Chhath Puja is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in India, particularly in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as in parts of Nepal. It is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God (Surya) and his consort Usha, seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and well-being. Unlike many other Indian festivals that involve grand feasts and decorations, Chhath Puja is known for its austerity and strict rituals. Devotees observe fasts, take holy dips in rivers or water bodies, and offer prayers during sunrise and sunset, signifying gratitude to nature and the life-giving energy of the sun.
Chhath Puja is celebrated over four days, each with its own rituals. The first day, called Nahay-Khay, involves cleansing the home and taking a holy dip. Karva Chauth The second day, Kharna, is marked by a day-long fast that is broken in the evening with a simple offering of kheer, fruits, and chapati. The third day, known as Sandhya Arghya, is the most important, where devotees gather at riverbanks or ponds to offer arghya (water offering) to the setting sun. The final day, Usha Arghya, sees devotees offering prayers to the rising sun, marking the end of the fast.
In Chhath Puja 2025, millions of devotees are expected to gather at ghats across India to perform these rituals. The festival usually falls six days after Diwali, and in 2025, it will once again bring communities together in celebration and devotion. The festival is unique because it is not associated with idol worship but with direct veneration of the sun. Families prepare prasad (offerings) such as thekua, rice laddoos, and fruits, which are offered to the Sun God. The discipline and dedication required during Chhath Puja make it one of the most spiritually uplifting celebrations.
Interestingly, festivals like Karva Chauth and Karwa Chauth share a common thread with Chhath Puja as they too involve fasting and devotion. While Karva Chauth festival is observed mostly by married women in North India for the long life of their husbands, Chhath Puja is a more community-oriented celebration that includes men, women, and even children participating in the rituals. Both festivals showcase the deep-rooted tradition of fasting and the spiritual significance of celestial bodies in Indian culture.
The rituals of Chhath Puja are also closely tied to environmental consciousness. Devotees use eco-friendly items like bamboo baskets, clay vessels, and natural fruits for offerings. No artificial colors or non-biodegradable items are used, symbolizing harmony with nature. This makes the festival not only a spiritual event but also an occasion to promote sustainability and respect for natural resources.
Chhath Puja is also known for bringing together people from all walks of life, regardless of caste or social status. The ghats and riverbanks during this time become a place of unity, where everyone stands together to worship and pray. With the growing interest in Indian festivals worldwide, many Indian communities living abroad now celebrate Chhath Puja, keeping the tradition alive even outside India.
In conclusion, Chhath Puja 2025 will once again highlight the spiritual, cultural, and environmental values of this ancient tradition. The festivalÕs connection to other traditions like Karva Chauth and Karwa Chauth reminds us of IndiaÕs rich heritage of devotion and fasting as an expression of love and gratitude. Whether it is the discipline of the fast, the offering of arghya to the sun, or the spirit of togetherness at the ghats, Chhath Puja continues to inspire millions every year and remains a symbol of faith, purity, and harmony with nature.
