When is Chhath Puja

When Is Chhath Puja 2025: Chhath Puja Timeline & Timings 

Chhath Puja (also spelled Chhath, Chhaith, Chhath Parva) is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated primarily to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (a form of Goddess Usha or sister/consort of the Sun). The word “Chhath” itself means “sixth,” because the festival’s major ritual observance falls on the sixth day of the bright (Shukla) fortnight of a Hindu month (Shashthi). 

It is one of the most rigorous and devout festivals, involving strict fasting (often without water), offerings at riverbanks or water bodies, and worship at both sunrise and sunset. 

Chhath is primarily celebrated in eastern and northern India (notably Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh) and in certain regions of Nepal. It is also observed among the diaspora in large cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and abroad.

When Is Chhath Puja 2025: Chhath Puja Timeline & Timings 

Chhath Puja, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, Surya, and his sister, Chhathi Maiya, will be Celebrate on October 25th to October 28th in 2025. This ancient Vedic festival is celebrated with immense devotion and fervor, particularly in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh.

The four-day observance of Chhath Puja follows a strict and sacred routine. The festival commences with Nahay Khay on October 25th, where devotees take a holy dip in a river and consume a single, sanctified meal. The second day, October 26th, is known as Kharna, during which devotees observe a day-long fast, which is broken after sunset with a special prasad of rice pudding and flatbread.

The main day of worship is the third day, Sandhya Arghya, on October 27th. Devotees gather at the banks of rivers and water bodies to offer prayers and 'arghya' (water offerings) to the setting sun. The festival culminates on October 28th with Usha Arghya, where offerings are made to the rising sun, after which the 36-hour-long fast is broken. Chhath Puja is a celebration of life, gratitude, and the deep connection between nature and humanity.

Below is a sample schedule (which one must verify with local almanac) for Chhath Puja:

  • Nahay Khay — e.g., October 22, 2025 (morning)
  • Kharna — e.g., October 23, 2025 (fasting, evening paran) 
  • Sandhya Arghya (Evening offering) — e.g., October 24, 2025 at sunset
  • Usha Arghya (Morning offering / Paran) — e.g., October 25, 2025 (sunrise) 

Sunrise & Sunset Timings (for 2024 example)

  • Sunrise ~ 6:38 AM | Sunset ~ 5:32 PM (varying by location) 
  • Shashthi tithi starts: 12:41 AM on Nov 7, ends: 12:34 AM Nov 8 (2024)

Because times vary by city and lunar calendar, devotees refer to Drik Panchang or astro charts.

The Four Days of Chhath Puja: Rituals & Observances

Chhath Puja is spread over four main days, each with its own rituals, significance, and strict observances:

Day Name / Ritual Main Activities & Significance
Day 1 Nahay Khay Devotees take a holy bath and purify themselves. They consume a simple vegetarian meal (without onion, garlic) at home using arwa (unpolished rice) and chana dal. This marks the beginning of the religious purity required for the fast. 
Day 2 Kharna (Lohanda + Kharna) A full-day fast (often with no food or water) is observed. In the evening, after sunset, devotees break the fast (paran) by consuming kheer (rice pudding with jaggery) and roti. No salt is used; the food is prepared with purely natural ingredients. After this meal, the fast continues for 36 hours (nirjala) without water. 
Day 3 Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering) Devotees gather at riverbanks or water bodies (e.g. rivers, ponds, ghats) before sunset. They stand in the water and offer Arghya (water + offerings) to the setting sun. Offerings include fruits, thekua (a traditional fried sweet), sugarcane, bamboo baskets with prasad, etc. Folk songs and devotional chants are sung. 
Day 4 Usha Arghya (Morning Offering / Paran) Early in the morning, devotees return to the waterbody to offer Arghya to the rising sun. After this, they break their fast, distribute prasad in the community, and conclude the rituals. The last offering is often the most auspicious moment. 

During all days, strict observance is mandated: purity, abstaining from meat, alcohol, and any impure items; cooking of food must follow specified rules (no onion, no garlic, no impurities). 

Devotees often keep vigil (stay awake) on the night of Day 3, maintaining religious songs and prayers.

Significance, Mythology & Beliefs

Chhath Puja embodies several layers of significance — spiritual, environmental, cultural.

Spiritual & Religious Significance

  • Worship of Surya (Sun God): Sun is considered the source of life, energy, light, and health. By offering Arghya to Surya, devotees express gratitude, seek blessings for longevity, prosperity, good health, and fertility. 
  • Chhathi Maiya / Usha: The worship of Chhathi Maiya (Goddess of sixth form) is integral. She is invoked for the protection and well-being of children, familial harmony, and removal of obstacles. 
  • Purity and Discipline: The strict fast and rituals emphasize discipline, self-control, and detachment from worldly desires.
  • Cosmic & Natural Harmony: Observance at sunrise & sunset aligns the human being with cosmic rhythms and solar cycles.

Mythology & Legends

There are a few legends associated with Chhath:

  • One legend says that Lord Rama performed Chhath Puja after his return to Ayodhya to thank the Sun for helping him in his exile and victory.
  • Another tale credits Chhathi Maiya granting a curse-lift to a woman, signifying her protective powers.
  • Some also link it to the legend of Draupadi and the Pandavas, or to local folklore in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

While these legends vary regionally, the core universal idea is devotion to solar divinity and nature.

State-wise (Regional) Celebrations & Variations

Since Chhath is concentrated in eastern and northern India, regional practices vary in emphasis, style, and scale. Below is an overview of how Chhath is celebrated in key states and regions:

1. Bihar – The Birthplace of Chhath Puja

Bihar is the cultural epicenter of Chhath Puja, where it is observed with unmatched fervor and tradition. It is considered the state where Chhath Puja originated, and the devotion is visible in every village, town, and city.

Key Features:

  • River Ganga ghats in Patna become the most iconic locations (e.g., Collectorate Ghat, Kankarbagh Ghat).
  • Entire families participate, including women (known as vratin) who observe the tough 36-hour nirjala fast.
  • Streets are decorated with rangolis, bamboo arches, and lamps.
  • Folk songs and Chhath Geet are sung in Bhojpuri and Maithili dialects.
  • Massive public arrangements by the Bihar government ensure safety and cleanliness.
  • The famous Thekua, coconut, sugarcane, and banana are offered in handwoven soop (bamboo basket).

Notable Cities:

  • Patna, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, Buxar, Hajipur, Samastipur, Arrah

2. Jharkhand – Tribal and Urban Fusion

In Jharkhand, Chhath Puja is celebrated both in urban areas and rural tribal belts, creating a unique cultural fusion.

Key Features:

  • In cities like Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, local municipalities clean and decorate ponds and dams (e.g., Ranchi’s Kanke Dam, Dimna Lake in Jamshedpur).
  • Tribal communities also participate, combining their own rituals with the Chhath format.
  • Schools and government offices declare holidays; devotees clean their houses and nearby water bodies themselves.
  • In mining regions, people create artificial ponds or use community tanks.

3. Uttar Pradesh – Especially Eastern UP (Purvanchal)

In eastern Uttar Pradesh, especially the Purvanchal region (bordering Bihar), Chhath Puja is as grand as in Bihar.

Key Features:

  • Varanasi holds large-scale celebrations on the Ghats of Ganga, especially Assi Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat.
  • Cities like Ballia, Gorakhpur, Azamgarh, Mau, and Deoria see large rural participation.
  • People clean ponds, canals, or even construct makeshift water arrangements.
  • Folk songs in Bhojpuri, Awadhi, and Hindi are sung with devotion.

4. Delhi – Urban Chhath, Migrant Strength

In Delhi, Chhath is a festival of the migrant Bhojpuri and Purvanchali communities, especially in East Delhi, Yamuna Ghats, Dwarka, and Burari.

Key Features:

  • The Yamuna River ghats (e.g., ITO Ghat, Wazirabad Ghat) become Chhath centers.
  • Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and MCD arrange tents, lighting, and waste management.
  • Political leaders often attend to honor the large Purvanchali voter base.
  • Music systems, bhajan programs, and free food stalls are organized by community groups.
  • Many societies construct temporary tanks if near water is unavailable.

5. West Bengal – Minority but Strong Celebrations

Though not native to Bengali tradition, Chhath Puja is big in Kolkata and Asansol, due to migrant population from Bihar and UP.

Key Features:

  • Celebrations occur on the banks of the Hooghly River and lakes like Rabindra Sarobar and Subhas Sarobar.
  • Chhath ghats are created in Howrah, Kharagpur, Durgapur as well.
  • Prayers, folk music, and public feasts are common.
  • The West Bengal government arranges for public ghats and safety measures.

6. Maharashtra – Mumbai’s Sea-Side Chhath

In Mumbai, thousands celebrate Chhath Puja near the Arabian Sea, showing how the tradition has migrated beyond the Ganga plains.

Key Features:

  • Juhu Beach, Girgaon Chowpatty, and Powai Lake become Chhath ghats.
  • The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) provides police, safety, and hygiene facilities.
  • Migrant workers and professionals from UP, Bihar, and Jharkhand organize the rituals.
  • Devotees sing songs in Bhojpuri and Hindi while standing in the sea water during Arghya.

7. Madhya Pradesh – Growing Celebrations in Urban Areas

In Madhya Pradesh, Chhath is growing in popularity due to a rising migrant population in cities like Bhopal, Jabalpur, and Rewa.

Key Features:

  • Devotees perform rituals near lakes such as Upper Lake (Bhopal) or Narmada River (Jabalpur).
  • Chhath committees set up artificial water tanks where required.
  • Community involvement is strong; local residents join the Purvanchali communities.

8. Chhattisgarh – Regional Celebrations in Bhilai & Raipur

In Chhattisgarh, particularly in industrial towns, Chhath is celebrated with modest public and private arrangements.

Key Features:

  • Common in Bhilai, Durg, Raipur where Purvanchali workers reside.
  • Devotees create artificial ponds or use local rivers.
  • Thekua and fruits are shared with neighbors after morning Arghya.

9. Punjab & Haryana – Small but Dedicated Observances

While not traditionally part of Punjabi or Haryanvi culture, Chhath Puja is celebrated in Ludhiana, Amritsar, Karnal, and Faridabad, mostly among migrant workers.

  • Public ponds or parks are adapted.
  • Community kitchens and langars are set up during Kharna.
  • Chhath is used as a medium for cultural bonding among diverse groups.

10. Rajasthan – Celebrated in Jaipur & Kota

In Rajasthan, Chhath is celebrated by migrants in cities like Jaipur, Kota, Udaipur, etc.

  • Lakes such as Ramgarh Tal, Man Sagar Lake are used for Arghya.
  • Local authorities arrange facilities for devotees.
  • Many housing societies create makeshift ponds or use swimming pools for rituals.

11. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka – Niche Observance

In the southern states, Chhath Puja is still a niche festival, celebrated in limited numbers, mainly in metro cities:

  • Bangalore (Ulsoor Lake, Bellandur)
  • Chennai (Besant Nagar beach, Adyar River)
  • Kochi (Migrant labor colonies)

Most rituals follow traditional methods but adapted to available settings.

12. Nepal – Chhath in the Terai Belt

Nepal has deep historical and religious ties with Chhath, especially in the Terai and Madhesh regions.

Key Features:

  • Celebrated grandly in Janakpur, Birgunj, Biratnagar, Lahan, and other southern towns.
  • Devotees worship at rivers like Kamla, Bagmati, and Narayani.
  • The Nepali government declares public holidays in some provinces.
  • Chhath in Nepal combines Maithili traditions with Nepali devotional styles.
  • Special songs and dances like Maithil Lok Geet are performed.

 

Preparations & Practical Tips

For someone intending to observe or attend Chhath Puja, here are some practical suggestions:

  • Choose a clean waterbody / ghat: It is essential to pick a safe, clean ghat or riverbank for offerings. Local authorities often clean and barricade ghats in advance. 
  • Prepare prasad and offerings early: Fruits, sugarcane, thekua, jaggery, bamboo baskets, earthen pots.
  • Follow purity rules: Use unpolished rice, avoid onions/garlic, maintain personal and vegetarian purity.
  • Clothing: Traditional dress. Many women wear saree in hues of yellow, orange, or red.
  • Stay hydrated (before fast): Because of the long fast (often without water), staying well hydrated beforehand is important.
  • Safety & hygiene: Use safe ghats, avoid crowded edges; local authorities often provide lighting, barricades, first aid, toilets.
  • Stay overnight: On the night before the final day, devotees may stay awake, singing devotional songs.
  • After the Puja: Distribute prasad among family and neighbors, maintain cleanliness at ghats, and ensure offerings (especially organic items) are eco‑friendly.

 

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