Chhath Puja: October 27 marks Shashthi Tithi, the sixth day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik, observed as Sandhya Arghya—a crucial component of the Chhath Mahaparva festival. Devotees across India undertake rigorous day-long waterless fasting while offering evening prayers to Lord Surya for family well-being and prosperity.
Chhath Puja Timing and Schedule
The Shashthi Tithi of Kartik commenced at 6:04 AM on October 27, 2025, and concludes at 7:59 AM on October 28, 2025. Sunrise occurred at 6:30 AM, with sunset scheduled for 5:40 PM—the critical time for evening Arghya offerings.
Ritual Observances
Following the completion of Nahay Khay and Kharna rituals, devotees begin a demanding 36-hour waterless fast and perform the evening Arghya ceremony to the Sun God. Worshippers transport traditional offerings including fruits, flowers, thekua (a ceremonial sweet), rice laddus, sugarcane, coconuts, and other items in bamboo baskets to designated Chhath Ghats.
At sunset, devotees offer Arghya to the descending Sun using brass vessels. Following this offering, they circumambulate the Sun God five times and light ceremonial lamps while praying for familial well-being and happiness.
The ritual cycle continues on the morning of October 28, when devotees offer Arghya to the rising sun with prayers for family welfare. The strict fast concludes with the distribution and consumption of prasad. This morning ceremony symbolizes new beginnings, purity, and spiritual renewal.
Cultural and Religious Significance
Chhath Puja represents a festival embodying faith, devotion, and self-discipline within the Sanatan tradition. It holds a revered position in Hinduism, dedicated specifically to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya.
This sacred festival, deeply rooted in folk religious practices, is celebrated primarily for family prosperity and children’s longevity. The rigorous fasting requirements and elaborate ritual observances demonstrate the devotion of participants, who endure physical hardship as an expression of spiritual commitment.
The festival enjoys particular prominence in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, though celebrations occur wherever communities from these regions have settled. The discipline required for the waterless fast and the communal nature of ghat celebrations make Chhath Puja a distinctive and socially significant Hindu observance.
