Chhath Puja 2025: Dates, Rituals, and Travel Tips for Varanasi Visitors

Chhath Puja 2025, one of the most sacred festivals in India, honours the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya with rituals deeply rooted in Vedic traditions. This four-day celebration symbolises purity, devotion, and harmony with nature.

During this time, Varanasi comes alive with devotion, as millions of devotees gather along the ghats of the Ganges to perform Chhath Puja rituals. The city transforms into a glowing spiritual hub, where faith, tradition, and the eternal river flow together in divine rhythm. For travellers, experiencing Chhath Parv in Varanasi offers an unparalleled glimpse into India’s living devotional heritage.

In this blog

• Chhath Puja 2025: A Festival of Faith and Devotion
• History and Mythology of Chhath Puja Celebrations
• Significance of Chhath Puja Celebrations
• Chhath Puja 2025 Dates & Timings
• Rituals of Chhath Puja in Varanasi
• Experiencing Chhath Puja in Varanasi 2025
• Travel Tips for Varanasi Visitors During Chhath Puja 2025
• Beyond Chhath Puja: Exploring Varanasi

Chhath Puja 2025: A Festival of Faith and Devotion

Chhath Puja 2025 stands as one of India's most revered festivals, celebrated with unmatched fervour across the northern states. This four-day celebration dedicated to Surya Dev (Sun God) and his consort Usha (Dawn) brings together communities in a display of collective faith. The festival's unique characteristic lies in its environmental consciousness, as devotees worship natural elements without elaborate temple structures, making the Chhath Puja dates 2025 particularly significant for spiritual seekers and cultural enthusiasts alike.

History and Mythology of Chhath Puja Celebrations

The origins of Chhath Puja trace back to the Vedic period, with references found in ancient texts like the Rigveda, where Sun worship held paramount importance. According to Hindu mythology, the festival's roots connect to several fascinating legends. The most prominent tale speaks of Draupadi and the Pandavas observing Chhath Parv to overcome their difficulties during exile, as advised by sage Dhaumya.

Another significant legend involves Queen Priyavrata's wife, who remained childless for years. Upon observing the Chhath Puja rituals with complete devotion, she was blessed with a son by Chhathi Maiya. The festival also finds mention in the story of Karna, the great warrior from the Mahabharata, who was blessed by the Sun God through his unwavering devotion and daily worship.

The most touching narrative involves Sita, who performed Chhath Puja after returning from Lanka. Her prayers for the welfare of Ayodhya and its people established the tradition of seeking blessings for family prosperity and protection. These mythological foundations have shaped Chhath Puja into a festival that transcends mere ritualistic observance, becoming a profound expression of gratitude toward nature's life-giving forces.

Significance of Chhath Puja Celebrations

Chhath Puja holds extraordinary significance as the biggest and most auspicious festival for the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand. This four-day celebration represents the triumph of faith over material desires, where devotees, primarily women, undertake rigorous fasting and prayers for their family's well-being. The festival's unique characteristic lies in its democratic nature, transcending caste, creed, and social boundaries.

The spiritual significance of Chhath Parv extends beyond personal prayers, embodying ecological consciousness and environmental preservation. Devotees worship the Sun as the source of all life, acknowledging humanity's dependence on natural elements. The festival promotes purification of mind, body, and soul through its stringent observances, creating a collective energy of positivity and hope.

The celebration's cultural importance cannot be overstated, as it preserves ancient traditions while fostering community bonds. Entire neighbourhoods come together to support fasting devotees, sharing responsibilities and creating an atmosphere of mutual care. This communal harmony makes Chhath Puja a living testament to India's cultural heritage and spiritual wisdom.

Chhath Puja 2025 Dates & Timings

Chhath Puja dates 2025 span four consecutive days, beginning on November 5th and concluding on November 8th. The festival follows the lunar calendar, starting on the sixth day (Shashthi) of the Kartik month's bright fortnight. Each day carries specific significance in the ritualistic sequence, with precise timing for prayers and offerings crucial for proper observance of Chhath Puja 2025.

Key Festival Days:

• Nahay Khay: Saturday, October 25^th, 2025
• Lohanda & Kharna: Sunday, October 26^th, 2025
• Sandhya Arghya: Monday, October 27^th, 2025
• Usha Arghya: Tuesday, October 28^th, 2025

Authentic Sunrise and Sunset Timings:

• Day 1 (Oct 25): Sunrise 6:41 AM, Sunset 6:06 PM
• Day 2 (Oct 26): Sunrise 6:41 AM, Sunset 6:05 PM
• Day 3 (Oct 27): Sunrise 6:42 AM, Sunset 6:05 PM
• Day 4 (Oct 28): Sunrise 6:42 AM, Sunset 6:04 PM

Each day's significance builds upon the previous, creating a crescendo of spiritual energy that culminates in the final morning prayers, marking the completion of this sacred journey.

Rituals of Chhath Puja in Varanasi

Day 1 – Nahay Khay (November 5, 2025)

The first day of Chhath Puja rituals begins with devotees taking a holy dip in the sacred Ganges at various ghats across Varanasi. Nahay Khay translates to "bathe and eat," signifying the purification process essential for the upcoming fasting period. Devotees prepare simple, sattvic meals using ingredients like bottle gourd curry, rice, and chana dal. The cleansing in the Ganga purifies both body and mind, preparing worshippers for the spiritual journey ahead during Chhath Puja 2025.

Day 2 – Kharna (November 6, 2025)

Kharna marks the beginning of the rigorous fasting period, where devotees observe a day-long fast without water (nirjala vrat). The fast breaks at sunset after preparing special prasad, including kheer made with jaggery, chapati, and bananas. This preparation requires meticulous attention to purity, with devotees avoiding garlic, onion, and salt. The Kharna ritual establishes the devotee's commitment to the complete Chhath Puja observance, demonstrating unwavering faith and determination essential for the remaining days of Chhath Parv.

Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya (November 7, 2025)

The most visually spectacular day of Chhath Puja rituals unfolds as devotees gather at Varanasi's ghats during sunset for Sandhya Arghya. Dressed in traditional attire, worshippers enter the Ganges carrying beautiful bamboo baskets filled with prasad offerings. The evening prayers at the ghats create a mesmerising spectacle of flickering diyas, devotional songs, and collective chanting. Devotees offer water to the setting sun while standing waist-deep in the river, their prayers carrying across the water in waves of spiritual energy during this crucial phase of Chhath Puja 2025.

Day 4 – Usha Arghya (November 8, 2025)

The final day brings the culmination of Chhath Puja rituals with Usha Arghya, the morning prayers offered to the rising sun. Before dawn, devotees return to the ghats, carrying the same baskets from the previous evening. As the sun rises over the Ganges, they offer water and prayers to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, seeking blessings for prosperity and protection. This morning, Arghya concluded the 36-hour fast, and devotees broke their fast with prasad. The completion of Usha Arghya marks the successful conclusion of Chhath Parv, filling participants with divine satisfaction and spiritual fulfilment.

Sacred Foods and Cultural Practices

The festival's prasad includes traditional delicacies like Thekua (sweet wheat cookies), seasonal fruits, sugarcane, coconut, and bananas. Devotees follow strict dress codes, wearing traditional dhoti-kurta or sarees in yellow, red, or saffron colours. The fasting rules prohibit the consumption of salt, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food throughout the observance, maintaining the purity essential for this sacred ritual.

Experiencing Chhath Puja in Varanasi 2025

Spiritual Ambience of Varanasi During Chhath Puja

Varanasi during Chhath Puja 2025 transforms into a vibrant canvas of devotion and faith. The city’s sacred ghats- Dashashwamedh, Assi, Rajghat, Kedar, and Harishchandra- become focal points for Chhath Puja rituals. Each ghat glows with countless diyas, their reflections shimmering on the Ganges, creating an unforgettable spiritual atmosphere.

Preparations and Community Efforts

Days before the Chhath Parv, devotees from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and beyond flock to the holy city. Local communities and authorities prepare temporary spaces for bathing, changing, and preparing prasad. The ghats echo with traditional Chhath folk songs, passed down through generations, amplifying the festive spirit.

Sandhya Arghya: The Grand Spectacle

The highlight of Chhath Puja 2025 is Sandhya Arghya, when hundreds of devotees step into the Ganga together, offering prayers to the setting sun. Conch shells, bells, and collective chants fill the air, while incense and traditional sweets enhance the sensory experience. Visitors, photographers, and cultural enthusiasts can witness this breathtaking moment, provided they maintain a respectful distance and follow cultural etiquette.

Travel Tips for Varanasi Visitors During Chhath Puja 2025

• Best Time to Arrive: Reach Varanasi 3–4 days before the Chhath Puja dates 2025 to secure hotels and explore. Plan to return after the festival to enjoy the city peacefully.
• Transport & Connectivity: Fly via Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, take trains to Varanasi Junction or Manduadih, or travel by road- book early as traffic and demand rise during Chhath Parv.
• Accommodation Tips: Choose budget guesthouses near ghats, premium riverside hotels for Ganga views, or homestays for authentic Chhath Puja rituals
• Safety & Crowd Management: Arrive early at ghats, keep valuables safe, and follow authorities’ instructions during Sandhya and Usha Arghya ceremonies.
• Food & Essentials: Taste Chhath prasad like Thekua, carry water, snacks, sanitiser, and medicines due to large gatherings.
• Do’s & Don’ts: Respect rituals, dress modestly, avoid littering, and practice eco-friendly habits during Chhath Puja 2025.

Beyond Chhath Puja: Exploring Varanasi

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple: The golden spires of Kashi Vishwanath Temple represent Varanasi's spiritual heart, housing one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas. This ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva attracts millions of pilgrims annually, offering profound spiritual experiences through its divine atmosphere and architectural magnificence.
• Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat: The spectacular Ganga Aarti ceremony transforms Dashashwamedh Ghat into a theatre of devotion each evening. Priests perform synchronised rituals with large brass lamps, creating a mesmerising display of light, sound, and spiritual energy that captivates visitors and devotees alike.
• Sarnath Day Trip: Located 10 km from Varanasi, Sarnath marks the birthplace of Buddhism, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. The archaeological complex features ancient stupas, monasteries, and museums showcasing Buddhist art and philosophy, making it an essential cultural excursion.
• Street Food Experiences: Varanasi's culinary landscape offers incredible street food adventures, from spicy chaat at Godowlia to crispy kachori-sabzi combinations at local stalls. The winter delicacy malaiyo provides a unique taste experience, while lassi shops near ghats serve refreshing traditional beverages perfect for festival exploration.

Club Mahindra Resorts Near Varanasi

While there are no Club Mahindra resorts in Varanasi, visitors celebrating Chhath Puja 2025 can extend their journey to the holy city of Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram. Here, the majestic Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple offers a deeply spiritual experience.

For a memorable stay, choose the Praveg Tent City Ayodhya Brahma Kund Resort, a unique resort near Varanasi blending comfort with cultural immersion. Located close to sacred sites, the resort offers elegant Swiss tents equipped with modern amenities, serene surroundings, and warm hospitality.

Guests can enjoy local vegetarian cuisine, cultural performances, and guided experiences that showcase Ayodhya’s heritage. The peaceful riverside setting makes it an ideal retreat after exploring the grandeur of Ram Janmbhoomi.

A stay at this resort in Uttar Pradesh not only enhances your pilgrimage but also provides an authentic and soulful extension to your Chhath Puja 2025 trip.

Conclusion

Experiencing Chhath Puja 2025 in Varanasi offers travellers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness India's most authentic spiritual celebration. The combination of ancient rituals, community devotion, and the sacred Ganges creates an unforgettable journey into the heart of Indian culture and spirituality. Plan ahead for Chhath Puja dates 2025 to ensure your participation in this extraordinary festival of faith and devotion.