Chhath Puja 2025: Date, Muhurat, Rituals, and Significance

Chhath Puja, one of the most ancient and revered Vedic festivals, is a profound expression of devotion to Surya, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya (the sixth form of Devi Prakriti). This four-day festival, celebrated with immense austerity and purity, symbolizes gratitude for the life-sustaining energy of the sun. It is a time for spiritual cleansing, family unity, and seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and longevity. Observed primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and by diaspora communities worldwide, Chhath Puja is a beautiful testament to humanity's deep connection with nature.

Chhath Puja 2025: Dates and Muhurat Timings

The rituals of Chhath Puja are performed over four days during the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar. Here are the precise dates and muhurat timings for Chhath Puja 2025, based on the Drik Panchang for New Delhi.

• Day 1: Nahay Khay (Saturday, October 25, 2025) - Devotees take a holy dip in a river and consume a single pure meal of kaddu-bhat (bottle gourd and rice) and chana dal.

• Day 2: Lohanda and Kharna (Sunday, October 26, 2025) - Devotees observe a fast for the entire day, which is broken in the evening after sunset with a special prasad of 'kheer' (rice pudding) and 'roti'. This marks the beginning of the rigorous 36-hour 'nirjala' (without water) fast.

• Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Monday, October 27, 2025) - The main day of Chhath Puja. Devotees offer 'arghya' (offerings) to the setting sun while standing in a water body. The prasad, including thekua and fruits, is prepared and arranged in bamboo baskets (daala).
  Sunset Time (Sandhya Arghya): Approximately 05:40 PM

• Day 4: Usha Arghya and Parana (Tuesday, October 28, 2025) - The final day involves offering 'arghya' to the rising sun. After this ritual, devotees break their 36-hour fast (Parana), concluding the puja.
  Sunrise Time (Usha Arghya): Approximately 06:30 AM

During the vrat, devotees must maintain the highest level of purity. This includes consuming a strict vegetarian diet without onion or garlic, avoiding leather goods, and preparing prasad in a clean, sanctified space.

The Divine Significance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is deeply rooted in Vedic traditions and is a festival of thanksgiving to the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth. Surya is the source of all energy, and this puja is a way to honor this cosmic force. It promotes environmental harmony, family well-being, and spiritual discipline. The rituals, especially standing in water and offering arghya, symbolize a direct connection with the elements of nature—sun, water, and earth.

Who Performed Chhath Puja First?

The origins of Chhath Puja are traced back to ancient scriptures and epics. According to one legend, it was first performed by Karna, the son of Surya Dev, from the Mahabharata. He was known to be an ardent devotee and would stand in water to offer prayers to his father, the Sun God, which granted him immense strength and prosperity. Another legend suggests that Sita Mata, after returning to Ayodhya with Lord Rama, performed Chhath Puja for the well-being of the kingdom. In the Mahabharata, Draupadi is also said to have performed these rituals on the advice of the sage Dhaumya to help the Pandavas regain their lost kingdom during their exile.

The Four-Day Rituals of Chhath Puja

The beauty of Chhath Puja lies in its disciplined and serene four-day observance.

• Day 1: Nahay Khay (Bathe and Eat) - The 'vrati' (devotee) takes a holy bath and prepares a simple, sattvic meal, typically rice, chana dal, and bottle gourd curry. This meal is eaten once, marking the beginning of the spiritual journey.

• Day 2: Kharna (The Day Before Chhath) - The vrati observes a full-day fast, breaking it only after sunset with a prasad of kheer and roti. This meal is shared with family, and then the 36-hour waterless fast begins.

• Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering) - This is the peak of the festival. Vratis, along with their families, go to a riverbank or water body in the evening. They stand in the water and offer arghya to the setting sun from bamboo baskets filled with thekua, fruits, and sugarcane. The atmosphere is filled with devotional folk songs.

• Day 4: Usha Arghya (Morning Offering) - Before sunrise on the final day, devotees gather again at the water body to offer arghya to the rising sun. This offering marks the completion of the puja. After the prayers, the vrati breaks the fast by consuming a small portion of the prasad.

Tips for a Mindful and Eco-Friendly Chhath Puja

While tradition is paramount, we can observe Chhath Puja with mindfulness for our environment.

• Use Natural Materials: Opt for biodegradable bamboo baskets (daalas) and earthen lamps (diyas) instead of plastic alternatives.

• Choose Clean Water Bodies: Perform rituals at designated, clean ghats. If celebrating at home, use a clean tub or inflatable pool.

• Eco-Friendly Offerings: Ensure all offerings are natural and avoid immersing non-biodegradable items in the water.

• Involve the Family: Make the preparation of thekua and other prasad a family activity to pass on the traditions to the younger generation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Chhath Puja in 2025?

Chhath Puja in 2025 will be celebrated from October 25 (Nahay Khay) to October 28 (Usha Arghya and Parana).

Who performed Chhath Puja first in mythology?

According to mythological legends, Chhath Puja was first performed by Karna, the son of the Sun God. Other accounts mention that Sita Mata and Draupadi also observed this vrat for prosperity and well-being.

What is the significance of the 36-hour fast in Chhath Puja?

The 36-hour 'nirjala' (without water) fast is a form of extreme austerity and penance. It is believed to detoxify the body and mind, enhance spiritual focus, and demonstrate unwavering devotion to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, thereby attracting their divine blessings.

May the divine blessings of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya fill your life with health, happiness, and prosperity. Observe this sacred vrat with pure devotion and experience profound spiritual renewal. For an authentic and hassle-free puja experience, consider booking a knowledgeable pandit with pujaPurohit - Serving Sanatan.