Chhath Puja 2025: Complete Rituals of the Four-Day Grand Festival — From Nahay-Khaay to Uday Arghya

Chhath Puja is one of the most sacred and revered festivals celebrated with great devotion, primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, and now across India. Dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya, the festival spans four days, beginning on the Chaturthi Tithi (Nahay-Khaay) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik.

Each day of Chhath — Nahay-Khaay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Uday Arghya — symbolizes purity, discipline, and deep devotion, teaching restraint and faith while fostering unity and spiritual cleansing.

Importance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja holds immense spiritual and social significance. It is believed that worshipping Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya brings health, wealth, and longevity. The fast and rituals purify both body and mind, while promoting discipline, self-control, and devotion. Beyond its spiritual benefits, Chhath fosters family unity, social harmony, and mutual trust, making it a festival of both faith and community.

Four Days of Chhath Puja and Their Rituals

1. Nahay-Khaay (First Day — 25 October 2025)
The festival begins with Nahay-Khaay. On this day, devotees—especially women observing the fast—bathe early in holy rivers and consume only sattvik food, usually plain rice, lentils, and fruits. This marks the purification of the body and mind and prepares devotees spiritually and physically for the following days of fasting.

2. Kharna (Second Day — 26 October 2025)
Kharna is a day of complete fasting without water. Devotees abstain from food and drink throughout the day, breaking their fast only in the evening with kheer, fruits, and sweet prasad. This offering is also shared with family members.
The ritual emphasizes restraint, discipline, and devotion, allowing the devotee to dedicate both body and mind to God through penance and purity.

3. Sandhya Arghya (Third Day — 27 October 2025)
On the third day, devotees gather at rivers, ponds, or reservoirs to offer Arghya (water offerings) to the setting sun. This evening ritual symbolizes gratitude and reverence to the Sun God. Devotees continue their nirjala (waterless) fast through the night, immersed in prayer and devotion. The Sandhya Arghya is a moment of self-purification and divine connection.

4. Uday Arghya and Parana (Fourth Day — 28 October 2025)
The final day of Chhath begins before sunrise, when devotees offer Uday Arghya to the rising sun, marking the culmination of the fast. The ritual signifies the devotee’s dedication and gratitude to Surya Dev for sustaining life on Earth. After the offering, devotees break their fast (Parana), experiencing deep spiritual satisfaction and divine blessings.
This day symbolizes the successful completion of four days of penance, purity, and faith, bringing joy and positivity to families.