Yamuna Ghats witness grand celebrations by migrant communities from Bihar and UP.
🎶 Folk Songs and Culture
Chhath Puja is deeply rooted in folk traditions. Devotional songs are sung in the regional dialects of Bhojpuri and Maithili. Some popular songs include:
- “Kaanch Hi Baans Ke Bahangiya…”
- “Uga Hai Suraj Dev, Bhail Bhore Bhayil Bhore…”
- “Patna Ke Ghat Pe Chhathi Maiya…”
These songs express devotion, love, and a deep connection to nature and family.
🌍 Chhath Puja Around the World
Today, Chhath Puja is celebrated by Indian communities across the globe:
- 🇺🇸 USA: New York and New Jersey witness large gatherings of Indian diaspora performing Arghya by rivers.
- 🇬🇧 UK: London’s Thames River hosts cultural Chhath events organized by Bihari communities.
- 🇦🇺 Australia: Sydney and Melbourne celebrate Chhath at beaches and lakes with traditional rituals.
- 🇦🇪 UAE: Dubai and Abu Dhabi see Indian expatriates gathering in large numbers to offer prayers.
💰 Government Support and Facilities 2025
To ensure smooth celebrations, the governments of Bihar, UP, and Delhi have announced:
- Special cleaning and lighting at river ghats.
- Free medical camps and security arrangements.
- Special trains for Chhath devotees traveling from metros to hometowns.
- Designated eco-friendly ponds to reduce river pollution.
🪣 Eco-Friendly Chhath Puja Practices
- Using earthen diyas and bamboo soops instead of plastic.
- Offering natural fruits and homemade prasad.
- Avoiding chemical colors and artificial lights near rivers.
✨ The Spiritual Significance of Chhath
Chhath Puja is not just a festival – it’s a discipline of body, mind, and soul. The fasting, cleanliness, and devotion help purify the spirit. The festival emphasizes gratitude toward nature and reminds humanity of its dependence on the cosmic elements of air, water, and sunlight.
🌞 Conclusion
Chhath Puja 2025 will once again unite millions in prayer, purity, and devotion. As devotees stand in rivers offering their prayers to the Sun God, they remind us that faith, nature, and simplicity are the foundations of true happiness. Whether celebrated on the banks of the Ganga or in distant lands abroad, Chhath Puja continues to shine as one of the world’s most spiritually enriching festivals.
May Chhathi Maiya bless everyone with health, prosperity, and peace. 🌼