Chhath Puja 2025: Date, Timings, Rituals and Significance
The deeply spiritual festival of Chhath Puja holds a special place in the hearts of millions of people especially in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and parts of Nepal. It is a celebration that combines unshakable faith, strict austerity, and heartfelt gratitude to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, believed to be the sister of Lord Surya.
In 2025, Chhath Puja is set to be even more special as it falls over a long weekend, making it easier for devotees and travelers to return to their hometowns and immerse themselves in this divine observance.
Chhath Puja 2025 Dates
The celebration of Chhath Puja will take place from Saturday, October 25th to Tuesday, October 28th 2025. Here’s the day-wise breakdown:
- Nahay Khay (25 October, Saturday)
- The first day marks the beginning of the fast. Devotees perform purification rituals in sacred rivers and water bodies before eating a simple satvik meal.
- Kharna (26 October, Sunday)
- The second day of the fast requires devotees to abstain from food until sunset when they can eat kheer along with roti and fruits. A 36-hour waterless fast called nirjala vrat starts after this period.
- Sandhya Arghya (27 October, Monday)
- People gather at riverbanks and ponds during evening hours to perform the first arghya (offering) to the setting sun using soops (bamboo baskets filled with offerings) which are beautifully decorated.
- Usha Arghya (28 October, Tuesday)
- The last day of the celebration starts early in the morning when devotees make their second sun offering followed by prayer rituals for family health and success.
Why Chhath Puja is Spiritually Significant
The Hindu festival Chhath Puja focuses exclusively on nature worship through its devotion to the Sun God who represents both life and healing. Devotees believe that Surya Dev receives arghya during Chhath Puja to purify their sins while bringing health and achieving their desires.
Devotees worship Chhathi Maiya as a benevolent goddess who represents fertility and childbirth and family happiness. Women who fast during this time pray for their children to stay healthy and live long lives.
Rituals That Reflect Pure Devotion
The religious practice of Chhath Puja requires strict adherence to its rituals and complete fasting. Devotees perform their prayers by standing in water for extended periods while holding soops above their heads and they keep their entire body pure throughout the four-day observance. The entire house and its environment receive thorough cleaning before the start of the festival and all cooking must be vegetarian with no garlic or onion or non-vegetarian ingredients.
The celebration of Chhath takes place without idols because it represents a direct and unadulterated bond between nature and the divine.
Where is Chhath Puja Celebrated in India?
The main locations for Chhath Puja celebrations remain Bihar and Jharkhand and Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Nepal’s Mithila region yet the festival has expanded to Delhi and Mumbai and Kolkata and Bhopal and Surat and other major cities because of population migration from the eastern belt. Each region adds its flavor:
- Bihar: The Mahendru Ghat and Collectorate Ghat and Adalat Ghat of Patna’s Ganga ghats welcome millions of devotees during this time.
- Jharkhand: The people of Jharkhand gather at the rivers Subarnarekha and Damodar in Ranchi and Jamshedpur.
- Uttar Pradesh: The cities of Varanasi, Gorakhpur and Ballia in Uttar Pradesh conduct Chhath celebrations through extensive community involvement and cultural events.
Non-resident Biharis and Purvanchalis establish Chhath Puja celebrations in housing complexes and public parks and artificial water tanks throughout India and abroad.
What Makes Chhath Puja 2025 Special?
- Long Weekend Advantage
- The 2025 Chhath Puja celebration spans from Saturday through Tuesday which creates a convenient 4-day period for people who work in metro cities to travel. The trains operating to Bihar and Eastern UP will be heavily crowded thus it is recommended to book tickets in advance.
- Increasing Global Visibility
- Indian embassies and cultural organizations across the world are expanding their Chhath Puja celebrations in cities including Dubai, New York and London to display India’s spiritual heritage globally.
- Digital Awareness & Broadcasts
- The growth of regional YouTube channels together with live streaming allows devotees to watch rituals and join virtually when physical attendance is not possible. The local governments of Bihar and UP plan to transmit major ghat events through broadcast for devotees who cannot attend in person.
Conclusion
The religious celebration of Chhath Puja represents a spiritual path which teaches self-control and absolute devotion and spiritual purity. The festival serves as an emotional journey which leads people back to their cultural heritage and ancestral traditions and family traditions.
The upcoming Chhath Puja 2025 will bring health and prosperity and harmony to your life through the sun’s rising light. Your inner devotion matters most because you can worship at the Ganga riverbank or a local pond or create a temporary tank in an urban area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Chhath Puja 2025
Chhath Puja in 2025 will be observed from Saturday, October 25th to Tuesday, October 28th. The four key days are:
- Nahay Khay – October 25 (Saturday)
- Kharna – October 26 (Sunday)
- Sandhya Arghya – October 27 (Monday)
- Usha Arghya – October 28 (Tuesday)
The festival is dedicated to expressing gratitude to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya for sustaining life, promoting well-being, and ensuring family prosperity and children’s health.
Chhathi Maiya is believed to be the sister of Lord Surya. She is a benevolent goddess associated with fertility, motherhood, and protection of children.
The rituals over the four days include:
- Day 1 – Nahay Khay: Ritual bath and a pure vegetarian meal
- Day 2 – Kharna: Day-long fast, followed by an evening meal of kheer and roti; begins a 36-hour waterless fast
- Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya: Evening offering to the setting sun at riverbanks and ponds
- Day 4 – Usha Arghya: Morning offering to the rising sun, followed by breaking the fast
The rituals involve:
- Nirjala Vrat (fast without water) for 36 hours
- Prayers while standing in water
- Complete personal and environmental purity
- No onion, garlic, or non-vegetarian food
These practices reflect self-discipline and spiritual commitment.
No. Chhath Puja is unique as it does not involve idol worship. Devotees offer prayers directly to natural elements like the Sun, water, and earth.
Primarily in:
- Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh
- Nepal’s Mithila region
- It’s also celebrated by diaspora communities in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bhopal, and Surat.
Chhath Puja 2025 is special because:
- It falls over a long weekend (Saturday to Tuesday), making it easier for people to travel home.
- Celebrations are expanding globally in cities like London, Dubai, and New York.
- Live streaming and digital platforms will allow remote participation for those away from home.
Food is made using satvik (pure) ingredients, without onion or garlic:
- Kheer (rice pudding with jaggery)
- Roti
- Fruits (banana, coconut, sugarcane)
- Offerings are placed in soops (bamboo baskets)
In cities, devotees:
- Create temporary water tanks
- Organize community gatherings in parks, housing complexes, or rooftops
- Ensure cleanliness and sanctity of the worship space
Local governments often assist with arrangements and safety.
Yes. While women often take the lead, men also participate, keep the fast, and perform sun offerings. Chhath Puja is observed by families and communities together.
This festival is a celebration of natural elements:
- Worship is done near water bodies
- Offerings are biodegradable
- Emphasizes environmental cleanliness and sustainability
Thanks to live broadcasts, YouTube streams, and digital awareness, people unable to attend in person can still observe rituals virtually and offer prayers at home or in local makeshift setups.
Yes. With heavy train traffic and large gatherings expected, it’s advised to:
- Book tickets early if traveling
- Prepare puja items in advance
- Ensure your worship area is clean and organized
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