Chhath Puja 2025: A Sacred Ode to the Sun God – Rituals, Culture, and History

Chhath Puja, one of the most ancient and revered festivals in India, is a four-day-long Hindu celebration dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and his consort, Chhathi Maiya. This festival is a beautiful amalgamation of faith, discipline, and gratitude towards nature. In 2025, Chhath Puja will be observed from November 7th (Friday) to November 10th (Monday).

Primarily celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, Chhath Puja has also gained prominence among Indian diaspora communities in Mauritius, Fiji, Trinidad & Tobago, and the USA. Unlike many Hindu festivals that involve idol worship, Chhath is unique—it is a pure Vedic ritual that honors the cosmic energy of the Sun, the ultimate source of life.

The Four Days of Chhath Puja: Rituals (Vidhi) and Significance

Chhath Puja is marked by strict rituals spanning four days, each with deep spiritual meaning.

Day 1: Nahay Khay (November 7, 2025 – Friday)

Meaning: “Nahay Khay” translates to “Bathe and Eat.”
Rituals:
Devotees take a holy dip in rivers or ponds, symbolizing purification.
The house is cleaned, and a simple, satvik (pure) meal is prepared, usually consisting of lauki (bottle gourd) curry, chana dal, and rice.
The entire family eats this meal together, marking the beginning of the fast.

Day 2: Lohanda and Kharna (November 8, 2025 – Saturday)

Meaning: A day of rigorous fasting leading to the evening ritual of “Kharna.”
Rituals:
Devotees observe a day-long fast without water (nirjala vrat).
In the evening, they prepare kheer (rice pudding), puris, and bananas as offerings.
After sunset, the fast is broken with this prasad, followed by another 36-hour fast.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (November 9, 2025 – Sunday)

Meaning: The most significant day, where offerings are made to the setting sun.
Rituals:
Devotees spend the entire day preparing prasad (thekua, fruits, sugarcane).
In the evening, they gather at riverbanks, ponds, or makeshift water bodies.
Standing in water, they offer arghya (water, milk, flowers, and diyas) to the setting sun while chanting Vedic hymns.
The atmosphere is filled with devotional songs, rhythmic beats of folk music, and the glow of countless diyas.

Day 4: Usha Arghya (November 10, 2025 – Monday)

Meaning: The final offering to the rising sun, marking the end of the festival.
Rituals:
Before sunrise, devotees return to the water bodies to offer arghya to the rising sun.
The fast is broken with prasad distribution, and families celebrate with joyous reunions.
Many also perform a ritual called “Paran,” where they drink raw milk and eat ginger before consuming normal food.

Cultural Significance: A Festival of Faith and Togetherness

Chhath Puja is not just a religious event—it is a cultural phenomenon that binds communities together.

1. A Women-Centric Festival

Traditionally, women take the lead in performing Chhath rituals, fasting, and preparing offerings.
It symbolizes strength, sacrifice, and maternal energy, as Chhathi Maiya is considered a protector of children and families.

2. Eco-Friendly Celebrations

Unlike many festivals that involve fireworks, Chhath is completely natural—using only organic offerings like fruits, sugarcane, and clay diyas.
Devotees clean riverbanks post-celebration, reinforcing environmental consciousness.

3. A Festival Beyond Caste and Class

Chhath transcends social hierarchies—rich or poor, all stand together in knee-deep water, singing the same hymns.
It is a great equalizer, fostering unity and humility.

4. Emotional Homecoming for Migrants

For Biharis and people from eastern UP working outside their home states, Chhath is an emotional homecoming.
Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore witness grand celebrations near lakes, with thousands gathering to keep traditions alive.

Historical Roots: Tracing the Origins of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja’s origins are deeply entwined with Vedic traditions, Mahabharata, and Ramayana.

1. Vedic Connection

The rituals resemble ancient Vedic practices of sun worship (Surya Upasana).
The Rigveda contains hymns dedicated to the Sun God, highlighting its importance in early Hinduism.

2. Legend of Draupadi and the Pandavas

It is believed that Draupadi and the Pandavas performed Chhath to regain their lost kingdom.
The ritual brought them prosperity and power, reinforcing faith in the Sun God’s blessings.

3. Lord Rama’s Coronation

Another legend states that Lord Rama and Sita observed Chhath upon returning to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
They broke their fast at sunrise, marking the tradition of Usha Arghya.

4. Karna’s Sun Worship

Karna, the tragic hero of Mahabharata and son of the Sun God, is said to have performed similar rituals, further embedding Chhath in tradition.

Chhath Puja Around the World

While Chhath is primarily an Indo-Nepalese festival, its charm has spread globally:

1. Nepal

Celebrated as “Surya Shashthi” in Terai regions (Janakpur, Birgunj).
The rituals mirror those in Bihar, with grand processions and folk songs.

2. Mauritius

The Bhojpuri-speaking diaspora celebrates Chhath with the same fervor, gathering at beaches for arghya.

3. USA, UK, and Australia

Indian communities organize public Chhath events near lakes and rivers.
In New York’s Hudson River and Sydney’s Parramatta River, thousands gather annually.

Conclusion: The Eternal Glow of Faith

Chhath Puja is more than a festival—it is a testament to human endurance, faith, and gratitude towards nature. In a fast-paced world, it reminds us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with our roots.

As the golden hues of the setting sun merge with the chants of millions in 2025, Chhath Puja will once again prove why it remains one of the purest, most spiritually uplifting celebrations in the world.

“Dala Chhath ki lakh lakh vadhaiyan!” (A million blessings for Chhath Puja!)

FAQs About Chhath Puja 2025

Q1. Why is Chhath Puja celebrated after Diwali?

Chhath falls six days after Diwali, aligning with the 6th day (Shashthi) of the Kartik month, considered highly auspicious for Sun worship.

Q2. Can men observe Chhath Puja?

Yes! While traditionally women lead, many men also observe the fast and participate in rituals.

Q3. What is the scientific significance of Chhath?

Standing in water during sunrise/sunset helps absorb Vitamin D and solar energy, boosting immunity.

Q4. How is prasad prepared?

Only pure ingredients (no onion, garlic, or salt) are used. Thekua (wheat cookies), fruits, and sugarcane are common offerings.