Patna: Chhath Puja, one of the most revered Hindu festivals, celebrates the worship of the Sun God (Surya Dev) and his consort Usha, the first light of dawn. It is believed that the Sun’s rays hold healing power and sustain life on Earth. Observing Chhath brings prosperity, longevity, and peace to one’s family.
Primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, the festival has now spread across India and abroad, especially among migrant communities. It is also known by regional names such as Surya Shashti, Dala Puja, and Chhath Parv.
Chhath Puja 2025: Day-Wise Schedule and Timings
The four-day festival begins on Saturday, October 25, and concludes on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
- Day 1 – Nahay Khay (October 25, Saturday):
- Devotees take a holy dip in rivers or ponds and eat a simple, purified meal. Sunrise at 6:28 am, sunset at 5:42 pm.
- Day 2 – Kharna (October 26, Sunday):
- A day-long fast is observed and broken after sunset with prasad offered to Chhathi Mata. Sunrise at 6:29 am, sunset at 5:41 pm.
- Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya (October 27, Monday):
- Devotees gather at water bodies to offer arghya to the setting Sun while singing traditional songs. Sunrise at 6:30 am, sunset at 5:40 pm.
- Day 4 – Usha Arghya (October 28, Tuesday):
- The fast ends after offering morning prayers to the rising Sun. Devotees then perform Parana, marking the end of their 36-hour fast. Sunrise at 6:30 am, sunset at 5:39 pm.
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Who Celebrates and Why It’s Significant?
Chhath Puja is celebrated mainly by people of Bihari and Maithil communities, though its spirit of devotion transcends regional boundaries. The rituals are deeply ecological — using only natural offerings like fruits, sugarcane, and thekua (a traditional sweet).
The festival symbolizes gratitude to nature’s forces and promotes purity of mind and body through fasting, self-control, and community participation. Devotees believe that offering prayers to the Sun ensures health, abundance, and happiness in life.
Ancient Origins: Chhath in Hindu Mythology
The tradition of Chhath Puja dates back to Vedic times, when sun worship was part of daily ritual practice. Scriptures mention that Draupadi and the Pandavas observed Chhath to regain their lost kingdom and restore health and prosperity. Some legends also link it to Karna, the son of the Sun God, who is believed to be the first devotee of Surya.
Over centuries, Chhath evolved into a festival that combines spiritual purity, cultural unity, and environmental respect, making it one of India’s most eco-conscious celebrations.
A Celebration Beyond Religion
Beyond its religious meaning, Chhath Puja represents faith, endurance, and communal harmony. The sight of devotees standing waist-deep in water at sunrise and sunset, offering prayers with folded hands, continues to inspire millions — reaffirming the bond between humanity and nature.