The Four Days of Chhath Puja: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025
Chhath Puja is more than a festival; it's a profound conversation between the human spirit and the sun. Observed with deep reverence in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, this ancient Vedic ritual is a beautiful, eco-conscious tribute to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. It is a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the life-giving energy of the sun and a prayer for the well-being of family and community.
In 2025, this sacred observance will unfold from October 25th to October 28th, guiding devotees through a four-day spiritual journey of purification, discipline, and ultimate devotion.
Day 1: Nahai-Khai – The Sacred Cleansing (October 25, 2025)
- The journey begins with purification. Nahai-Khai sets the tone for the days to come, symbolizing the cleansing of the body and mind.
- The Ritual: Devotees, primarily women known as Vratis, take a pre-dawn holy dip in a river or pond. Following the bath, they thoroughly clean their homes and begin preparing the Prasad (sacred food). The meal is simple, pure, and vegetarian—often featuring lauki (bottle gourd) and chana dal cooked in mud or bronze utensils with pure water.
- The Meaning: This day is about letting go of impurities. The holy bath washes away external impurities, while the simple, sattvic meal prepares the body and mind for the rigorous fast ahead. It’s the first step in shifting focus from the worldly to the divine.
Day 2: Kharna – The Day of Sweet Endurance (October 26, 2025)
- Kharna is a test of inner strength and devotion, where the Vrati observes a strict fast without even water.
- The Ritual: The nirjala (waterless) fast is broken only after sunset. The Vrati prepares a special offering for the evening—a humble yet powerful meal of gur ki kheer (jaggery-sweetened rice pudding), whole-wheat chapatis, and bananas. After offering this to the setting sun and Chhathi Maiya, the Vrati breaks her fast with this Prasad, which is then shared with family and neighbors.
- The Meaning: The sweetness of the kheer symbolizes the fruit of one's perseverance. This day teaches that true strength comes from discipline and that the simplest offerings, made with a pure heart, are the most profound.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya – An Ode to the Setting Sun (October 27, 2025)
- This is the soul of Chhath Puja, a spectacle of collective faith as devotees gather at riverbanks to honor the setting sun.
- The Ritual: Entire families spend the day preparing beautiful soops (bamboo baskets) filled with offerings: fresh fruits, sugarcane, coconuts, and homemade sweets like thekua. As the sun begins its descent, the Vratis and their families stand waist-deep in water, singing devotional songs. With unwavering focus, they offer Arghya (water) to Surya Dev, thanking him for the energy, life, and blessings of the past year.
- The Meaning: The setting sun represents the cycle of life, reminding us to accept endings with grace and gratitude. The communal singing and shared rituals create a powerful atmosphere of unity and devotion.
Day 4: Usha Arghya – Embracing the Dawn of Hope (October 28, 2025)
- The culmination of Chhath Puja arrives with the first light of dawn, filled with hope and the promise of new beginnings.
- The Ritual: In the pre-dawn darkness, devotees return to the water's edge. As the first rays of the sun break the horizon, they offer the final Arghya. This offering to the rising sun is a prayer for new energy, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles. Following the prayers, the Vratis break their 36-hour long fast, often with a sip of ginger water or milk.
- The Meaning: Usha Arghya symbolizes renewal and hope. It celebrates the victory of light over darkness and the devotee's unwavering faith. The breaking of the fast marks the completion of a sacred promise, filling the heart with peace and a sense of accomplishment.
Chhath Puja 2025 at a Glance
A quick guide from the Explorerealnews.com desk:
| Day & Date | Event | Spiritual Significance |
|
| October 25, Saturday | Nahai-Khai | Purification of body and soul; beginning the sacred fast. |
| October 26, Sunday | Kharna | Cultivating inner strength through discipline; offering the fruit of perseverance. |
| October 27, Monday | Sandhya Arghya | Expressing gratitude for the blessings received; honoring the cycle of life. |
|
| October 28, Tuesday | Usha Arghya | Welcoming new beginnings, hope, and divine illumination. |
The Timeless Message of Chhath
Chhath Puja stands out as a testament to sustainable living. Its rituals are inherently eco-friendly—the offerings are biodegradable, and the worship is directed at natural forces without any idols or elaborate artifices. It reminds us that the purest form of devotion is living in harmony with nature.
This festival is a powerful journey. It moves from cleansing the self, to building inner strength, to giving thanks, and finally, to welcoming a future filled with light. May the sun's rays during Chhath Puja 2025 illuminate your path with health, happiness, and profound peace.
At Explorerealnews.com, we are particularly drawn to traditions that offer lessons for contemporary life. Chhath Puja stands as a powerful testament to sustainable living. Its rituals are inherently eco-friendly—the offerings are biodegradable, and the worship is directed at natural forces. In a world seeking balance, Chhath reminds us, as many stories we cover do, that the purest form of devotion is living in harmony with nature.
This festival is a powerful journey that moves from cleansing the self, to building inner strength, to giving thanks, and finally, to welcoming a future filled with light. At Explorerealnews.com, we are honored to share the depth of such traditions. May the sun's rays during Chhath Puja 2025 illuminate your path with health, happiness, and profound peace.
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