Chhath Puja 2025

One of the holiest Hindu holidays, Chhath Puja is observed with fervent devotion and unyielding discipline, particularly in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and portions of Nepal. Offering arghya to the rising and setting sun is one of the festival’s distinctive customs, and it is dedicated to Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. With devotees already starting to look for the commencement date of Chhath Puja 2025 and the opportune times for each rite, the celebration of Chhath Puja retains its spiritual and cultural significance in 2025.

Chaiti Chhath, which is celebrated in the Hindu month of Chaitra, is also very meaningful to believers, even though Kartik Chhath is well-known and celebrated after Diwali. People watch Chaitra Chhath 2025.

Chhath Puja 2025 Start Date

In 2025, there will be two main cycles for celebrating Chhath Puja: Kartik Chhath in the month of Kartik (October–November) and Chaiti Chhath in the month of Chaitra (March–April). Though they occur at different seasons and have distinct cultural meaning, both are distinguished by the same exacting four-day ritual.

Kartik Chhath Puja 2025 Dates (October–November)

The more widely celebrated Kartik Chhath takes place six days after Diwali.

• Nahay Khay – October 25, 2025 (Saturday)

• Kharna – October 26, 2025 (Sunday)

• Sandhya Arghya – October 27, 2025 (Monday)

• Usha Arghya – October 28, 2025 (Tuesday)

Chaiti Chhath 2025: Dates and Muhurta

During the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) of the Hindu month of Chaitra, which usually occurs in March or April, Chaiti Chhath, also called Chaitra Chhath, is observed. Chaiti Chhath is less well-known than its Kartik cousin, but it has a unique meaning since it is celebrated with the same fervor and represents the religious end of the Chaitra Navratri season.

The dates of Chaiti Chhath celebrations in 2025 are March 30–April 2. The specific dates and muhurtas (lucky times) for each day’s primary ceremonies are shown below:

• Nahay Khay – March 30, 2025 (Sunday)

  • Significance: Devotees purify themselves and their homes. The day begins with a sacred bath and preparation of satvik food.

  • Recommended Muhurta: Sunrise – 6:05 AM to 7:30 AM (local variations apply)

• Kharna – March 31, 2025 (Monday)

  • Significance: The devotee fasts the whole day and consumes only one meal in the evening, after offering prayers to the Sun.

  • Kharna Puja Time: 6:30 PM to 7:15 PM (during or shortly after sunset)

• Sandhya Arghya – April 1, 2025 (Tuesday)

  • Significance: Offerings are made to the setting sun on riverbanks or in clean water bodies. Devotees stand in water and perform arghya.

  • Sunset Muhurta: 6:25 PM to 6:45 PM

• Usha Arghya – April 2, 2025 (Wednesday)

  • Significance: The most sacred offering is made to the rising sun, marking the end of the fast and the completion of Chhath rituals.

  • Sunrise Muhurta: 5:45 AM to 6:15 AM

Rituals and Observances of Chhath Puja

A four-day holiday that emphasizes discipline and spirituality, Chhath Puja is characterized by particular rituals that highlight thankfulness, cleanliness, and devotion to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Every act of these rites, which have their roots in Vedic traditions, is rigorously observed and transmitted down the generations.

Day 1: Nahay Khay (Bath and Eat)

• Ritual bathing, frequently in a holy river or other body of pure water, is how devotees start their spiritual journey.
• Only satvik (pure vegetarian) food is cooked, and the house is meticulously maintained.
• Lauki (bottle gourd), chana dal, and plain rice—cooked without onions or garlic—are frequently served at the first meal, which signifies the start of the vow (vrat).

Day 2: Kharna (Evening Meal and Fasting)

• Observers refrain from drinking any water during the day (nirjala vrat).
• After praying to the sun in the evening, a modest dinner is made and eaten, often consisting of banana, roti, and kheer (sweet rice pudding).
• Following this lunch, devotees embark on a 36-hour nirjala fast, during which they abstain from food and liquids until the puja is over.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering)

• Families congregate at a pond, riverside, or other particularly designated body of water on this day.
• To the accompaniment of folk music and prayers, devotees in traditional clothing stand in water and present arghya (water offerings) to the setting sun.
• Surya Dev is given exquisitely prepared soops (winnowing baskets) loaded with thekua, sugarcane, fruits, and other gifts.

Day 4: Usha Arghya (Morning Offering)

• In order to present arghya to the rising sun and ask for blessings for health, prosperity, and well-being, devotees gather around the water body once more before daybreak.
• At this point, the fast comes to a close, and followers present prasad to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya before breaking their vrat.

Spiritual and Traditional Significance of Chhath Puja

A deep expression of thanksgiving and respect for Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (the goddess of strength and protection), Chhath Puja is more than just a ceremony. The event honours the sun’s life-giving force, which provides warmth, light, and vigor to all living things on Earth.

Devotion and Purity

Fasting, cleanliness, and disciplined behaviour are all aspects of ceremonial purity that are highly valued during the festival. According to devotees, these rituals assist individuals in achieving spiritual clarity and heavenly benefits by cleansing the body and mind.

Relationship with Nature

The peace between people and the environment is exquisitely shown by Chhath Puja. At the water’s edge, offering arghya to the sun represents reverence for the land, water, fire, and air, as well as an understanding of their interdependence in supporting life.

Ancient Vedic Origins

Originating in the Vedic era, Chhath Puja is referenced in ancient texts like the Rigveda and Mahabharata, emphasising the veneration of Surya as the principal god. The discipline and spiritual intensity outlined in these books are reflected in the exacting and fasting practices.

Family and Community Bonding

A strong feeling of community is also fostered during Chhath Puja. To strengthen social bonds and communal faith, families and neighbours get together to rejoice, sing folk songs, and help one another carry out the difficult rites.

A Sign of Hope and Renewal

The agricultural cycle has times of rejuvenation when Chaiti Chhath falls in the spring and Kartik Chhath falls in the fall. Devotees offer up prayers for wealth, health, and abundant crops. It’s an opportunity to purge the past and welcome good energy into the future.

When is Chhath Puja 2025?

How to Celebrate Chhath Puja 2025

• Prepare Traditional Dishes: Cook prasad items like thekua, kheer, and fruits
• Decorate Your Home: Use marigolds, banana leaves, and earthen lamps
• Visit Water Bodies: If possible, participate in the arghya rituals at a nearby river or pond
• Observe Fasting: Follow the fasting guidelines if you’re a devotee
• Spread Awareness: Share the importance of environmental conservation, a key aspect of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja 2025 Around the World

While Chhath Puja originates from Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, it’s now celebrated globally:

• India: Major celebrations in Bihar, Jharkhand, UP, and parts of Nepal
• USA: Growing observances in states with large Indian populations like New Jersey and California
• UK: Significant celebrations in London and Birmingham
• Australia: Emerging festivities in Sydney and Melbourne

Conclusion

Chhath Puja 2025 is a wonderful chance to thank the Sun God, get back in touch with nature, and ask for blessings for happiness, wealth, and good health. Whether you celebrate the Kartik Chhath in the fall or the Chaiti Chhath in the spring, the festival’s customs place a strong emphasis on dedication, purity, and camaraderie. Knowing the dates and significance of Chhath Puja will help you be ready to take part in this venerable and age-old custom in a meaningful way. I hope your Chhath Puja is full of blessings, dedication, and tranquility.

FAQs

Q1: When is Chhath Puja celebrated in 2025?
A1: Chhath Puja is celebrated twice in 2025—Chaiti Chhath from March 30 to April 2, and Kartik Chhath from October 25 to October 28.

Q2: What is the significance of Chhath Puja?
A2: Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya, thanking them for sustaining life and seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and well-being.

Q3: How long does Chhath Puja last?
A3: The main rituals span four days, starting with Nahay Khay, followed by Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and concluding with Usha Arghya.

Q4: Can anyone observe Chhath Puja?
A4: Yes, people from all backgrounds can observe Chhath Puja. However, it involves strict fasting and rituals, so it’s recommended to prepare mentally and physically.

Q5: What are the main rituals of Chhath Puja?
A5: Key rituals include fasting without water, bathing in a river or water body, offering arghya to the setting and rising sun, and performing prayers with devotion.

Q6: What should I avoid during Chhath Puja?
A6: Devotees typically avoid eating cooked food during fasting days, consuming alcohol, and engaging in any negative or impure activities.

Q7: Is Chhath Puja celebrated outside India?
A7: Yes, Chhath Puja is celebrated by Indian communities worldwide, including Nepal, Mauritius, Fiji, and various countries with Indian diaspora.

Q8: How can I prepare for Chhath Puja 2025?
A8: Preparation includes understanding the rituals, maintaining purity, gathering necessary items like fruits, sugarcane, holy water, and planning to observe fasting and prayers.