The festival of Chhath Puja is a deeply cherished event in parts of India and Nepal, dedicated to the worship of Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. It is marked by purity, devotion and rituals performed near rivers or water bodies. People offer arghya (water oblation) to the rising and setting sun as a way to express gratitude for life’s sustenance. The festival emphasises nature, faith and family bonds.
Chhath Puja 2025 (Day-by-Day Rituals)
For 2025, Chhath Puja is observed over four days with distinct rituals:
- Day 1 – “Nahay Khay”: Devotees cleanse their homes and take a holy dip in the river, eat a simple meal and prepare for the fast.
- Day 2 – “Kharna”: The vratti (devotee) fasts through the day, performs puja after sunset and breaks the fast with kheer and fruits.
- Day 3 – “Sandhya Arghya”: In the evening, devotees visit the water body and offer arghya to the setting sun, standing in water, with offerings made.
- Day 4 – “Usha Arghya”: Early in the morning, before sunrise, devotees again offer arghya to the rising sun, break their fast and distribute prasad among family and community.
The 2025 dates for these are aligned with the Kartika month (October-November) and expect the main rituals around 27 to 28 October given the festival calendar for this year.
Who Performed the First Chhath Puja?
The origins of Chhath Puja trace back to ancient times. According to legend, the festival was first performed by Karna, the son of Surya and Kunti, who stood in water and offered arghya to the Sun. Other legends credit Sita, after her return to Ayodhya, with performing the rituals of Chhath Puja.
Where Was the First Chhath Puja Performed?
The exact geographical location is not definitively recorded, but traditions point to ancient regions such as Anga Desh (modern-day Bhagalpur in Bihar) associated with Karna. Another belief holds that the ritual was first observed by Sita at Sitamarhi in Mithila region (modern Bihar) near the Narayani/Gandaki river.
Today’s Sunset Timing (27/10/2025) & Tomorrow’s Sunrise Time (28/10/2025)
For devotees observing Chhath Puja:
- Sunset today (27/10/2025): The arghya to the setting sun is offered around the time of sunset.
- Sunrise tomorrow (28/10/2025): The early morning arghya (Usha Arghya) happens at the time of sunrise.
(Please check your local ghats and official timing as it can vary by location.)
Bank Holidays 2025
Many banks and government offices in India observe holidays during major festivals. For Chhath Puja 2025, certain regional offices in Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh may be closed on the main days of the festival. It’s advisable to check your local bank branch announcements.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not serve as an official timing or ritual guide. Ritual timings such as sunset and sunrise vary by location and it’s advisable to verify locally. Observing festivals with devotion and correct tradition is up to individual belief and discretion.
FAQs
Q1. What is the date of Chhath Puja in 2025?
Chhath Puja 2025 is observed around 27-28 October based on the Kartika Shukla Shashti tithi.
Q2. Why do people say Karna performed the first Chhath Puja?
Legend holds that Karna, devoted to the Sun God, stood in water and offered arghya daily—hence the ritual structure of Chhath is attributed to him.
Q3. How do I send Chhath Puja wishes in Hindi and English?
You can send messages like “Happy Chhath Puja 2025 – May the blessings of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya be with you” or in Hindi “छठ पूजा की शुभकामनाएँ – सूर्य देव और छठी मइया का आशीर्वाद आपके साथ हो”.
