
Chaiti Chhath Puja is one of the most significant Hindu festivals dedicated to the worship of the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya. Celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, this festival occurs during the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar, usually in March or April. Devotees observe this festival with great devotion, seeking blessings for prosperity, health, and well-being.
Chaiti Chhath is similar to Kartik Chhath but is observed during the Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. Unlike Kartik Chhath, which is celebrated with a grand public gathering, Chaiti Chhath is more of a family festival. However, the rituals, fasting, and significance remain the same.
Chaiti Chhath Puja 2025 Date and Time (चैती छठ कब से शुरू है)
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Chaiti Chhath Puja falls during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Chaitra, corresponding to March-April in the Gregorian calendar. The detailed schedule for 2025 is as follows:
Chaiti Chhath Puja 2025 Schedule:
1. Nahay-Khay (नहाय-खाय): April 1, 2025 (Tuesday)
- The first day of Chhath Puja involves purification. Devotees take a holy dip in a river or pond and prepare Satvik food (without onion and garlic) for consumption.
2. Kharna or Lohanda (खरना या लोहंडा): April 2, 2025 (Wednesday)
- On this day, devotees observe a strict fast without water for the entire day. In the evening, they prepare a special meal of jaggery kheer, chapati, and fruits, which is then consumed as Prasad before continuing the fast for the next 36 hours without food and water.
3. Sandhya Arghya (संध्या अर्घ्य): April 3, 2025 (Thursday)
- This is the most significant part of Chhath Puja, where devotees offer Arghya (water offerings) to the setting sun. Devotees gather at riverbanks to pray and seek blessings from Surya Dev.
4. Usha Arghya and Paran (उषा अर्घ्य और पारण): April 4, 2025 (Friday)
- The last day of the festival involves offering Arghya to the rising sun. After the prayers, devotees break their fast by consuming Prasad and water, marking the end of the festival.
The Shashthi Tithi, which is pivotal to the festival, begins on April 2 at 11:49 PM and concludes on April 3 at 9:41 PM.
Image Gallery of Chaiti Chhath Puja
Significance of Chaiti Chhath Puja (चैती छठ पूजा का महत्व)
- Worship of the Sun God: The festival is dedicated to Surya Dev, who is considered the source of life and energy. Worshiping the Sun during Chhath Puja is believed to bring prosperity, happiness, and good health.
- Chhathi Maiya’s Blessings: Chhath Puja is also dedicated to Chhathi Maiya, believed to be the sister of Surya Dev. She blesses devotees with fertility, child welfare, and protection from ailments.
- Environmental Significance: Chhath Puja promotes cleanliness and environmental awareness as devotees offer prayers in clean water bodies and use eco-friendly items for worship.
- Health Benefits: The rigorous fasting and exposure to the sun during Chhath Puja are believed to have significant health benefits, including detoxification and boosting immunity.
Chhath Puja Rituals and Traditions (छठ पूजा के अनुष्ठान और परंपराएँ)
- Holy Bath and Fasting: Devotees take a holy dip in rivers and observe strict fasting for spiritual purification.
- Preparation of Prasad: Special offerings like Thekua, jaggery kheer, and fruits are prepared without using onion or garlic.
- Offering Arghya: Devotees offer water, milk, and fruits to the Sun God during Sandhya Arghya (evening offering) and Usha Arghya (morning offering).
- Standing in Water: During the Arghya, devotees stand in water for hours as a mark of devotion and penance.
- Use of Bamboo Baskets: Traditional bamboo baskets are used to carry Prasad and offerings.
- Chanting and Songs: Devotees sing Chhath songs in praise of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, creating a spiritual atmosphere.
Chaiti Chhath Puja Celebrations Across India and Nepal
- Bihar and Jharkhand: Celebrated with immense devotion along riverbanks like the Ganges and Kosi.
- Uttar Pradesh: Especially popular in Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Lucknow.
- Delhi and Mumbai: Migrants from Bihar and UP celebrate Chhath Puja with great enthusiasm.
- Nepal: Particularly in the Terai region, Chhath Puja is a major festival.
Conclusion
Chaiti Chhath Puja 2025 will be celebrated from April 1 to April 4, and devotees will observe strict fasting, perform rituals, and offer prayers to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. This festival holds deep cultural and religious significance, bringing together families and communities in devotion and celebration.
May Chhathi Maiya bless you with happiness, health, and prosperity. Jai Chhathi Maiya!
FAQs About Chaiti Chhath Puja
Can anyone observe Chhath Puja?
Yes, Chhath Puja can be observed by anyone, irrespective of caste, gender, or social status.
Why is Chhath Puja important?
It is dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, bringing health, prosperity, and spiritual peace.
What are the main offerings in Chhath Puja?
Thekua, jaggery kheer, sugarcane, and fruits are the main offerings.
Where is Chaiti Chhath most popular?
It is widely celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal.