As the sacred festival of Chhath Puja approaches in 2025, millions of devotees across India and beyond are preparing to honour the Sun God with deep devotion and ancient rituals. This year's celebrations promise to be particularly special with precise timings for the crucial Arghya offerings.
When is Chhath Puja 2025?
Chhath Puja, also known as Surya Shashthi, will be observed from October 28th to October 31st, 2025. The four-day festival involves rigorous fasting, holy bathing, and offering prayers to the Sun God at both sunrise and sunset.
Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offerings) - October 30, 2025
The third day of Chhath Puja features the Sandhya Arghya, where devotees offer evening prayers to the setting sun. According to astronomical calculations, the sunset time for major Indian cities will be around 5:30 PM to 5:45 PM across different regions.
Subah Arghya (Morning Offerings) - October 31, 2025
The festival culminates with the Subah Arghya, where worshippers offer prayers to the rising sun. The sunrise timing is expected between 6:15 AM to 6:30 AM in most parts of India, marking the final and most significant ritual of Chhath Puja.
The Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is one of the most ancient Hindu festivals, dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. The festival is particularly prominent in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. What makes Chhath unique is its direct worship of the natural source of energy and life – the Sun.
Key Rituals and Traditions
- Nahay Khay: The first day begins with holy bathing and preparing traditional meals
- Kharna: The second day involves fasting and preparing kheer (sweet rice pudding)
- Sandhya Arghya: Evening offerings to the setting sun on the third day
- Subah Arghya: Morning offerings to the rising sun on the final day
Why Chhath Puja Stands Apart
Unlike many other Hindu festivals that involve priestly intermediaries, Chhath Puja is performed directly by devotees themselves. The festival emphasizes purity, discipline, and connection with nature. Devotees stand in water bodies for hours, offering prayers and Prasad to the Sun God, symbolizing the cycle of birth and death.
As we approach Chhath Puja 2025, communities are preparing to come together in celebration of this beautiful tradition that honours nature, promotes environmental consciousness, and strengthens family bonds through shared rituals and devotion.
