This year, the sacred rituals will unfold from Saturday, October 25th, to Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 . The main day of worship, Sandhya Arghya, will be observed on Monday, October 27th .
The Four Days of Sacred Rituals
Chhath Puja is a spiritual journey that unfolds over four distinct days, each with its own deep significance and set of rituals .
Day 1: Nahay Khay (October 25) - The festival commences with `Nahay Khay`, which means "bathe and eat." Devotees take a pre-dawn holy dip in a river or pond and bring home the sacred water. They then prepare a single, pure vegetarian meal, often consisting of bottle gourd (`lauki`), Bengal gram lentil, and rice, cooked in an earthen pot. This meal, consumed without onion or garlic, marks the beginning of the vow (`vrat`) .
Day 2: Kharna (October 26) - The second day, `Kharna`, involves a strict waterless fast (`nirjala vrat`) observed from sunrise to sunset. As the moon rises, devotees break their fast by offering `kheer` (rice pudding) and roti to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. This sacred food, known as `prasad`, is then shared among family and neighbors. Following this, the devotee begins a rigorous 36-hour fast without food or water .
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (October 27) - The third day is the pinnacle of the festival. Devotees spend the day preparing elaborate offerings. In the evening, entire communities gather at riverbanks, ponds, or other water bodies. Standing knee-deep in water, they offer `Sandhya Arghya` (evening offerings) to the setting sun. The air resonates with traditional folk songs and devotional chants as baskets (`soop`) filled with `thekua` (a traditional sweet), fruits, and sugarcane are offered to the solar deity .
Day 4: Usha Arghya (October 28) - The festival culminates before dawn on the fourth day with `Usha Arghya` (morning offerings). Devotees return to the waterbody to offer prayers to the rising sun, symbolizing new beginnings and hope. After this final offering, the 36-hour long fast is broken with `prasad` and water in a ritual called `Parana`, marking the successful completion of the sacred vow .
Profound Significance and Ancient Legends
Chhath Puja is more than a festival; it is a spiritual discipline that aligns the mind and body with cosmic energy . It is the only major Hindu festival where both the setting and the rising sun are worshipped, acknowledging the cycle of birth and rebirth . Devotees pray for the well-being of their family, the longevity of their children, and the fulfillment of their wishes .
The festival's origins are deeply rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures. The `Mahabharata` mentions that Karna, the son of the Sun God Surya, performed similar rites . Another legend states that after returning to Ayodhya, Lord Rama and Mata Sita observed a fast and performed the rituals of Surya Shashthi, which is now celebrated as Chhath Puja .
An Eco-Friendly Celebration and Global Observance
Known for its environmental consciousness, Chhath Puja is celebrated with natural offerings, with a strong emphasis on cleaning water bodies and surroundings . While the heartland of the festival is in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, as well as in Nepal, its observance has a global footprint . From the traditional ghats of the Ganga to makeshift tanks in metropolitan cities like Delhi and New York, the diaspora keeps the tradition alive, showcasing a powerful connection to their cultural heritage .
As the dates approach, the spirit of devotion and community prepares to unite millions in a sacred celebration of life, nature, and the divine Sun.
We hope this guide helps you understand and appreciate the profound beauty of the upcoming Chhath Puja.
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