Happy Chhath Puja 2025: Begins From Nahay Khay To Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, Usha Arghya; Sunrise, Sunset Timings

Chhath Puja, one of the most significant and ancient Hindu festivals, is celebrated with immense devotion and grandeur across several Indian states, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. This festival is dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (the Goddess who represents the power of the Sun).

Happy Chhath Puja 2025: From 25 October To 28 October 2025

In 2025, Chhath Puja will be celebrated from Saturday, October 25, to Tuesday, October 28, spanning four days of strict rituals, fasting, and offerings made to the setting and rising Sun. Occurring six days after Diwali, Chhath Puja holds deep spiritual significance and is marked by purity, discipline, and devotion.

Chhath Puja Day 1: Nahay Khay on October 25, 2025

The festival begins with Nahay Khay, a ritual that marks the start of the Chhath observance. On this day, devotees take a holy dip in rivers, ponds, or other water bodies, such as the Ganga or local streams, symbolizing the purification of body and soul.

After bathing, devotees prepare a simple and sattvik meal, typically consisting of rice, bottle gourd (lauki), and chana dal, cooked in ghee. They consume this single meal for the day, which signifies the beginning of their vow of purity. The sunrise on this day will occur at 6:28 AM, and the sunset will be at 5:42 PM, marking the auspicious start of Chhath Puja 2025.

Chhath Puja Day 2: Kharna on October 26, 2025

The second day, known as Kharna, is observed with a day-long nirjala (waterless) fast, which continues from sunrise at 6:29 AM to sunset at 5:41 PM. Devotees refrain from both food and water as a symbol of self-discipline and devotion.

After sunset, the fast is broken with a special meal of kheer (sweet rice pudding), chapati, and fruits, which is first offered as Prasad to Lord Surya before being consumed by devotees. Families gather together in the evening for prayers and to partake in this sacred offering.

Chhath Puja Day 3: Sandhya Arghya on October 27, 2025

The third day is considered the most significant and spiritually charged day of Chhath Puja. Known as Sandhya Arghya, devotees observe a rigorous full-day fast without even water. In the evening, families assemble along riverbanks, ponds, or ghats, carrying baskets filled with offerings - fruits, thekua (a traditional sweet), sugarcane, and diyas (earthen lamps).

As the sun sets at 5:40 PM, devotees offer Arghya (water and prayers) to the setting Sun, seeking blessings for the health, prosperity, and longevity of their family members. The sight of thousands of devotees standing knee-deep in water, offering prayers amid the setting sun, creates a mesmerizing and divine atmosphere.

Chhath Puja Day 4: Usha Arghya on October 28, 2025

The final day of the festival, Usha Arghya, is dedicated to worshipping the rising Sun, symbolizing new beginnings and hope. Devotees return to the water before dawn and offer their final Arghya to the rising Sun at 6:30 AM, concluding their 36-hour fast.

After offering prayers, devotees perform Parana, a ritual where they break their fast by consuming Prasad and water. This marks the completion of the Chhath Puja rituals, filling the atmosphere with joy, music, and togetherness as families celebrate their devotion and faith.