Chhath Puja — History, Significance & 2025 Time Table

1. Introduction

Chhath Puja is one of the most ancient and sacred Hindu festivals, mainly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. It is dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees express gratitude to the Sun for sustaining life and seek blessings for health, prosperity, and family welfare.

2. History & Mythological Background

The origins of Chhath Puja trace back to the Vedic period when the Sun was revered as a source of energy and life. Legends connect this festival with King Priyavrata, whose prayers to Chhathi Maiya brought life to his stillborn child.

References in Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata also highlight this festival’s ancient roots — Sita and Draupadi are said to have performed Chhath rituals for family welfare and prosperity.

3. Significance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja symbolizes purity, devotion, and harmony with nature. It is the only Hindu festival where devotees worship both the setting and the rising sun. The rituals focus on discipline, fasting, cleanliness, and eco-friendly practices, often performed on riverbanks to connect with natural energies.

4. Four-Day Chhath Puja Rituals (2025 Timetable)

Chhath Puja in 2025 will be celebrated from October 25 to October 28.

Day 1 – Nahay Khay (October 25, 2025)

Devotees take a holy dip in a river and prepare a Satvik meal (without onion, garlic, or salt). The day marks purification of body and mind.

Day 2 – Kharna (October 26, 2025)

Devotees observe a strict fast, breaking it only after sunset with kheer (rice pudding), fruits, and chapati.

Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya (October 27, 2025)

In the evening, devotees gather at ghats (riverbanks) to offer Arghya (water offering) and prayers to the setting sun, along with Thekua, fruits, and sugarcane as Prasad.

Day 4 – Usha Arghya (October 28, 2025)

The final day of Chhath begins before sunrise. Devotees offer Arghya to the rising sun and conclude their fast, distributing prasad among family and neighbors.

5. Rituals & Offerings

• Thekua — a special sweet made of wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee.

• Fruits like bananas and coconuts are offered as prasad.

• Devotees stand waist-deep in water while offering prayers.

• Fasting with discipline and purity symbolizes devotion and self-control.

6. Environmental & Cultural Values

Chhath Puja promotes respect for nature and clean environments. Ghats are cleaned and decorated, and the festival strengthens community bonds and spiritual unity.

7. Chhath Puja 2025 Key Dates

• Nahay Khay – Saturday, October 25, 2025

• Kharna – Sunday, October 26, 2025

• Sandhya Arghya – Monday, October 27, 2025

• Usha Arghya – Tuesday, October 28, 2025

9. Conclusion

Chhath Puja is a festival of purity, gratitude, and devotion. It celebrates the eternal bond between nature and humanity. Through prayer, fasting, and offerings, devotees express reverence to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya for sustaining life and spreading light, energy, and positivity in the universe.

Namaste !! Team The SatvikSamagri Co.