Chaiti Chhath, a sacred Hindu festival, holds immense significance in Indian culture. Celebrated twice a year, this grand festival is observed in the months of Chaitra and Kartik with unwavering devotion. Although Chhath Puja is celebrated throughout the country, it is particularly significant in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Bengal. This festival is dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God) and Mata Shashthi, with devotees observing rigorous fasting and performing sacred rituals.
For those wondering about the dates and significance of Chaiti Chhath in 2025, this article provides a detailed overview of its rituals, astrological importance, and how this divine observance can help childless couples receive blessings.
When is Chaiti Chhath 2025?
According to astrological calculations, Chaiti Chhath in 2025 will begin on April 1 and conclude on April 4. Below is the detailed schedule:
- April 1, 2025 (Tuesday) – Nahai Khay (Ritualistic cleansing and start of the fast)
- April 2, 2025 (Wednesday) – Kharna (Fasting without water and preparing Prasad)
- April 3, 2025 (Thursday) – Sandhya Arghya (Offering prayers to the setting sun)
- April 4, 2025 (Friday) – Usha Arghya (Offering prayers to the rising sun, concluding the festival)
Why is Chaiti Chhath Puja So Special?
Unlike other Hindu festivals, Chhath Puja is the only festival where Lord Surya is directly worshipped. The festival is known for its stringent rituals and unshakable faith. Purity is of the utmost importance, and devotees observe a 36-hour Nirjala (waterless) fast, seeking divine blessings for health, happiness, and prosperity.
Four Days of Chaiti Chhath and Their Significance
1. Nahai Khay (April 1, 2025)
The first day of Chaiti Chhath is dedicated to cleansing and purification. Devotees take a holy bath in a river, especially in the Ganges, and consume a sattvic (pure) meal, typically consisting of rice, pumpkin, and lentils. This meal is cooked using wood-fired stoves to maintain purity.
2. Kharna (April 2, 2025)
The second day is one of complete fasting, culminating in the evening with the consumption of Kharna Prasad, which includes gur (jaggery) ki kheer, chapati, and bananas. After this, the devotees embark on a 36-hour waterless fast.
3. Sandhya Arghya (April 3, 2025)
On the third day, devotees offer Sandhya Arghya—a ritual of offering water, milk, and sugarcane to the setting sun. This is done at riverbanks, ponds, or artificial water bodies, with devotees standing knee-deep in water, chanting Vedic hymns and expressing gratitude for life and well-being.
4. Usha Arghya (April 4, 2025)
The festival concludes with the offering of Usha Arghya to the rising sun. It is believed that this final prayer grants longevity, prosperity, and well-being. After this, devotees break their 36-hour Nirjala fast, marking the successful completion of Chhath Puja.
Astrological Importance of Chaiti Chhath Puja
Astrologers emphasize the significance of planetary alignments during Chhath. Worshiping the Sun God during this period is believed to eliminate graha doshas (planetary defects) and bring positivity, health, and prosperity. The Sun represents power, energy, and health, making Chhath an essential ritual for those facing astrological challenges related to Surya.
Chaiti Chhath and Blessings for Childbirth
One of the most revered aspects of Chaiti Chhath Puja is its association with fertility and childbirth. Mata Shashthi, the goddess worshipped during this festival, is believed to bless childless couples with offspring. Couples struggling with infertility observe Chhath Puja with devotion, believing that their prayers will be answered.
How Can Childless Couples Observe Chhath for Blessings?
- Maintain utmost purity during the festival.
- Observe the 36-hour Nirjala fast with full devotion.
- Offer Arghya with a pure heart and unwavering faith.
- Chant Vedic mantras dedicated to Lord Surya and Mata Shashthi.
- Perform charity (daan), such as donating food, clothes, and essentials to the needy.
Rules and Rituals to Follow During Chhath Puja
To maintain the sanctity of the puja, devotees must adhere to the following rules:
- Maintain absolute cleanliness in the surroundings and body.
- Consume only sattvic food (pure, vegetarian food prepared without garlic or onion).
- Abstain from intoxicants such as alcohol and tobacco.
- Follow the Nirjala fast with discipline and sincerity.
- Avoid using impure utensils and materials during puja preparations.
Key Ingredients Required for Chhath Puja
The following items are essential for the rituals:
- Prasad – Thekua, jaggery kheer, rice laddoos, bananas, and coconut.
- Puja Samagri – Bamboo soop (winnow), clay lamps, betel leaves, sugarcane, turmeric, and sandalwood paste.
- Offerings for Arghya – Water, milk, sugarcane juice, and flowers.
Conclusion
Chaiti Chhath Puja is a festival of faith, devotion, and discipline. Observing this ritual with a pure heart brings health, prosperity, and happiness. For childless couples, it is a golden opportunity to seek the blessings of Mata Shashthi and Lord Surya for a fulfilling family life. The rigorous fasting, sacred offerings, and unwavering faith make this festival an unparalleled spiritual experience.
As we prepare for Chaiti Chhath 2025, let us embrace the purity and dedication of this divine festival, seeking the boundless blessings of Lord Surya and Mata Shashthi.
