Chhath Puja Essentials List:
Chhath Puja, a deeply revered festival celebrated after Diwali, is devoted to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. This four-day festival begins with Nahay Khay, followed by Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and concludes with Pratah Arghya. This year, Chhath Puja commences on October 25, 2025. The festival is a testament to purity, rituals, and resolutions; thus, meticulous preparation of the necessary materials is vital. Let's explore the essential items needed for Chhath Puja.
Chhath Puja 2025 Materials List
5 sugarcane sticks with leaves 2 large bamboo baskets 1 pot, plate, and spoon Coconut with water 1 glass, for milk and water Banana Betel leaves and areca nut Sweet potatoes Custard apple Turmeric Fresh ginger plant Pear Radish Lemon Water chestnut Rice Jaggery Sweets Thekua Rice flour Wheat Honey Vermilion Lamp Sacred thread Incense Garland Kumkum New sari
Offer These Sacred Items to Chhathi Maiya
It is believed that offering specific items to Chhathi Maiya bestows women with eternal fortune and prosperity. According to ancient beliefs, offerings should include rice, chickpeas, vermilion, sweets, seven types of fruits, jaggery, ghee-infused thekua, and adornments for Chhathi Maiya.
Chhath Puja Begins on October 25
Chhath Puja is a marvelous Indian tradition showcasing faith, penance, and family affection. Representing devotion to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, Chhathi Maiya bestows life, energy, and prosperity. This year, Chhath Puja starts on October 25, 2025 (Saturday), marking the festival's commencement with ‘Nahay Khay’.
Day One – Nahay Khay (October 25, Saturday)
On Nahay Khay day, fasting women bathe in rivers or ponds at dawn. This is followed by consuming pure, satvik food, typically bottle gourd and rice or chickpea dal with hand-pounded rice, believed to impart strength and purity for the challenging fast ahead.
Day Two – Kharna (October 26, Sunday)
Known as Kharna, the second day is observed with deep reverence and discipline. Women fast without water during the day, preparing offerings such as jaggery kheer and wheat bread after sunset. This marks the start of a challenging 36-hour waterless fast.
Day Three – Sandhya Arghya (October 27, Monday)
On this day, fasting women, accompanied by their families, visit the ghats. They offer arghya to the setting sun amidst a serene backdrop of illuminated ghats and melodious hymns of Chhathi Maiya. Women present fruits, thekua, coconuts, and other offerings to the sun in decorated baskets.
Day Four – Usha Arghya (October 28, Tuesday)
On the final day, the rising sun is offered arghya, making it an intensely emotional and spiritual moment of the Chhath festival. Women pour water to the sun, praying for their family's prosperity and health. The fast ends after this ritual.
