Have you ever witnessed countless devotees immersed waist-deep in rivers or ponds, chanting sacred hymns and presenting their offerings to both the rising and setting sun? This captivating scene reflects the celebration of Chhath Puja, one of India’s most revered and spiritually significant festivals, known for its discipline, devotion, and purity.
Every year, millions of people across Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal eagerly prepare for this ancient festival. But before planning begins, one question always comes up—When is Chhath in 2025?
In this article, we’ll reveal the complete 4-day schedule of Chhath Puja in 2025, explain its rituals, cultural significance, and spiritual essence, and show why this celebration is much more than just a religious occasion.
What is Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja is among the most ancient festivals in India, devoted to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, the revered goddess associated with fertility, prosperity, and the well-being of families. Unlike other Hindu festivals that involve grand feasts and decorations, Chhath is marked by simplicity, purity, and strict rituals.
The festival is observed mainly in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh but has now spread to all parts of India and even countries where Indian communities live. Devotees follow a strict fast, often without water, and perform rituals while standing in rivers or lakes. The faith behind these practices is that the Sun God grants health, prosperity, and blessings for future generations.
When is Chhath in 2025?
The question everyone asks—When is Chhath in 2025?
In 2025, Chhath Puja will be celebrated from Saturday, 25 October to Tuesday, 28 October. The main days—Sandhya Arghya (evening offering) and Usha Arghya (morning offering)—fall on 27 October and 28 October 2025.
Knowing the exact schedule is important because each day of Chhath has its own deep spiritual meaning. Let’s break it down.
The Four Days of Chhath Puja in 2025
The first day is about purification. Devotees take a holy dip in rivers or ponds and clean their homes. They prepare a simple vegetarian meal—often rice, dal, and pumpkin—cooked in ghee. Eating this meal marks the start of the fasting period.
The second day, known as Kharna, is observed with a strict fast, during which devotees abstain from both food and water throughout the day. In the evening, after sunset, they prepare jaggery kheer (sweet rice pudding), chapatis, and fruits. The food is offered to the deities first and then eaten as prasad. After this ritual, a 36-hour long nirjala vrat (fast without water) begins.
This is the most significant ritual of Chhath. Devotees gather at riverbanks or water bodies to offer Arghya (water offerings) to the setting sun. Women in traditional attire, holding baskets filled with fruits, sugarcane, and thekua (a special sweet), pray for the prosperity of their families. The atmosphere is filled with devotional songs and prayers.
This is also the day when most people urgently search for When is Chhath in 2025?, because the evening ritual is considered the heart of the celebration.
The final day begins before sunrise. On the last day of Chhath Puja, devotees return to rivers or ponds to offer Arghya to the rising sun. The ritual is considered special, as the morning sun is believed to bless devotees with fresh beginnings, good health, and the energy to sustain life. After the offering, devotees break their long fast with prasad. This marks the completion of Chhath Puja.
Why Do the Dates of Chhath Change Every Year?
If you’re wondering why we need to ask When is Chhath in 2025? every year, the answer lies in the lunar calendar. Chhath is celebrated on the sixth day (Shashti) of the Kartik month’s bright half (Shukla Paksha). Since the Hindu lunar calendar doesn’t align exactly with the Gregorian calendar, the dates of Chhath shift each year.
That’s why knowing the exact dates of Chhath Puja is important, especially for families who plan trips to their hometowns or arrange travel in advance for the celebrations.
Rituals and Offerings of Chhath
Chhath Puja rituals are unique because of their simplicity and natural elements. The offerings include:
- Thekua: This traditional sweet, often shaped like a cookie, is made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee. It is regarded as the most sacred prasad prepared especially for Chhath Puja rituals.
- Fruits: Bananas, coconuts, and sugarcane are considered essential offerings during the rituals.
- Rice kheer and laddoos: These are specially prepared for the Kharna observance.
All food is prepared without onions, garlic, or non-vegetarian items. The idea is to maintain absolute purity while making offerings to the Sun God.
Cultural Importance of Chhath
Chhath Puja goes beyond being a religious ritual—it is a cultural festival that brings families and communities together in devotion and shared tradition. Migrants from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh travel across states and countries to be with their families during this time. Railway stations and bus depots see massive crowds as people return to their hometowns.
Cities like Patna, Gaya, Ranchi, and Varanasi become the heart of the festival. Ghats are decorated beautifully, and thousands of devotees gather at once. Even in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, special arrangements are made at rivers, lakes, and artificial ponds to accommodate the rituals.
Spiritual and Scientific Benefits
While Chhath Puja is rooted in deep spirituality, it also carries hidden scientific benefits that support health and well-being.
- Sun exposure during early mornings provides Vitamin D and improves immunity.
- Standing in water helps improve blood circulation and relaxes muscles.
- Fasting detoxifies the body and builds self-control.
Thus, the rituals combine faith with natural health benefits, making Chhath both a religious and a holistic festival.
Public Holidays for Chhath in 2025
Since Chhath is a major festival in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, state governments usually declare public holidays on the main days. In 2025, Chhath Puja is expected to be observed with holidays on 27th October for Sandhya Arghya (evening offerings) and 28th October for Usha Arghya (morning offerings). In other states with large migrant populations, local holidays or community celebrations are also arranged.
Preparing for Chhath in 2025
If you are planning to celebrate Chhath Puja next year, here are some preparation tips:
- Mark the dates now: The festival falls between 25 and 28 October 2025.
- Travel early: Train and bus tickets sell out quickly during this time.
- Prepare offerings: Gather ingredients like wheat flour, jaggery, sugarcane, and fruits well in advance.
- Clean your home and surroundings: Purity is central to the rituals.
- Stay disciplined: Follow the fasting rules and rituals strictly.
So, When is Chhath in 2025? The festival will be celebrated from 25 October to 28 October, with the most important rituals on 27 October (Sandhya Arghya) and 28 October (Usha Arghya).
Chhath Puja is more than a religious event—it is a festival that embodies gratitude, self-discipline, and deep devotion. Chhath Puja honors the connection between people and nature, expresses gratitude to the sun as a source of life, and reflects the timeless power of devotion. Whether you are in a small village in Bihar or a bustling metro city, Chhath brings communities together in an atmosphere of purity and devotion.
As you prepare for the upcoming Chhath, remember—it’s not just about knowing when it is but also about embracing why it matters.
FAQs
1. When is Chhath in 2025?
In 2025, Chhath Puja will take place from 25 to 28 October. The main rituals—Sandhya Arghya (evening prayers) and Usha Arghya (morning prayers)—are scheduled for 27 and 28 October respectively.
2. Why is Chhath Puja important?
Celebrated in devotion to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, Chhath Puja is observed with the belief that it brings health, prosperity, and fertility to devotees. The observance highlights values of discipline, purity, and thankfulness towards nature. It is also regarded as a practice that helps cleanse the body and refresh the mind.
3. What key rules and rituals should devotees follow during Chhath Puja?
- Maintain strict cleanliness and purity in the house.
- Prepare offerings like thekua, fruits, and jaggery-based sweets without using commercial products.
- As part of the rituals, devotees undertake a 36-hour nirjala vrat—a strict fast observed without consuming even water.
