Chhath Puja holds immense significance for devotees, especially in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and other parts of North India. The festival begins on the Chaturthi Tithi (fourth day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik and concludes on Saptami Tithi, with the ritual conclusion (Paran) taking place on Ashtami.
During these four days, devotees worship Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, offering arghya (water oblation) during sunrise and sunset.
In 2025, the first day of the festival — ‘Nahay Khay’ — will be observed on October 25, 2025.
Kharna: October 26, 2025
Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering): October 27, 2025
Usha Arghya (Morning Offering) & Paran: October 28, 2025
Why Chhath Puja Is Celebrated
Women observe the Chhath fast to seek blessings for the well-being, prosperity, and longevity of their children and family. According to beliefs, Chhathi Maiya blesses childless women with offspring if they worship her with devotion on this day.
Day 1: Nahay Khay
“Nahay Khay” translates to ‘bathe and eat’, marking the beginning of purification for the festival.
The day is dedicated to cleanliness, purity, and self-discipline. Devotees clean their homes thoroughly and take a holy dip in a river or pond.
Only satvik (pure vegetarian) food is consumed. No onions, garlic, or non-vegetarian items are allowed.
Nahay Khay Timings (25 October 2025)
Sunrise: 6:28 AM
Sunset: 5:42 PM
Sandhya Puja Muhurat: 5:27 PM to 6:47 PM
Rituals of Nahay Khay in Detail
1. Purification and Sankalp (Resolution)
Cleaning the Home: Devotees start the day with a deep cleaning of the entire house to maintain sanctity.
Holy Bath: They take a bath in a sacred river or pond. If that’s not possible, they bathe at home using clean water and wear fresh or new clothes.
Vow (Sankalp): After bathing, devotees take a solemn pledge to observe the four-day Chhath fast with complete devotion to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.
2. Special Food and Rules
Satvik Meal: Only satvik food is cooked — free of onion or garlic.
Traditional Prasad: The main prasad (offering) includes boiled rice (arwa chawal), chana dal (split gram lentils), and bottle gourd curry (lauki ki sabzi) — all cooked with rock salt and pure ghee.
Offering to the Sun: The food is first offered to Lord Surya, after which the devotee (vrati) eats it as the first meal of the fast.
Single Meal Rule: Devotees eat only once on this day and begin preparations for the next day’s ritual, Kharna.
Family Tradition: Family members eat only after the fasting devotee has completed their meal.
Significance
The Nahay Khay day symbolizes spiritual and physical purification, marking the beginning of the sacred journey of Chhath Puja. With a holy bath, pure food, and devotion, devotees prepare themselves for the challenging fast ahead, invoking divine blessings for peace, prosperity, and good health.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is based on beliefs and information only. Always consult a concerned expert.
