In India, Chhath Puja is revered as the festival of deep faith and devotion. Dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, this festival symbolizes gratitude, purity, and discipline. Celebrated with immense devotion in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and the Terai regions of Nepal, Chhath Puja reflects the harmonious bond between humanity and nature. Beyond religion, it is an extraordinary example of self-control, inner cleansing, and environmental reverence.

RBI Declares Bank Holiday

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that banks in several states, including Bihar and Jharkhand, will remain closed for two consecutive days on the occasion of Chhath Puja 2025, which will be celebrated from October 25 to October 28, 2025. According to the RBI’s official holiday calendar, banks will observe holidays on October 27 (Sunday) and October 28 (Monday), marking the main days of the festival, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya.

The festival, dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya, is one of the most significant celebrations in eastern India. Devotees observe rigorous fasting and offer prayers to thank the Sun for sustaining life on Earth. Bank customers in the affected states are advised to plan their transactions in advance to avoid inconvenience during these festive holidays.

Origin and History of Chhath Puja

The tradition of Chhath Puja dates back to ancient times. It is believed that Mata Sita performed this ritual after returning to Ayodhya, thanking the Sun God for her family’s prosperity. According to another legend, Karna, the son of the Sun God and Kunti from the Mahabharata era, was the first to worship the Sun daily  marking the beginning of this sacred observance. The festival expresses gratitude to the Sun, the source of life and energy, for health, success, and well-being.

Mistakes to Avoid During Chhath Puja

Purity and discipline are the soul of Chhath Puja. Even a small mistake can affect the sanctity of the rituals. Devotees must never touch offerings or utensils with unwashed hands personal and spiritual cleanliness is essential. Avoid using regular salt, onion, or garlic while preparing prasad; only rock salt (sendha namak) and pure desi ghee are considered sacred. Do not wear footwear or make noise near the area where prasad is prepared.

Traditionally, offerings are made on an earthen stove using mango wood avoid gas or electric stoves as they are believed to reduce the ritual’s sanctity. While offering arghya (water) to the Sun, ensure the water remains pure and perform the ritual silently, with complete devotion. Most importantly, refrain from anger or negative thoughts, Chhath Puja is not only about external purity but also inner peace and spiritual cleansing.

The Four-Day Ritual: Step by Step

Day 1 – Nahay Khay (October 25, 2025)

The first day begins with a sacred bath in the Ganges or a clean water body, marking the purification of body and soul. Devotees prepare and eat a simple meal of rice, bottle gourd curry, Bengal gram dal, and Indian gooseberry chutney — a symbol of purity and simplicity.

Day 2 – Kharna or Lohanda (October 26, 2025)

Kharna means purity and restraint. On this day, devotees observe a strict fast without food or water until sunset. In the evening, they prepare gur ki kheer (sweet rice pudding made with jaggery) and roti on an earthen stove using mango wood. The offering is first presented to Chhathi Maiya and then shared among family members. After this, the challenging 36-hour waterless fast begins.

Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya (October 27, 2025)

The third day is the most visually magnificent. Devotees gather at riverbanks, ponds, and ghats to offer arghya to the setting sun. The air fills with devotional songs and folk music dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. The ritual represents gratitude for life’s sustenance and the blessings of health and prosperity.

Day 4 – Usha Arghya and Paran (October 28, 2025)

The festival concludes with the offering of arghya to the rising sun. This marks the end of the fast (paran). It symbolizes renewal, hope, and the infusion of positive energy into life. Devotees break their fast by consuming the prasad, signifying spiritual completion and harmony.

Religious and Scientific Significance of Kharna

Kharna is considered the heart of Chhath Puja. It represents not only physical and mental purification but also scientific benefits. The jaggery and sugarcane juice used in prasad are rich in nutrients that detoxify the body and boost energy levels. According to beliefs, consuming this prasad helps cure skin and eye ailments and enhances vitality.

Ritual Essentials and Folk Traditions

The main items used in Chhath Puja include bamboo baskets, soop (sieve), thekua (sweet offering), sugarcane, coconuts, sindoor, incense sticks, turmeric, ginger, ghee, wheat, and Ganga water. Women prepare the prasad while singing traditional folk songs such as:

“Kelwa ke pat par ugle suraj dev…”
These songs praise the Sun’s divine power and Chhathi Maiya’s blessings, adding a soulful rhythm to the festivities.

Spiritual Essence of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is not merely a ritual, it is a celebration of self-discipline, purity, and gratitude toward nature. It emphasizes balance, devotion, and family unity. Unlike other festivals, Chhath involves no idol worship; instead, it honors the visible deity  the Sun, the ultimate source of light and life on Earth.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share