Summary
Introduction
Welcome to this uplifting guide to Chhath Puja 2025, which covers the significance and rituals of Sandhya Arghya. Here, we explore the sacred evening of the major festival on the fourth day in the Sanatan tradition. Our focus on “Chhath Puja 2025 Significance and Rituals of Sandhya Arghya” will help families and readers understand the rituals, timings, and spiritual benefits of this beautiful celebration with clarity and devotion.
The auspicious festival of Chhath Puja is mainly observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. It is a profound expression of faith, devotion, and self-discipline. This year, on October 27, 2025, we celebrate the important evening ritual of Sandhya Arghya, which falls on the Shashthi Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha. The Shashthi Tithi starts at 6:04 am on October 27 and ends at 7:59 am on October 28. Sunrise occurs at 6:30 am, and sunset is at 5:40 pm. On this day, devoted families observe a waterless fast for 36 hours and gather at a riverbank or ghat to offer evening prayers to the Sun-God, seeking well-being and prosperity for their children and home.
Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is unique as it honors the Sun-God (Surya) and his sister, Chhathi Maiya, in the purest form of devotion. The Sun symbolizes the source of light, energy, and life on earth. By offering gratitude and worship to Surya, we acknowledge this vital force. (The Times of India)
By observing the rigorous fast, often without food and water, taking a holy dip, standing in water at dusk and dawn, and offering arghya to the setting and rising sun, devotees renew their spiritual purity, discipline, and connection with nature’s cycle. (The Annapurna Express)
This festival is also deeply rooted in folk beliefs. Devotees pray for the long life and prosperity of their children, overall well-being of their families, and express gratitude for what nature and divine forces provide. (The Hans India)
Rituals of Sandhya Arghya – Evening Offering on Day Three
On October 27, 2025, we observe the third day of the Chhath sequence, called Sandhya Arghya, with particular sincerity and devotion. Here are the key components:
- Waterless fast: After the earlier rituals (Nahay Khay and Kharna), devotees keep a complete fast without food or water for about 36 hours, symbolizing sacrifice, purity, and devotion.
- Carrying the offerings: As sunset approaches, families carry bamboo baskets (soop) filled with fruits (bananas, sugarcane), coconuts, thekua (traditional sweet), rice laddus, and flowers. These items form the prasad for the Sun-God and Chhathi Maiya.
- Gathering at the ghat or riverbank: Devotees arrive at riverbanks, ponds, or ghats, often standing knee-deep or waist-deep in the water, facing the setting sun. (The Hans India)
- Offering Arghya at sunset: When sunset occurs, devotees perform the arghya ritual by holding the basket, offering water (or symbolic arghya) to the Sun-God, lighting lamps (diyas), singing hymns or folk songs, and praying for the well-being of the family, especially children and their future. They then walk around the offering spot five times.
- Continuing the fast overnight: After the evening ritual, the fast continues throughout the night until the next morning’s sunrise (Usha Arghya).
This evening offering is rich in symbolism. It acknowledges the setting sun, marks the completion of a day, reminds devotees of nature’s cycles—that endings are needed for new beginnings—and strengthens the bond between community, nature, and devotion. (Go Sharpener)
Practical Tips & Timing for 2025
For Chhath Puja 2025, the Shashthi Tithi (sixth lunar day) in the Shukla Paksha of Kartik begins at 6:04 am on October 27 and ends at 7:59 am on October 28.
Sunset will occur at 5:40 pm on October 27 (approximate; local time may vary). Devotees should arrive at the riverbank or ghat early for the Sandhya Arghya ritual.
Ensure the basket (soop) is prepared with thekua, seasonal fruits, coconuts, sugarcane, lamp, rice laddus, flowers, and turmeric.
Dress in clean, preferably traditional clothing. After a day of preparation and fasting, approach the water calm, stand in the water if possible, and perform the arghya while facing the setting sun.
After completing the evening offerings, remain steadfast in your fast overnight. The next morning, at sunrise, you will perform the Usha Arghya and break your fast with the prasad.
Since this is a communal festival, arriving early at a popular ghat helps secure a good spot and avoid crowds.
Why This Day Matters Profoundly
Sandhya Arghya isn’t just another ritual; it is the soul of Chhath Puja. It combines self-discipline (fasting without water), devotion (offering to the Sun), purity (standing in natural water), family focus (prayers for children and household), and nature worship (sunset symbolism). This combination elevates the festival from mere observance to a spiritual renewal: endings of one day, gratitude for what has been, hope for what will come.
By participating, devotees show their unwavering faith, connect with nature’s cycle, and reaffirm their vows for their loved ones’ well-being.
Concluding Thoughts
As you prepare for Chhath Puja 2025 and the evening Sandhya Arghya ritual, remember that this sacred act is more than just a set of steps; it is a heartfelt prayer, a community commitment, and a moment of deep connection between the divine, the natural world, and your family. With the right timing, respect, preparation, and pure intention, you can make this evening one of profound meaning and blessings.
May your Sandhya Arghya be filled with peace, devotion, prosperity, and the enduring blessings of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.
Note: All information and images used in this content are sourced from Google. They are used here for informational and illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chhath Puja 2025
1. What is the spiritual significance of Chhath Puja 2025?
Chhath Puja 2025 symbolizes faith, devotion, and gratitude toward the Sun-God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya. The Sun represents life, energy, and prosperity, while Chhathi Maiya blesses devotees with health, happiness, and fertility. This ancient Vedic festival encourages balance between humans and nature and celebrates self-discipline, purity, and thankfulness.
2. When will Chhath Puja 2025 be celebrated, and what are the key dates?
Chhath Puja 2025 begins with Nahay Khay and continues for four days. The most significant evening, Sandhya Arghya, will be observed on October 27, 2025, during the Shashthi Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha, starting at 6:04 AM on October 27 and ending at 7:59 AM on October 28. Sunrise is at 6:30 AM and sunset at 5:40 PM. The next morning, devotees perform Usha Arghya, concluding the festival.
3. What are the main rituals of Chhath Puja 2025 Sandhya Arghya?
On the evening of October 27, devotees observe a 36-hour waterless fast and gather at ghats or riverbanks to offer Arghya to the setting Sun. Offerings include thekua, coconuts, bananas, rice laddus, flowers, and sugarcane carried in bamboo baskets. The ritual involves lighting diyas, singing folk songs, circumambulating the Sun-God five times, and praying for the family’s well-being and children’s longevity.
4. Why do devotees fast during Chhath Puja 2025?
The fast during Chhath Puja 2025 is an act of extreme devotion and self-control. Observing the nirjala vrat (fast without water) symbolizes purity, mental discipline, and complete surrender to divine will. It is believed that this austerity attracts positive energy, removes negativity, and brings prosperity and peace to the devotee’s family.
5. What should devotees prepare for Chhath Puja 2025 rituals?
For Chhath Puja 2025, devotees should prepare a bamboo soop filled with traditional offerings such as thekua, seasonal fruits, coconuts, sugarcane, turmeric, rice laddus, and flowers. Wearing clean, traditional clothes and maintaining the purity of thought and surroundings is essential. Devotees also clean the ghats and their homes, decorate prayer areas, and use brass or copper vessels for offerings.
6. What are the exact Sandhya Arghya timings for Chhath Puja 2025?
The Sandhya Arghya of Chhath Puja 2025 should be offered during sunset, around 5:40 PM (local times may vary slightly). Devotees should reach the ghat before sunset, perform the offering facing west toward the setting Sun, and maintain silence or chant Surya mantras during the ritual.
7. How does Chhath Puja 2025 promote environmental awareness?
Chhath Puja 2025 emphasizes respect for natural elements like the Sun, water, and earth. The rituals are performed without the use of non-biodegradable materials. Offerings are made in eco-friendly bamboo baskets, and devotees ensure the cleanliness of rivers and ghats, reflecting the deep connection between spirituality and environmental consciousness.
8. What is the difference between Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya in Chhath Puja 2025?
Sandhya Arghya is the evening offering made to the setting Sun on October 27, 2025, symbolizing gratitude for life and daily blessings. Usha Arghya, observed at sunrise on October 28, 2025, is the morning offering to the rising Sun, representing new beginnings, renewed faith, and future prosperity. Together, these rituals complete the sacred Chhath Puja cycle.
9. How do families celebrate Chhath Puja 2025 together?
Families prepare together by cleaning homes, cooking prasad, and decorating puja areas. During Chhath Puja 2025, the entire community gathers at riverbanks, singing traditional songs, lighting lamps, and supporting each other through the fasting period. The shared devotion and collective joy strengthen family and community bonds.
10. What blessings are believed to be received from observing Chhath Puja 2025?
Observing Chhath Puja 2025 with purity and devotion is believed to bring health, happiness, fertility, peace, and prosperity. It is said that Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya bless devotees with the strength to overcome challenges and fulfill their heartfelt wishes, ensuring the family’s overall well-being and success.
