Chhath Puja is one of India’s oldest and most revered festivals, celebrated with deep devotion, discipline, and respect for nature. This festival honors the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya (Mother Goddess). Devotees express gratitude for life, health, and prosperity through prayers, fasting, and eco-friendly rituals. It is mainly observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, but its importance has spread worldwide, with Indian communities in the UAE and other countries celebrating with similar devotion.

In 2025, Chhath Puja will be celebrated from October 22 to October 25. Millions of people will observe this festival with fasting, prayers, and rituals, making it spiritually significant and deeply meaningful.

History and Significance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja has a history spanning thousands of years. Legends say that it was first observed by Lord Rama and Goddess Sita after returning from their 14-year exile. They offered prayers to the Sun God to thank him for their safe return. Over time, the festival became a celebration of purity, devotion, and respect for nature. Its rituals emphasize cleanliness, water conservation, and environmental awareness.

The festival teaches patience, self-discipline, and endurance. Devotees follow a strict Nirjala fast, which means fasting without water, and offer prayers standing in rivers, ponds, or lakes. This combination of devotion and physical discipline makes Chhath Puja unique and spiritually powerful.

How Chhath Puja is Observed

Chhath Puja lasts four days, and each day has its own special meaning and rituals:

1. Nahay Khay (First Day):
On the first day, devotees purify themselves with a holy bath in clean water or rivers. Homes and kitchens are thoroughly cleaned, and only simple vegetarian food is consumed. This day prepares the body and mind for the fasting and rituals ahead.

2. Lohanda and Kharna (Second Day):
The second day involves a full day of fasting. In the evening, devotees break the fast with a special meal called Kharna, which includes rice pudding (kheer), chapatis, and seasonal fruits. The night is spent in prayers and mental preparation for the main rituals.

3. Sandhya Arghya (Third Day – Evening Offering):
The third day is the most important. Devotees gather at rivers, ponds, or lakes to offer Arghya to the setting Sun. Women wear colorful sarees, and men wear traditional dhotis. Devotional songs called Chhath Geet are sung, creating a spiritual and festive atmosphere. Communities come together, strengthening the sense of unity and devotion.

4. Usha Arghya and Parv-Samapan (Fourth Day – Morning Offering and Conclusion):
The fourth day begins with prayers to the rising Sun. After completing the morning rituals, devotees break their fast. Special offerings, or prasad, are shared with family, friends, and neighbors, marking the conclusion of the festival and reinforcing community bonds.

Special Traditions of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is known for unique traditions that make it stand out:

Walking Barefoot: Devotees walk barefoot to rivers or ponds, showing humility and respect for nature.

Eco-Friendly Offerings: Only natural items like fruits, sugarcane, and thekua (traditional sweet) are used. Plastics and harmful materials are avoided.

Community Bonding: People help each other prepare, sing together, and pray in groups, strengthening social ties.

Health Benefits: Standing in water and fasting builds endurance, focus, and self-discipline.

Chhath Puja Celebrations Worldwide

Chhath Puja is increasingly celebrated outside India. In Dubai and other parts of the UAE, Indian communities recreate riverbank-style arrangements for prayers. Cultural groups organize folk songs, storytelling sessions, and workshops to teach younger generations about the festival. This helps preserve traditions even far from home.

Why Chhath Puja Matters Today

Chhath Puja teaches lessons beyond religion. It encourages gratitude, respect for nature, and mindfulness. Eco-friendly rituals, water prayers, and community participation promote sustainability and social unity. For devotees, the festival enhances physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Disclaimer

Chhath Puja 2025 is a celebration of faith, discipline, and respect for nature. Fasting without water, offering prayers in rivers, and sharing prasad reflect devotion, purity, and spiritual strength. Whether celebrated in India or abroad, the festival is a chance to thank the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, connect with the community, and honor ancient traditions. With its focus on eco-friendly practices and human endurance, Chhath Puja remains one of the most meaningful and spiritually enriching festivals in the world.