Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival. It is most popular in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, but today it is also celebrated in big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and even in countries such as Singapore, the USA, and the UK.

At its heart, Chhath Puja is about faith, family, and community. Families gather by riversides or water bodies, sharing in the rituals together. It is a festival that shows how devotion and togetherness can shine through in the simplest of ways.

Chhath Puja is a unique and ancient Hindu festival dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (the goddess of well-being and prosperity). Unlike many other Hindu festivals that involve idols, decorations, and loud celebrations, Chhath Puja stands out for its simplicity, strict rituals, and deep devotion.

The word Chhath means “sixth” in Hindi, and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the lunar month of Kartika (October–November). Devotees observe fasts, take holy dips in rivers, and offer prayers to the rising and setting sun.

Chhath Puja is especially popular in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as in Nepal. The Chhath Puja festival is known for its discipline, purity, and community spirit. It is not only a religious observance but also a cultural celebration that brings families and communities together.

In 2025, Chhath Puja will be celebrated from Wednesday, 26 October to Saturday, 29 October 2025. The festival lasts four days, each day having its own meaning and rituals.

Devotees take a holy bath in rivers or ponds and eat only one meal of satvik (pure vegetarian) food, usually rice, dal, and pumpkin curry.

Devotees fast the whole day and break the fast in the evening with kheer (rice pudding), fruits, and chapati. After this, a strict 36-hour fast without water begins.

Devotees offer arghya (water and milk) to the setting sun at riverbanks or water bodies. This is the most significant day, when thousands gather together.

The final day ends with offering arghya to the rising sun, followed by breaking the fast with fruits and prasad.

Chhath Puja is one of the oldest festivals in India, with roots that go back thousands of years. Deeply tied to Hindu mythology and folk traditions, it reflects the enduring bond between humans and nature.

The festival finds mention in both great Hindu epics. In the Ramayana, it is believed that Sita performed Chhath Puja rituals after returning to Ayodhya with Lord Rama following the victory over Ravana. In the Mahabharata, Draupadi and the Pandavas observed Chhath Puja to seek blessings for strength and prosperity, which helped them regain their lost kingdom.

Chhath Puja is also linked to one of the most ancient forms of worship, prayers to the Sun God (Surya Dev). In the Rigveda, hymns describe sun worship and offerings made to the solar deity for health, longevity, and well-being. This makes Chhath not just a religious ritual but also a practice rooted in Vedic traditions of energy, healing, and gratitude.

Over time, Chhath Puja evolved into a folk festival that is especially significant in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. It is seen as a celebration of fertility, health, and the cycles of nature. Families and communities gather by rivers and ponds, offering thanks to the rising and setting sun, a tradition that continues to unite people across generations.

In essence, the history of Chhath Puja blends mythology, Vedic customs, and local traditions, making it not just a festival of faith but also a cultural heritage of gratitude towards nature and life itself.

Chhath Puja is known for its strict discipline and spiritual purity. Devotees observe each step with deep devotion, often over a period of four days. The rituals are not just acts of worship but also symbols of gratitude, endurance, and harmony with nature.

The festival begins with devotees taking a ritual bath in rivers, ponds, or other water bodies, symbolising the cleansing of body and soul. This act of purification sets the tone for the days of devotion that follow.

One of the most challenging parts of Chhath Puja is the 36-hour fast, during which devotees abstain from food and water. This is considered one of the toughest fasts in Hindu tradition and reflects immense dedication and willpower.

Central to the festival is the offering of arghya, a mixture of water, milk, fruits, and sugarcane, to the setting sun in the evening and the rising sun the next morning. Devotees stand waist-deep in water while performing these prayers, signifying humility and gratitude towards the cosmic energy that sustains life.

A special sweet called 'thekua' is prepared as part of the rituals. Made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, this simple yet delicious treat is offered as prasad to the deities and later shared among family and community members.

The celebration concludes with the lighting of oil lamps (diyas), which are placed on riverbanks or around homes. The flickering lights symbolise positivity, purity, and the triumph of hope over darkness.

Chhath Puja is regarded as one of the purest and most disciplined festivals in Hindu tradition. Devotees observe it with sincerity and strict adherence to rules, as even the smallest act is considered sacred. The main guidelines followed during the festival include:

Chhath Puja is more than just a religious observance; it is a celebration of gratitude, purity, and togetherness. Devotees honour the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth and seek blessings for prosperity, health, and family well-being. The festival is also believed to cure ailments, bring peace, and bless couples with children.

Here’s how Chhath Puja is celebrated:

Even in modern cities such as Singapore, Dubai, London, and New York, Indian communities recreate the same atmosphere. Where rivers are not available, people gather near local water bodies, parks, or even artificial ponds, ensuring the spirit of Chhath continues across the globe.

Food plays a central role in Chhath Puja, not just as nourishment but as an offering of purity and devotion. All meals and prasad are strictly vegetarian, prepared without onion, garlic, or any non-satvik ingredients. Many families still cook on clay stoves (chulhas) using mango wood or cow dung cakes, keeping the traditions alive.

Here are some of the main foods associated with Chhath Puja:

The signature prasad of Chhath Puja, made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, and sometimes flavoured with coconut or dry fruits. Its rich taste and long shelf life make it perfect for sharing with family, neighbours, and community members.

Prepared especially on Day 2 (Kharna), kheer is made with rice, milk, and jaggery or sugar. Devotees break their one-day fast by eating this dish, which is then shared with family and friends.

On Day 1 (Nahay Khay), devotees eat a simple satvik meal of boiled rice, dal, and pumpkin curry, symbolising purification and preparation for the coming fasts.

Fruits such as bananas, sugarcane, coconuts, and apples are offered during the rituals. Each fruit has a symbolic value, such as bananas for fertility, sugarcane for sweetness in life, and coconuts for purity.

During the arghya ritual, milk and ghee are offered to the Sun God as symbols of nourishment, strength, and purity.

The food of Chhath Puja is not about indulgence but about simplicity, purity, and sharing. Every dish and offering is prepared with devotion, turning meals into sacred offerings that carry both spiritual and cultural significance.

If you want to witness Chhath Puja in its most authentic and vibrant form, here are some of the top destinations in India and abroad where the festival is celebrated with great devotion and grandeur:

The heart of Chhath Puja celebrations. The ghats of the Ganga, such as Gandhi Ghat and Patna Sahib, attract thousands of devotees who gather to offer arghya. The atmosphere here is unmatched, with traditional songs, decorated ghats, and a strong sense of community.

The Ganga ghats of Varanasi glow with thousands of diyas during Chhath. Watching devotees stand in the sacred waters of the Ganga while offering prayers to the setting and rising sun is a spiritual sight that draws both pilgrims and travellers.

Known for its peaceful and serene Chhath rituals, Ranchi offers a more intimate celebration. Local ponds and lakes become sacred spaces filled with devotion and cultural pride.

The banks of the Yamuna host some of the largest community Chhath Puja gatherings outside Bihar and UP. With growing migrant populations, Delhi’s celebration combines scale with inclusivity.

Among Nepali Hindus, Chhath Puja is celebrated with great reverence. Local rivers and ponds become vibrant centres of worship, echoing the traditions of Bihar and UP.

The Chhath spirit has travelled far beyond South Asia. Today, large-scale celebrations take place at:

Here, migrant communities recreate the rituals of their homeland, complete with decorated ghats, folk songs, and cultural performances.

Chhath Puja is about worshipping the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya for health, prosperity, and blessings.

Chhath Puja 2025 is from 26 October to 29 October 2025.

It is considered one of the most spiritual festivals, showing gratitude to nature and testing discipline through tough fasting.

Thekua, a sweet made of wheat and jaggery, is the main prasad.

Yes. While it is more common in Bihar, Jharkhand, and UP, anyone can join the rituals and prayers.

No. It is also celebrated in Nepal, and among Indian communities in Singapore, USA, UK, UAE, and many other countries.

Holy bathing, fasting, preparing satvik food, offering arghya to the sun, and distributing prasad.

Chhath Puja 2025 is more than just a religious observance; it is a festival that connects people with nature, discipline, and gratitude. From its deep history in Hindu scriptures to its growing global celebration, Chhath Puja remains a symbol of simplicity and spirituality. Whether you are in Patna by the Ganga, in Delhi by the Yamuna, or in Singapore by the Kallang River, the essence of Chhath Puja is the same: purity, devotion, and thankfulness.

From fasting and offering arghya to enjoying thekua and kheer with family, the Chhath Puja celebration continues to spread light and hope across the world. If you wish to be part of this spiritual journey in 2025, plan your trip early, join the community prayers, and experience the powerful energy of one of India’s most sacred festivals.

For travellers, booking flights, hotels, and local attractions via Traveloka is a convenient way to join the festival in India or abroad. Just book your activities, flights, and hotels easily on Traveloka today and start your festival with us.