Chhath Puja 2025 is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, observed with deep devotion across parts of North and Eastern India. The festival is marked by strict fasting, riverbank rituals, and prayers offered to the rising and setting sun, expressing gratitude for life, health, and prosperity.
Spiritual Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja holds immense spiritual importance as it is one of the few Hindu festivals dedicated solely to the worship of the Sun God. Devotees believe that offering prayers to Surya Dev helps remove physical ailments, fulfill wishes, and bring harmony to family life. The festival also honors Chhathi Maiya, regarded as the divine protector of children and family well-being.
Rituals and Observances of Chhath Puja 2025
Nahay Khay
The festival begins with Nahay Khay, during which devotees take a holy bath in rivers or water bodies and prepare simple, pure vegetarian food to mark spiritual cleansing.
Kharna
On the second day, devotees observe a day-long fast and break it after sunset with offerings such as jaggery-based kheer, fruits, and chapatis, preparing themselves for the main rituals.
Sandhya Arghya
The third day involves offering evening prayers to the setting sun while standing in rivers or ponds. Devotees express gratitude and seek blessings through traditional songs and offerings.
Usha Arghya
The final ritual takes place before sunrise, when devotees offer prayers to the rising sun. This marks the conclusion of Chhath Puja and is followed by the breaking of the fast.
Chhath Puja 2025 Celebrations Across India
Chhath Puja is widely celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. Over the years, the festival has also gained prominence in metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata due to migration and community participation.
Where and How Chhath Puja Is Celebrated
Chhath Puja in Bihar
Bihar is considered the heartland of Chhath Puja. Devotees gather along riverbanks of the Ganga, Gandak, and Kosi, where large-scale arrangements are made for safe and organized rituals.
Chhath Puja in Jharkhand
In Jharkhand, the festival is observed at rivers and local water bodies with community participation. Traditional folk songs and group prayers are a key part of the celebrations.
Chhath Puja in Uttar Pradesh
Eastern Uttar Pradesh witnesses grand Chhath Puja celebrations along the Ganga and its tributaries. Urban centers also organize designated ghats to accommodate devotees.
Chhath Puja in Nepal and Other Regions
In Nepal’s Terai region and other parts of the country, Chhath Puja is observed with equal devotion. Outside these regions, devotees celebrate the festival at nearby lakes, ponds, and even temporary water setups.
Cultural and Religious Importance
Chhath Puja emphasizes values such as discipline, environmental purity, gratitude, and community bonding. The festival promotes eco-friendly practices, as offerings are made without idols or artificial decorations, strengthening the connection between humans and nature.
Explore Related Festivals
You may also explore other spiritually significant festivals such as Dev Deepavali, which share themes of light, devotion, and reverence toward natural elements.