Chhath Puja A Festival of Devotion and Gratitude

Chhath Puja is one of the most ancient and sacred Vedic festivals of India. It is dedicated to Lord Surya, the giver of life and energy, and Chhathi Maiya, who is believed to protect children and bless families with good health and happiness.

This festival is mainly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, but today, it has spread across India and the world wherever devotees of Surya Dev reside.

Dates of Chhath Puja 2025

In the year 2025, Chhath Puja will be celebrated from Saturday, October 25th to Tuesday, October 28th. The observance continues for four days of fasting, purity, and devotion.

1. October 25 (Saturday) – Nahay Khay:

The festival begins with a holy bath and preparing the first pure meal of the fast, usually rice and bottle gourd cooked in purity.

2. October 26 (Sunday) – Kharna:

Devotees observe a strict fast without water. In the evening, after sunset, they offer kheer and roti to the Moon and then eat as Prasad.

3. October 27 (Monday) – Sandhya Arghya:

The most important day, when devotees stand in water and offer Arghya (water offering) to the setting Sun, singing devotional songs with full faith.

4. October 28 (Tuesday) – Usha Arghya and Paran:

The final morning of Chhath. Devotees offer Arghya to the rising Sun, pray for the welfare of family and society, and then break the fast with gratitude.

Spiritual Significance

The Sun God is regarded as the eternal source of life and energy. Through Chhath Puja, devotees express their gratitude to Him for sustaining life and granting good health and vitality.

Legends

According to the ancient texts, King Priyavrat and Queen Malini were blessed with a child after performing worship of Goddess Shashthi, who is none other than Chhathi Maiya.

In the Mahabharata, Draupadi and the Pandavas also performed Chhath Puja to seek the blessings of Surya Dev, which helped them regain their lost kingdom.

Another belief is that Lord Rama and Mata Sita performed Surya worship during their return to Ayodhya after exile, which also reflects the deep Vedic origin of this tradition.

Cultural Importance

Chhath Puja unites families and communities. People travel long distances to their native places to celebrate with their families. During these days, the air is filled with devotion, the sound of folk songs, and the light of countless diyas along riverbanks.

It is also a festival of nature worship. Devotees offer prayers to the Sun, water, and earth — showing gratitude to the elements that sustain life on Earth. It teaches respect for purity, discipline, and the environment.

Chhath Puja reminds us that true worship lies in simplicity, faith, and gratitude. When one stands in water and offers Arghya with a pure heart, it symbolizes surrender and thankfulness to the Creator.

उदयाद् अस्तमयान्तं च महिमा तव सूर्य नः।

प्राणिनां जीवनं सर्वं त्वत्तः एव प्रकाशते॥

(O Sun God, from sunrise to sunset, your light sustains all life. You are the source of strength, health, and purity.)

Let us celebrate this Chhath Puja with devotion, discipline, and reverence. May the blessings of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya bring health, peace, and prosperity to every home.

Acharya Kailash Sharma

Priest and Spiritual Teacher

Founder Vedic Education and Dharma Association 501(c)(3)