Chhath Puja 2025: Celebrate with Rituals Across the US

Chhath Puja, an annual four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, begins on October 25, 2025, and is celebrated by Hindu communities worldwide. This festival highlights gratitude towards nature and life through a series of devotional rituals rich in symbolism. While primarily observed in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, it is also embraced by those living in the United States.

Understanding Chhath Puja and Its Rituals

Known as the sun festival, Chhath Puja spans four days and includes various rituals that signify devotion and appreciation for nature. Participants stand in water with a bamboo winnow, or soop, filled with prasad (offerings) and diyas (lamps), presenting arghya (offerings) to the sun at sunrise and sunset.

The first day, called Nahay Khay, involves a ritual bath and consumption of a satvik (pure) meal, typically consisting of gourd, lentils, and rice. On the second day, Kharna, devotees observe a day-long nirjala vrat (waterless fast) and, after sunset, prepare offerings of kheer (rice pudding), roti (flatbread), and fruits for Lord Surya. This marks the beginning of a 36-hour fast.

The festival reaches its peak on the third day, known as Sandhya Arghya, when families gather at designated waterfronts to offer prayers and offerings to the setting sun. Women often sing hymns, creating a spiritual atmosphere. The final day begins with devotees offering water to the rising sun, followed by breaking the fast with the prasad.

Chhath Puja 2025 Dates and Timings in the US

Chhath Puja will be observed in the US from October 25 to October 28, 2025. The specific days are as follows:

– **October 25, Saturday:** Nahay Khay
– **October 26, Sunday:** Kharna
– **October 27, Monday:** Sandhya Arghya
– **October 28, Tuesday:** Usha Arghya and Parana

Devotees are encouraged to prepare for the arghya 10-15 minutes before sunset on October 27 and sunrise on October 28. Here are the timings for the arghya in several major US cities:

– **New York City (ET):** Sunset at 17:58 and sunrise at 07:22
– **Chicago (CT):** Sunset at 17:50 and sunrise at 07:18
– **Los Angeles (PT):** Sunset at 18:04 and sunrise at 07:09
– **Denver (MT):** Sunset at 18:03 and sunrise at 07:24

As families gather to celebrate, many choose waterfronts that have received the necessary permits for the rituals. The Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) has been organizing celebrations at Thompson Park in Monroe, New Jersey, for several years. In Washington DC, families come together along the banks of the Potomac River in Virginia for their celebrations. The Bihar Jharkhand Bandhu Association will host Chhath Puja 2025 at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina in Los Angeles, California.

For those seeking additional venues, Eventbrite and various Facebook groups provide updated information on confirmed waterfront locations for Chhath Puja.

Chhath Puja serves not only as a time for devotion but also as a means of community bonding, allowing families to connect with their cultural roots even while living abroad.