Subhechcha Ganguly 
Chhath Puja, one of the most revered Hindu festivals, is dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Widely celebrated across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal, the four-day festival typically falls six days after Diwali — in October or November. Also known as Pratihar, Dala Chhath, Chhathi, or Surya Shashthi, the festival is primarily observed by women who undertake fasting rituals for the well-being of their sons and the prosperity of their families.
In 2025, Chhath Puja will be observed from Saturday, October 25, to Tuesday, October 28, with each day holding deep spiritual meaning:
Day 1 – Nahay Khay (October 25, Saturday):
Devotees begin the festival with a sacred bath, traditionally in a river, followed by a single pure meal marking the start of the vow. Sunrise will occur at 6:28 AM and sunset at 5:42 PM.
Day 2 – Kharna (October 26, Sunday):
A day of strict fasting without water, observed from sunrise (6:29 AM) to sunset (5:41 PM). The fast is broken after sunset with a special offering of kheer (rice pudding) to the Sun God, shared as Prasad.
Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya (October 27, Monday):
Considered the most significant day, devotees maintain a 24-hour fast without water and gather near rivers or ponds to offer Arghya (evening prayers) to the setting Sun at 5:40 PM.
Day 4 – Usha Arghya and Parana (October 28, Tuesday):
The festival concludes with morning offerings to the rising Sun at 6:30 AM, followed by Parana — the breaking of the 36-hour fast with Prasad and water, marking the completion of the Chhath Vrat.
