Soul Cosmic by Himani

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Introduction: A Festival of Devotion and Divine Light

Chhath Puja, one of the most sacred festivals in Hindu tradition, is not just a ritual but a celebration of faith, purity, and gratitude toward the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya. This festival holds deep Vedic roots and symbolizes harmony between nature and human life.

In 2025, Chhath Puja will begin on Friday, 24th October and conclude on Monday, 27th October, with the main Sandhya Arghya (evening offering) falling on Sunday, 26th October.

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Significance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God), the eternal source of energy and life on Earth. Worshipping the Sun during this festival is believed to promote health, prosperity, and emotional balance. It also honors Chhathi Maiya, considered the sister of Surya Dev and protector of children and family well-being.

Spiritually, Chhath represents surrender, discipline, and purification. Devotees fast rigorously, abstain from indulgence, and practice gratitude — symbolizing the journey of the soul from material desire toward divine surrender.

✨ Key Beliefs:

• The Sun’s energy cleanses the body and mind.
• Prayers during sunrise and sunset help balance cosmic energies.
• The festival promotes environmental awareness and the sanctity of water bodies.

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Rituals and Four Days of Devotion

Each day of Chhath Puja carries a special spiritual meaning and set of rituals:

1. Nahay Khay (Friday, 24th October 2025)

The first day marks purification. Devotees bathe in holy rivers and prepare satvik food (without onion or garlic). Eating after offering the first prayers to the Sun symbolizes cleansing the inner and outer self.

2. Kharna (Saturday, 25th October 2025)

A day of fasting from sunrise to sunset. The fast is broken after sunset with gur ki kheer (jaggery pudding), fruits, and chapati. It represents self-control and humility.

3. Sandhya Arghya (Sunday, 26th October 2025)

The main day of the festival. Devotees gather at riverbanks, ponds, or ghats to offer evening prayers to the setting Sun. Women dressed in vibrant sarees carry bamboo baskets filled with fruits, sugarcane, and thekua (a traditional sweet). The glow of diyas on water creates a mesmerizing celestial view.

4. Usha Arghya (Monday, 27th October 2025)

The final day honors the rising Sun, symbolizing rebirth, renewal, and blessings for health and prosperity. After the morning offerings, devotees break their 36-hour fast, sharing Prasad with family and community.

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Where Chhath Puja is Celebrated

Chhath Puja is celebrated with immense devotion across Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, and in many parts of Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai due to migration of devotees.

Famous Celebration Spots:

• Patna (Bihar): The ghats of River Ganga — such as Patna’s Adalat Ghat and Kangan Ghat — witness lakhs of devotees offering prayers.
• Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh): Aarti and chants blend with divine peace along the ghats.
• Ranchi & Deoghar (Jharkhand): The festival is observed with traditional music and folk rituals.
• Delhi & Mumbai: Urban devotees create artificial ponds or visit beaches to continue the tradition.

In recent years, Chhath has transcended geography, becoming a symbol of cultural unity and eco-conscious spirituality.

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Symbolism and Spiritual Insight

The Sun represents the soul (Atma) and cosmic consciousness. Offering water to the Sun is symbolic of returning gratitude to the universe for life energy. The fasting, simplicity, and community participation reflect lessons of:

• Discipline: Maintaining purity of body and mind.
• Detachment: Reducing desires and strengthening spiritual willpower.
• Devotion: Expressing heartfelt surrender to the divine.

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Cosmic Reflection by Himani Goyal

“Chhath reminds us that true light comes from within — when our faith outshines our fears. Each sunrise and sunset during Chhath is not just a moment of worship, but an opportunity to align our soul with the rhythm of the universe.”

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Key Highlights 2025

Date	Day	Ritual	Description
24th October	Friday	Nahay Khay	Purification and preparation
25th October	Saturday	Kharna	Fasting and gratitude
26th October	Sunday	Sandhya Arghya	Evening prayer to setting Sun
27th October	Monday	Usha Arghya	Morning prayer and fast conclusion

Soul Tip

During Chhath Puja, light a diya at home during both sunrise and sunset hours, even if you’re not fasting. Offer gratitude for life, family, and the Sun’s blessings. This simple act invites positivity and strength into your aura.

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Conclusion

Chhath Puja is not merely a ritual — it’s a journey of light, patience, and inner purification. As diyas float on holy waters and chants fill the air, the festival reminds us that divinity resides in discipline, gratitude, and harmony with nature.

With love & cosmic guidance,

Himani Goyal

Founder, Soul Cosmic by Himani