Chhath Puja in Nepal: Worship of the Sun God Surya Dev

Thousands of flickering lamps light up the banks of the serene Nepal rivers, as devout women stand in water, up to their waist, with eyes facing the rising or setting Sun. This is Chhath Puja in Nepal, a very sacred Hindu festival, at which families gather and pay respect to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhaithi Maiya, who is the Vedic Goddess of Dawn.

The festival is very much entrenched in the culture of Terai and Mithila in Nepal, particularly in places such as Janakpur, Birgunj, Biratnagar, and Rajbiraj. Throughout the years, the festival has not just been limited to the Madhesi nation, but is now celebrated in the whole of Nepal, even in Kathmandu. This blog will discuss the cultural richness, rituals, and the Chhath Puja 2025 dates in Nepal.

What is Chhath Puja? Understanding the Core Beliefs

Chhath Puja is a Vedic festival, more primitive, which is dedicated to Surya Dev, the giver of life, and Chhathi Maiya, who is said to safeguard children and bring good luck and health to families.

• Gods Worshipped: Surya Dev has a representation of energy, wellness, and life, and Chhathi Maiya is a goddess of well-being and prosperity.
• Significance: Religious believers show appreciation by maintaining life, wishing their family to prosper, children to live long, and by cleansing body and soul.
• Values: The festival focuses on Niyam-Nishtha (purity and discipline), strict fasting (usually without water), and the strong connection to nature.

Chhath Puja in Nepal: The Terai (Mithila) Connection

The Chhath Puja is centred around the Terai region of Nepal, especially the Maithili-speaking regions. During the festival, such cities as Janakpur, which is identified with the culture of Mithila, are spiritual centers.

• Cultural Roots: Chhath is a cultural tradition that has been transmitted over generations of Mithila.
• Spirit of Community: Families, neighbours, and whole towns become one in lavish preparations, cleaning houses, offerings.
• Nepali Folk: Folk songs, Maithili hymns, and traditional rituals make the Chhath Puja in Nepal more cultural.

The Four Auspicious Days: A Journey of Devotion

Day 1: Nahay Khay (Bathe & Eat)

• Significance: Purgation of both body and soul.
• Rituals: The believers bathe in a holy bath when they take a simple sattvic meal such as rice, lentils, and pumpkin cooked in ghee.

Day 2: Lohanda / Kharna

• Significance: Commencing of the grave fast.
• Rituals: Full-day fasting, and then worship of the Earth. During sunset, the family makes Kheer (rice pudding) and Roti and shares it among family and neighbors.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering to the Setting Sun)

• Significance: The most popular day of Chhath Puja.
• Rituals: The worshippers pose in rivers or ponds with their offerings like fruits, sugarcane, coconuts, Thekua (traditional sweet), and oil lamps. The sacrifice is to the setting sun.

Day 4: Usha Arghya (Morning Offering to the Rising Sun)

• Significance: Ending of the Puja with the rising Sun.
• Rituals: The worshippers visit the waterbanks again to give Arghya to the sunrise, hoping that they will be blessed with prosperity and health, and they continue their fast with blessed prasad.

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The Spiritual & Environmental Significance of Chhath Puja

Chhath is more than a religious ritual—it’s a philosophy of gratitude and harmony with nature.

• Thanksgiving to Nature: Praise to the Sun and water is praise to the forces of life.
• Purity & Penance: Fasting is a lesson of self-control, discipline, and cleansing.
• Health Benefits: Faith in sun rays and the rites of passage bathing.
• Community Bonding: Devotion is united in the family and the neighborhood.
• Gender Roles: One of the rituals that women traditionally perform, although some males also perform the rituals nowadays.

Chhath Puja 2025: Key Dates in Nepal

Chhath Puja falls on the sixth day of the lunar month of Kartika (Kartika Shukla Shashthi).

• Nahay Khay: October 26, 2025
• Lohanda / Kharna: October 27, 2025
• Sandhya Arghya (Evening Sun Offering): October 28, 2025
• Usha Arghya (Morning Sun Offering & Fast Break): October 29, 2025

(Note: Dates may vary depending on local Nepali Panchang and sunrise/sunset timings.)

Experiencing Chhath Puja in Nepal: Tips for Visitors

• Respect the Sanctity: Maintain silence and respect while observing rituals.
• Best Places to Witness: Janakpur, Birgunj, Biratnagar, Rajbiraj, and along the great rivers in the Terai.
• Atmosphere: A colorful, spiritual, and communal festivity with songs, lamps, and rituals.
• Photography: It is best to take pictures only with the consent of the devotees.

Worth reading: Popular festival in Nepal

Conclusion: A Timeless Tradition of Faith and Nature

The Chhath Puja in Nepal is not merely a festival but a tradition of purity, devotion, and thanksgiving that has always been there. Based on the cultural identity of Mithila, it still motivates faith, communities, and unites humanity with the cosmos.

Be it Nepal or visiting during this period, Chhath Puja is to experience a deep marriage between faith, family, and nature.

• When is the Chhath festival this year in Nepal?

According to the Nepali calendar Chhath festival is on October 23 2025(2082 Kartik 9).

• Who celebrates the Chhath festival in Nepal?

Chhath festival is mainly celebrated by Hindu people of the Terai region by Maithili and Bhojpuri-speaking communities.

• Which god is worshipped during the Chhath festival?

During the Chhath festival, devotees worship the Sun. According to the Hindu religion Sun is considered a god, Surya Dev.

• What is the story behind Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja is believed to date back to Vedic times. According to legends, Draupadi and the Pandavas of the Mahabharata performed Chhath to overcome difficulties and gain back their lost kingdom. Another belief says it began with sages who worshipped the Sun God for energy and healing by fasting and standing in water.

• Why is Chhath Puja celebrated?

Chhath Puja is celebrated to worship Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees express gratitude for the Sun’s life-giving energy and pray for health, prosperity, and the well-being of their family. The strict fasting and rituals symbolize purity, discipline, and a deep bond with nature.

• Who is Chhathi Maiya?

Chhathi Maiya, also known as Goddess Usha, is considered the sister of the Sun God. She is believed to protect children, bless families with happiness, and ensure prosperity. Devotees worship her during Chhath Puja for the longevity and well-being of their loved ones.

• Where can travelers experience the Chhath Festival inside Nepal?

Travelers can experience the Chhath Festival in mostly Southern parts of Nepal, known as the Terai region, with locations including Chitwan National Park, Janakpur, Birgunj, Sarlahi, Lahan, Rajbiraj, and many more.

• How many days is the Chhath Festival celebrated?

The Chhath Festival is celebrated over four sacred days, with each day carrying its own unique religious meaning, rituals, and spiritual significance.

• Is there a holiday during the Chhath festival in Nepal?

Yes, the Chhath festival is a public holiday in Nepal.

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