Chhath Puja 2025: A Radiant Tribute to the Sun
Chhath Puja is one of India’s most sacred and ancient festivals, dedicated to the worship of the Sun God (Surya) and his sister, Chhathi Maiya. This festival symbolizes purity, devotion, and gratitude for nature’s life-giving forces. It is primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, but its spirit has now spread to almost every corner of India and among global Indian communities.
When and Where It’s Celebrated
Chhath Puja is observed on the sixth day (Shashthi) of the Kartika month, which usually falls in October or November. In 2025, the festival will be celebrated from October 25 to October 28. During these four days, millions gather at riverbanks, ponds, and lakes to offer prayers to the setting and rising sun.
Four Sacred Days of Devotion
-
Nahay–Khay (Day 1): Devotees begin with a holy bath in a river or pond and clean their homes thoroughly. They eat a simple satvik meal, marking the start of purification and discipline.
-
Kharna (Day 2): On this day, devotees fast from sunrise to sunset, breaking it only after offering prasad, usually made of jaggery, rice, and milk. After Kharna, they begin a 36-hour long nirjala fast (without food or water).
-
Sandhya Arghya (Day 3): The most mesmerizing ritual takes place at sunset when devotees gather at water bodies to offer arghya (water offerings) to the setting sun. The atmosphere is filled with devotional songs, diyas, and heartfelt prayers.
-
Usha Arghya (Day 4): The final morning sees devotees offering arghya to the rising sun, symbolizing renewal, hope, and the continuity of life. The fast ends after this ritual, and prasad is distributed among family and friends.
Spiritual and Cultural Significance
Chhath Puja is not just a religious event; it represents a harmonious bond between humans and nature. The Sun God is seen as a source of energy, health, and prosperity. Worshiping the rising and setting sun reflects gratitude and the cycle of creation. Chhathi Maiya is revered as the goddess who grants offspring, protects families, and ensures happiness and longevity.
The rituals also promote environmental consciousness — devotees use eco-friendly materials, keep ghats clean, and emphasize purity in body and surroundings. The fasts demonstrate human endurance and faith, reminding devotees of balance and discipline in life.
The Vibrant Visuals of Chhath
The festival’s visual grandeur is unmatched. Women dressed in bright sarees stand knee-deep in rivers with baskets of fruits, thekua, sugarcane, and coconut. Earthen lamps light up the water surface as folk songs echo across the ghats. The serenity of sunrise and sunset, combined with the collective devotion of thousands, creates a divine experience that transcends religion and touches the soul.
Urban Adaptation and Modern Relevance
While traditionally celebrated on riverbanks, urban devotees now recreate the rituals on rooftops or community ponds. Despite modernization, the essence of Chhath remains untouched — devotion, simplicity, and gratitude. In today’s fast-paced life, the festival offers a spiritual pause, reminding people to reconnect with nature and thank the universe for its blessings.
Why Chhath Puja Matters Today
Chhath Puja’s message is timeless — respect nature, stay disciplined, and express gratitude. It promotes sustainability, purity, and the spirit of community. As the world faces environmental challenges, Chhath stands as a reminder of harmony between humans and the elements of nature.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja is more than a ritual; it’s a journey of the soul. From fasting and prayers to the mesmerizing sight of sunrise over calm waters, the festival embodies devotion, peace, and resilience. In its quiet yet powerful way, Chhath Puja continues to unite millions in a shared celebration of life, light, and faith.
