Chhath Puja 2025: Check Dates, Sunrise & Sunset Timings for Nahay Khay, Kharna, and Arghya
Chhath Puja 2025: Check Dates, Sunrise & Sunset Timings for Nahay Khay, Kharna, and Arghya
Chhath Puja is one of the most spiritual festivals in India, dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. The festival celebrates the power of the sun, nature, and gratitude for life itself. In 2025, Chhath Puja will be observed from October 25 to October 28 across Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal.
Let’s take a look at what each day means, why it is special, and how millions of devotees celebrate this beautiful tradition.
What Is Chhath Puja, and Why Is It Celebrated?
Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival that thanks the Sun God for giving energy and life to Earth. People also worship Chhathi Maiya, believed to be the goddess who protects children and blesses families with health and happiness.
The festival is also known by many names, Surya Shashti, Chhathi, Dala Puja, Chhath Parv, and Dala Chhath, depending on the region. During these four days, devotees follow strict rituals, eat simple food, and pray for prosperity, peace, and well-being.
Chhath Puja 2025 Day 1: Nahay Khay (October 25, Saturday)
The festival begins with Nahay Khay, which means “bath and eat.” On this day, devotees take a holy dip in a river, pond, or nearby water body, symbolising purity and cleansing of the soul.
After the bath, they eat a single, simple meal cooked without onion, garlic, or salt. This meal marks the beginning of the fasting ritual. Homes are cleaned, fruits are bought for offerings, and diyas (earthen lamps) are prepared for the coming days.
The sunrise will be at 6:28 AM and sunset at 5:42 PM on this day.
Chhath Puja 2025 Day 2: Kharna (October 26, Sunday)
The second day is called Kharna, a day of strict fasting and devotion. Devotees fast without even drinking water from sunrise (6:29 AM) to sunset (5:41 PM).
After sunset, the fast is broken with Prasad, a special meal made from rice pudding (kheer), jaggery, and fruits, offered first to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya before sharing it with family and friends.
Kharna is a moment of inner peace and prayer, as devotees prepare their minds and bodies for the next two intense days of fasting.
Chhath Puja 2025 Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (October 27, Monday)
The third day is the most important and sacred, Sandhya Arghya, or the evening offering. On this day, devotees observe a 36-hour fast without water, showing immense discipline and faith.
As the sun sets at 5:40 PM, families gather on riverbanks, lakes, or ponds to offer Arghya (water and prayers) to the setting sun. The moment is magical, women dressed in colourful sarees, holding bamboo baskets filled with fruits, sugarcane, and diyas, sing devotional songs and pray for happiness and health.
The night is filled with Chhath Vrat Katha (stories of Chhath Puja) and bhajans (devotional songs) as people stay awake, continuing their prayers.
Chhath Puja 2025 Day 4: Usha Arghya (October 28, Tuesday)
The last day, Usha Arghya, marks the completion of the festival. Devotees return to the river before dawn to offer Arghya to the rising sun, which represents new beginnings and hope.
The sunrise is at 6:30 AM on this day. After this offering, devotees break their 36-hour fast by drinking water and eating Prasad in a ritual called Parana.
As people gather across riverbanks and rooftops this October, glowing diyas will once again light up the night sky, reminding everyone of the power of faith, simplicity, and the Sun that sustains all life.
Disclaimer: This article is based on cultural and traditional references to Chhath Puja. Dates and timings are subject to local observances.
