Chhath Puja 2025: Exact Dates & Timings for Nahay Khay, Kharna & Arghya !
Chhath Puja 2025 is one of the most sacred festivals celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. Devoted to Lord Surya (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, this festival involves strict fasting, holy bathing, and offering prayers to the Sun. Observing Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya at the right time ensures spiritual purification and blessings for health, prosperity, and peace.
In this blog, we will cover:
- Chhath Puja 2025 Key Dates & Timings
- Detailed Rituals
- Step-by-Step Pooja Vidhi & Mantras
- Traditional Foods
- FAQs
Chhath Puja 2025: Key Dates and Timings
Chhath Puja follows the Hindu lunar calendar and begins six days after Diwali. In 2025, the festival falls between November 1st and 4th.
| Ritual | Date (2025) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Nahay Khay | 01 Nov 2025 | Morning (7:00 AM – 10:00 AM) |
| Kharna | 02 Nov 2025 | Evening (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM) |
| Sandhya Arghya | 03 Nov 2025 | Sunset (4:45 PM – 6:15 PM) |
| Usha Arghya | 04 Nov 2025 | Sunrise (6:15 AM – 7:30 AM) |
Tip: Timings may slightly vary depending on your location. Always check your local Panchang for exact times.
Day 1: Nahay Khay
Nahay Khay is the first day of Chhath Puja and symbolizes purification of the body and mind.
Ritual Steps:
- Wake up early and take a holy bath in a river, pond, or clean water body.
- Wear fresh, traditional clothes, preferably yellow or red.
- Prepare simple vegetarian meals without onion or garlic.
- Offer Tulsi leaves and water for blessings.
- Eat the meal once after bathing, focusing on mental purity and devotion.
Mantra for Nahay Khay:
“ॐ सूर्याय नमः। ॐ छठी मईया नमः।”
(Om Suryaya Namah, Om Chhathi Maiya Namah)
Tips:
- Maintain silence during the bath and meal.
- Keep all puja items clean and fresh.
Day 2: Kharna
Kharna is the second-day fast. It is broken at sunset with special offerings.
Ritual Steps:
- Observe a day-long fast from sunrise to sunset.
- Prepare Kheer (rice pudding), Chapati, Jaggery, and fruits for the evening.
- Offer prayers to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya before breaking the fast.
- Consume the meal slowly and mindfully after offering it.
Kharna Mantra:
“ॐ नमः सूर्याय। ॐ छठी मईया की जय।”
Tips:
- Avoid caffeine, processed foods, and non-veg items.
- Focus on meditation or chanting mantras during the day.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering)
Sandhya Arghya is the main ritual performed at sunset, offering gratitude to the Sun God.
Ritual Steps:
- Reach the riverbank or pond before sunset.
- Prepare a basket with fruits, Thekua, rice, and sweets.
- Stand waist-deep in water, facing the west.
- Offer the basket while chanting:
Sandhya Arghya Mantra:
“सर्व मङ्गल माङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थ साधिके।
सर्वसिद्धि प्रदायिने नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते।”
- Repeat 3-5 times and meditate for blessings.
Day 4: Usha Arghya (Morning Offering)
Usha Arghya involves offering prayers to the rising sun, marking the conclusion of Chhath Puja.
Ritual Steps:
- Wake up before sunrise and reach the water body.
- Prepare the Arghya Basket as done for Sandhya Arghya.
- Stand facing the east, waist-deep in water.
- Offer water and items while chanting:
Usha Arghya Mantra:
“ॐ सूर्याय नमः। ॐ छठी मईया नमः।
प्रसन्ना भवतु मा चक्र्याः।”
- Meditate for 2-3 minutes, visualizing health, prosperity, and peace.
- Take the basket home and share Thekua and fruits as prasad.
Chhath Puja 2025: Mantra & Pooja Vidhi Summary
| Ritual | Mantra | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Nahay Khay | ॐ सूर्याय नमः। ॐ छठी मईया नमः। | Purification of body and mind |
| Kharna | ॐ नमः सूर्याय। ॐ छठी मईया की जय। | Self-discipline, fasting, and devotion |
| Sandhya Arghya | सर्व मङ्गल माङ्गल्ये…नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते। | Gratitude to the setting sun |
| Usha Arghya | ॐ सूर्याय नमः। ॐ छठी मईया नमः। प्रसन्ना भवतु। | Blessings from rising sun, prosperity, peace |
Traditional Foods During Chhath Puja
- Thekua: Sweet made of wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee
- Rice Kheer: Offered during Kharna and Arghya
- Seasonal Fruits: Banana, coconut, sugarcane
- Chapati & Vegetables: Light vegetarian meal on Nahay Khay
Tip: Avoid onion, garlic, non-veg food, and alcohol during Chhath Puja.
Chhath Puja 2025 Ritual Checklist
- Identify local water body for Arghya.
- Prepare puja items in advance.
- Observe fasting rules strictly.
- Wake up early for Nahay Khay and Usha Arghya.
- Chant Surya & Chhathi Maiya mantras with devotion.
- Include family members for shared blessings.
FAQs About Chhath Puja 2025
1. When is Chhath Puja 2025?
Answer: November 1st to 4th, 2025.
2. What is Nahay Khay?
Answer: First day ritual involving holy bath and simple vegetarian meal.
3. What is Kharna?
Answer: Fasting from sunrise to sunset, broken with Kheer, Chapati, and Jaggery.
4. When is Sandhya Arghya in 2025?
Answer: November 3rd, sunset between 4:45 PM – 6:15 PM.
5. When is Usha Arghya in 2025?
Answer: November 4th, sunrise around 6:15 AM – 7:30 AM.
6. What foods are allowed?
Answer: Vegetarian foods like Thekua, rice, kheer, seasonal fruits, chapati.
7. Can children observe Chhath Puja?
Answer: Yes, especially during Arghya offerings with guidance.
8. Why is fasting important?
Answer: Fasting represents discipline, purification, and devotion.
9. Can Arghya be done at home?
Answer: Traditionally in water bodies, but can be adapted at home.
10. Are mantras necessary?
Answer: Enhances devotion, but intent and purity matter most.
11. How long does the fast last?
Answer: Kharna fast lasts sunrise to sunset; Arghya fasting continues till sunrise.
12. What clothes should be worn?
Answer: Prefer yellow, red, or white traditional attire.
13. Environmental considerations?
Answer: Keep rivers clean; avoid plastic and non-biodegradable items.
14. Can non-Bihari people celebrate?
Answer: Yes, celebrated worldwide by devotees.
15. Spiritual benefits of Chhath Puja?
Answer: Brings peace, prosperity, health, and strengthens family bonds.