Chhath Puja 2025: Fasting rules and rituals to be followed on the auspicious day

Chhath Puja, an iconic Hindu festival honoring the Sun God and his sister Chhathi Maiya, is being celebrated from October 25 to 28 this year. This four-day festival is mainly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and parts of Uttarakhand.

During this auspicious occasion, devotees observe fast, take holy dip and prepare special offerings. It is believed that celebrating Chhath brings happiness and prosperity in life. People perform rituals especially for the well-being, good health and success of their children.

Chhath puja and fasting

Chhath Puja celebrations begin with the ritual of Nahaye Khaye, where devotees take a holy dip in the river Ganges and prepare a traditional meal of boiled rice, gourd curry and pakodas using the Ganges water. They cook it on an earthen stove without onion or garlic.

The food is first offered to the deities and then eaten by devotees, believed to purify the body for the 36-hour fast.

On the second day, known as Kharna, devotees fast till sunset and then prepare sweet dishes like puri, kheer and roti. Accepting and eating this Prasad is considered auspicious. People often visit each other’s houses in the evening to share blessings.

Fasting rules to be followed during Chhath Puja

– Both men and women observe a fast for 36 hours, abstaining from water and food. Even family members who are not fasting are prohibited from eating non-vegetarian food.
– A high level of cleanliness is maintained throughout the home.
– Consumption of garlic, onion, meat, eggs and other tamasic foods is strictly prohibited during the festival.
– Eating cow’s milk and curd is also not allowed.
Devotees also abstain from alcohol and tobacco during this period.
– On the second day (Kharna), devotees prepare puri, roti, rice kheer and jaggery kheer on an earthen stove. They can break their fast only after offering it to the deity.
– The same earthen stove is used to make Thekua, a fried sweet.
– After offering Arghya to the rising sun, devotees break their fast by eating Bhog Prasad. It marks the end of the festival.

Nahay Khaye will be celebrated on 25th October. The second day is known as Kharna which will be celebrated on 26th October. Sandhya Arghya will be offered in the evening on 27 October and the festival will end with Arghya to the rising sun in the morning on 28 October.