Chhath Puja 2025 is one of the most revered festivals in India and Nepal, dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya. This four-day celebration, deeply rooted in Vedic scriptures and Hindu epics, emphasizes devotion, community, and respect for nature. From Nahay-Khay to Usha Arghya, each day of the festival carries a spiritual significance, with devotees singing Chhath geet and performing rituals that have been passed down through generations.
Whether you’re wondering छठ पूजा कब है, or curious about Chhath puja songs, this guide provides a complete overview of the festival, its traditions, and how it is celebrated across India and Nepal.
Historical and Cultural Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Mahaparv, also called Chhath Puja, is more than just a religious festival. Its roots trace back to Vedic times and major epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, where devotion to the Sun God is frequently mentioned. While the festival honors Surya Dev, local traditions also focus on Chhathi Maiya, a protective goddess believed to bless children and safeguard families.
Several legends highlight the spiritual importance of Chhath Puja. For instance, Lord Ram and Mata Sita performed sun worship during their exile, while Kunti and Draupadi in the Mahabharata used the Surya Vrat to seek protection and prosperity for their families. Over time, these stories evolved into the modern four-day rituals, blending religious texts, folklore, and local customs.
Chhath Puja is celebrated predominantly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Nepal, but its influence has spread to cities across India, including Delhi, where devotees prepare dedicated ghats for worship.
How Chhath Puja Is Celebrated
- Nahay-Khay
The festival begins with Nahay-Khay, where devotees take a purifying bath in rivers or ponds and consume sattvic meals (simple, vegetarian food without onion or garlic). This day symbolizes physical and spiritual cleanliness, preparing devotees for the upcoming rituals. - Kharna
On the second day, devotees observe Kharna, a day-long fast broken in the evening after offering prayers. Special dishes like kheer (rice pudding) and chapati are prepared as prasadam (offering) for the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. The day emphasizes discipline, devotion, and community bonding. - Sandhya Arghya
The third day marks the Sandhya Arghya, where devotees stand in riverbanks or ponds at sunset, offering water (arghya) to Surya Dev. This ritual is accompanied by traditional Chhath geet, sung to express gratitude and devotion. The evening prayers are often observed by large gatherings at ghats, decorated with lights, flowers, and rangoli, creating a visually stunning spiritual experience. - Usha Arghya
The festival concludes with Usha Arghya, performed at sunrise. Devotees once again offer arghya to the Sun God, symbolizing renewal, prosperity, and the dispelling of negative energies. This marks the end of the four-day festival, leaving devotees spiritually rejuvenated.
Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja carries multiple layers of spiritual and social significance:
- Sun Worship: The festival celebrates Surya Dev, the source of energy and life, along with his consorts Usha and Pratyusha. Devotees honor the sun for health, prosperity, and protection from negative energies.
- Nature and Water Conservation: Rituals emphasize the importance of rivers, ponds, and natural water bodies, promoting environmental consciousness.
- Cultural Traditions: From preparing traditional foods to singing Chhath puja songs, the festival preserves and propagates local customs and folklore.
- Family and Community Bonding: Communities come together to clean ghats, decorate puja areas, and participate in collective prayers, fostering unity and social cohesion.
Chhath Geet and Cultural Expressions
A unique aspect of Chhath Puja is the singing of Chhath geet or Chhath Puja songs. These devotional songs are an integral part of the rituals, recited during evening and morning prayers, and help create a serene spiritual atmosphere. Singing together strengthens communal bonds and adds a musical heritage dimension to the festival.
The songs often narrate legends of Chhathi Maiya, Surya Dev, and stories from Hindu epics, keeping traditions alive while inspiring younger generations to participate actively.
Chhath Puja 2025: Date, Vidhi, and Preparation
Chhath Puja 2025 begins on October 26, 2025, with Nahay-Khay and continues for four days. Devotees prepare their homes, gather ritual items, and clean riverside ghats for worship. Essential puja materials include fruits, kuaan (winnowing basket), kuaan leaves, sweets, and lamps.
The festival’s vidhi (procedure) involves strict adherence to rituals, from bathing and fasting to offering arghya at sunrise and sunset. Observing these traditions faithfully is believed to bring health, prosperity, and spiritual well-being.
Where Chhath Puja Is Celebrated
Although Chhath Puja is most prominent in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Nepal, its celebration has spread to urban areas across India. In Delhi, for example, markets such as Azadpur Mandi, Shahdara, Noida’s Harola Bazaar, and Atta Market become hubs for purchasing puja items. Communities ensure that ghats are clean, decorated, and safe for devotees, reflecting the festival’s growing urban significance.
Why Chhath Puja Matters
Chhath Puja is more than a religious observance; it symbolizes devotion, discipline, and gratitude. It strengthens family bonds, preserves cultural identity, and instills respect for nature. By honoring the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, devotees seek blessings for health, prosperity, and protection for their children, reflecting the deep spiritual roots of this festival in Indian and Nepali traditions.
Chhath Puja 2025 continues to be a festival that blends faith, tradition, and community spirit. From singing Chhath geet to performing rituals at sunrise and sunset, devotees celebrate the divine, nature, and togetherness. This four-day festival is a testament to centuries-old traditions that continue to thrive, making it one of the most cherished celebrations in India and Nepal.
Whether you are observing Chhath Puja for the first time or are a lifelong devotee, understanding छठ पूजा कैसे मनाया जाता है, its significance, and the vibrant songs that accompany it ensures a meaningful and memorable festival.
