Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya: Chhath Puja is a deeply revered festival celebrated across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and parts of Nepal. It honors the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya, the goddess of motherhood and child protection. In 2025, Chhath Puja begins on October 25 with Nahay Khay and concludes on October 28 with Usha Arghya. This four-day ritual blends spiritual discipline, nature worship, and cultural unity. The festival’s essence lies in purity, gratitude, and devotion. This article explores the divine connection between Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, the significance of each ritual day, and why Chhath Puja remains relevant in modern times.
When Does Chhath Puja 2025 Begin?
Chhath Puja in 2025 starts on October 25 and ends on October 28. It follows Diwali and begins on Kartik Shukla Chaturthi. The four days include Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya. Each day holds symbolic meaning-purification, sacrifice, gratitude, and renewal. Devotees observe strict fasting and offer prayers to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya for health, prosperity, and child protection. The dates vary annually based on the Hindu lunar calendar, but the spiritual essence remains unchanged: honoring nature and divine motherhood.
Nahay Khay: The First Step of Purity
October 25 marks Nahay Khay, the first day of Chhath Puja. Devotees bathe in sacred rivers and consume a single, satvik meal-typically rice, chana dal, and bottle gourd. This meal is prepared in a purified kitchen using earthen or bronze utensils. Nahay Khay symbolizes physical and spiritual cleansing, setting the tone for the upcoming fasts. It’s a day of discipline, where devotees begin their journey of devotion with simplicity and gratitude. The ritual reflects the importance of purity in both body and intention before invoking divine blessings.
Kharna: The Day of Sacrifice
On October 26, devotees observe Kharna-a day of complete fasting without water. In the evening, they prepare jaggery kheer, wheat roti, and fruits as prasad. After offering it to the deities, they break their fast and begin the 36-hour nirjala (waterless) fast. Kharna represents self-control, inner strength, and unwavering faith. It’s a spiritual test that purifies the devotee’s mind and body. The simplicity of the prasad and the intensity of the fast reflect the depth of devotion and the sacred bond between the devotee and the divine.
Sandhya Arghya: Offering to the Setting Sun
October 27 is dedicated to Sandhya Arghya, where devotees offer prayers to the setting sun. Standing waist-deep in water, they present fruits, sugarcane, and earthen lamps in bamboo baskets. This ritual honors the cycle of life, acknowledging both endings and transitions. The setting sun symbolizes acceptance of life’s challenges and gratitude for its blessings. Families gather at riverbanks, singing traditional songs and celebrating communal faith. The visual of hundreds of devotees offering arghya together creates a powerful spiritual atmosphere filled with emotion and reverence.
Usha Arghya: Prayers to the Rising Sun
October 28 marks the final day-Usha Arghya. Devotees offer prayers to the rising sun, symbolizing new beginnings, hope, and vitality. After the arghya, the fast is broken and prasad is distributed among family and neighbors. This ritual signifies renewal and divine blessings for children’s well-being. The rising sun represents optimism and the continuation of life. Usha Arghya is the most emotional moment of Chhath Puja, where devotees feel spiritually fulfilled and deeply connected to nature and divinity.
The Divine Bond: Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya
Chhathi Maiya is believed to be the sister of Surya Dev and the goddess of child protection. She is worshipped for granting health, longevity, and happiness to children. Surya Dev, the visible source of energy and life, complements her nurturing role. Their combined worship during Chhath Puja reflects the balance between vitality and protection. This divine relationship emphasizes the harmony between masculine energy (Surya) and feminine grace (Chhathi Maiya), making Chhath Puja a celebration of life itself.
Rituals Rooted in Nature and Tradition
Chhath Puja is not just a religious observance-it’s a tribute to nature. Devotees worship the sun, water, earth, and air through rituals that are eco-friendly and spiritually enriching. No synthetic materials are used; offerings are made in clay pots and bamboo baskets. Songs, folk traditions, and community gatherings reinforce cultural identity. The festival teaches respect for natural elements and the importance of living in harmony with the environment. It’s a reminder that spirituality and sustainability can coexist.
Relevance of Chhath Puja in Modern Times
In today’s fast-paced world, Chhath Puja offers a moment of pause, reflection, and connection. It promotes mental discipline, family unity, and ecological awareness. The rituals encourage mindfulness and gratitude-values often lost in modern life. With growing digital engagement, Chhath Puja has also found space on social media, helping younger generations reconnect with tradition. Whether in villages or urban centers, the festival continues to inspire devotion, resilience, and cultural pride.
ALSO READ-Why Thekua, Coconut, and Sugarcane Matter in Chhath Puja Rituals
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