Chhath Puja : 7-Day Rituals Guide for Beginners

Chhath Puja, one of the most sacred and deeply revered festivals of India, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, honors the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya (the goddess of power). Celebrated with immense faith and devotion, Chhath Puja’s rituals emphasize purity, fasting, and thanksgiving to the sun for sustaining life on Earth. For beginners, understanding the 7-day ritualistic journey of Chhath Puja can enhance participation and spiritual experience. This guide walks you through the complete 7-day Chhath Puja rituals in 2025, with tips for smooth observance.

Origins and Significance

Chhath Puja is an ancient festival that traces back to Vedic times, where the sun was worshiped as the source of energy and life. The festival invokes blessings for health, prosperity, and well-being by expressing gratitude to Surya Dev. The rituals also honor Chhathi Maiya, regarded as a protective mother goddess who blesses families. Celebrated primarily during Kartika Shukla Shashthi (sixth day after Diwali), it has expanded into a week-long spiritual observance enveloping purification, fasting, and offering prayers at riverbanks or water bodies.

The 7-Day Rituals of Chhath Puja 2025

While traditionally Chhath Puja unfolds over 4 days, many devotees begin preparations and special observances earlier, expanding the process into a meaningful 7-day journey of faith and purity.

Day 1 & 2: Preparation and Purification

• Day 1 (Nahay Khay): The festival officially commences with a ritualistic bath in holy rivers or ponds. Devotees purify their mind and body by bathing early morning, symbolizing spiritual cleansing. After the bath, they consume the first satvik meal — usually simple dishes like lauki (bottle gourd), rice, and chana dal made without onion or garlic. Homes and puja places are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with rangoli and banana leaves to invite auspiciousness.

• Day 2 (Kharna): Devotees observe a day-long fast, starting at sunrise and breaking it in the evening after offering prayers. The fast is broken with 'kheer' (a sweet rice pudding made with jaggery) and seasonal fruits, signifying simplicity and devotion. This is followed by the crucial 36-hour Nirjala (waterless) vrat fast preparing the devotee for intense spiritual discipline.

Day 3 to Day 5: Main Puja and Arghya Offerings

• Day 3 (Sandhya Arghya): On this evening, devotees gather at the riverbanks or water bodies, standing waist-deep in water, to offer 'arghya' (ritual offerings) to the setting sun. Baskets called 'soop' are filled with traditional offerings such as thekua (a special sweet), sugarcane, fruits, and flowers. Women, dressed in vibrant sarees, sing devotional Chhath geet while observing silence and deep meditation.

• Day 4 (Usha Arghya): At dawn, devotees again offer prayers and arghya to the rising sun. This marks the culmination of the fast and rituals. After the offerings, the vrat is broken in a sacred ceremony called 'paran' where prasad is shared with family and community, symbolizing gratitude and renewal.

• Days 5 to 7: Post-Puja Celebrations and Community Connection: Following the main puja days, families often gather to celebrate, share meals, and thank the deities for blessings received. Devotees continue singing bhajans, maintain purity in food and conduct, and participate in community feasts fostering harmony and togetherness.

Essential Items and Tips for Beginners

• Puja Samagri: Traditional items needed include sugarcane, thekua, seasonal fruits (banana, sweet potato, pomelo), raw sugar, wheat flour, jaggery, and earthen lamps. Devotees often carry holy water from the Ganges for rituals.

• Dress Code: Simple, clean, and traditional attire is preferred. Women usually wear bright sarees with bangles, while men wear dhoti-kurta or traditional kurta pajamas.

• Fasting Rules: The nirjala vrat means no food or water for nearly 36 hours. Beginners should prepare physically and mentally for this rigor, ideally consulting elders or healthcare providers before attempting.

• Spiritual Mindset: Chhath Puja is as much about mental purity and devotion as physical. Maintaining calm, singing hymns, and meditating enhances the experience.

How to Celebrate Chhath Puja in Urban Settings

Many urban devotees unable to access natural water bodies create makeshift ghats on rooftops or terraces using tubs filled with clean water. It is equally important to maintain cleanliness, decorate the space beautifully, and follow the rituals with full dedication regardless of the setting.

Conclusion: Embracing the Spiritual Journey

Chhath Puja is a lifetime opportunity to immerse in tradition, express gratitude to the Sun God, connect deeply with nature, and seek blessings for the family’s prosperity. For beginners, participating in these 7 days of observance fosters discipline, devotion, and a profound cultural connection that enriches one’s life.

Prepare with faith, follow the rituals with sincerity, and experience the transformative power of Chhath Puja 2025—the festival of light, purity, and devotion that calls us back to nature’s rhythm.