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Chhath Puja kicks off with Nahay Khay, a day of ritual bathing and pure offerings. It’s the start of a mystical four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God. What ancient secrets and blessings await the faithful this year? Read the article for full details.
Chhath Puja 2025 will begin on October 25.
New Delhi: The grand and spiritually charged festival of Chhath Puja 2025 will begin on Saturday, 25 October with the observance of Nahay Khay, the first day of the four-day celebration dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya.
Falling on the Shukla Chaturthi of the Kartika month, this day marks the beginning of a period of rigorous purity, discipline, and devotion for millions of devotees, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal.
‘Nahay Khay’ literally translates to ‘bathe and eat’, signifying the act of purification before embarking on the sacred fasting rituals of Chhath. The day holds deep spiritual importance as it symbolizes cleansing the body and soul to prepare for the days of fasting and devotion ahead.
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On this day, devotees take a holy dip in rivers, ponds, or other natural water bodies, most commonly in the Ganga, Kosi, or Son rivers. The ritual bath is believed to purify the body and mind. After the bath, devotees prepare a simple, satvik (pure and vegetarian) meal, traditionally made with lauki (bottle gourd), chana dal (Bengal gram lentils), and steamed rice cooked in bronze or clay utensils. The use of onion, garlic, or any impure ingredient is strictly avoided.
After partaking in this sanctified meal, devotees observe strict abstinence from non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and worldly indulgences until the completion of the Chhath festival. The meal of Nahay Khay is considered an oath of purity- it marks the transition into a state of spiritual discipline.
This day marks the start of Chhath.
Nahay Khay is more than just a ritual- it represents faith, cleanliness, and commitment. It is believed that those who perform these rituals with sincerity and purity invite divine blessings of health, prosperity, and well-being for their families. The day sets the tone for the next three days of intense fasting and worship:
Kharna (October 26, 2025): the second day involves a day-long fast ending with a sweet offering of kheer and fruits.
Sandhya Arghya (October 27, 2025): devotees offer the first arghya to the setting sun.
Usha Arghya (October 28, 2025): the final day marks the offering to the rising sun and concludes the festival.
In many households, women known as Vratis those who perform the fast begin preparations for the festival weeks in advance. They clean their homes thoroughly, gather traditional offerings like sugarcane, thekua (a sweet made from wheat flour and jaggery), fruits, and bamboo baskets.
On Nahay Khay, ghats across Patna, Gaya, Varanasi, and Kathmandu witness thousands of devotees taking the ritual dip at sunrise. The atmosphere becomes vibrant yet serene filled with devotional songs, the fragrance of incense, and the sight of women carrying kalash (pots) filled with holy water.
State governments, particularly in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, have begun preparations to ensure cleanliness and safety at major ghats. Temporary changing rooms, medical facilities, and lighting arrangements are being set up for the smooth conduct of the festival.
Chhath Puja stands out among Indian festivals for its simplicity and ecological consciousness. It honors the Sun God, the eternal source of life and energy, and reaffirms the connection between humans and nature. Nahay Khay, as the festival’s first step, reminds devotees of the purity of intent, discipline, and gratitude that lie at the heart of Chhath traditions.
As dawn breaks on 25 October 2025, the sight of devotees stepping into sacred rivers, praying with folded hands, and partaking in a humble meal will once again reflect the timeless faith and cultural heritage that Chhath Puja embodies.
