Chhath Puja 2025: Third Day Celebrations Begin in Patna with First Arghya Today

KKN Gurugram Desk | The grand four-day festival of Chhath Puja reaches its third day today (Thursday), marking an important milestone in the celebrations. Today, the first Arghya (offering) will be given to the setting sun, as part of this sacred tradition. Since the Kharna (the second day of the festival) on Wednesday, Chhath Vratis (observants) have been fasting without water for 36 hours, a significant challenge in the festival’s rituals. Today, they will offer the first Arghya to the Sun God at sunset, which will be followed by the morning Arghya tomorrow (Friday), marking the end of the observance.

In the capital of Bihar, Patna, preparations for the grand occasion have been in full swing. The local administration has ensured that all Chhath Ghats (riverbanks) are ready for devotees. The city is bracing itself for thousands of people to gather at the riverbanks, lakes, and ponds to perform rituals, offer prayers, and complete their fasts with utmost devotion.

Chhath Puja Rituals: A Glimpse of the Sacred Journey

On this auspicious day, the devotees, known as Chhath Vratis, are preparing to observe one of the most significant rituals of the festival — offering Arghya to the setting Sun. In preparation, devotees and their families begin their day early, taking a ceremonial bath and preparing Thekua (a traditional sweet), along with other offerings like fruits, coconuts, and Prasads (blessed food). These offerings are beautifully arranged in Sups (winnowing baskets) and taken to the designated Chhath Ghats for the evening ritual.

As the sun sets, Chhath Vratis will perform the sacred ritual of Arghya, offering water and fruits to the setting Sun, as a gesture of gratitude and reverence. This ritual is believed to purify the devotee’s mind and soul, while also invoking blessings for the well-being of their families.

In Patna, the early morning market at Wholesale Fruit Market Samiti sees crowds of eager devotees, mostly arriving around 3-4 AM, to buy the essential fruits and other offerings needed for the ceremony. The demand for fresh fruits has surged ever since Wednesday, as people prepare for the grand rituals that will take place over the next two days.

Chhath Puja 2025: Preparation and Safety Arrangements in Patna

As the evening approaches, the Chhath Vratis begin making their way to the Ghats, carrying their offerings and baskets filled with Thekua, fruits, and Prasads. The Patna District Administration has ensured that all Ganga Ghats, as well as several key ponds in the city, are well-prepared for the Chhath Puja rituals.

This year, in addition to the Ganga Ghats, the local administration has made arrangements at Kacchi Talab (Gardnibagh), Patna Zoo, and five other designated water bodies where devotees will offer Arghya to the Sun. The authorities have implemented strict traffic regulations around the Chhath Ghats to manage the massive influx of devotees. To ensure smooth flow of traffic and maintain order, vehicles are prohibited from entering the immediate vicinity of the Ghats. Instead, designated parking areas have been established some distance away from the Ghats, where devotees can park their vehicles before proceeding to the riverbanks.

The administration has also set up robust security measures at all locations, ensuring the safety and security of the devotees. Patrolling teams, including local police, civil defense units, and volunteers, have been deployed to monitor the crowd and assist in case of emergencies.

Chhath Puja: A Symbol of Devotion and Cultural Significance

Chhath Puja is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Bihar and other parts of North India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and parts of Nepal. The festival, dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya (the Sun God), has been celebrated for centuries and is known for its strict rituals and fasting. It is unique in its devotion, as the observants maintain a strict 36-hour fast without water, and follow a series of rituals to honor the Sun God and his consort, Chhathi Maiya.

The festival begins with the Nahay Khay (taking a holy bath), followed by the Kharna (day two), which involves fasting and the preparation of traditional sweets. The third day, today, marks the first Arghya offering to the setting Sun, while the final ritual of morning Arghya will take place at dawn tomorrow, completing the festival.

While the festival’s religious significance is paramount, it also holds immense cultural importance for the people of Bihar and beyond. The event brings communities together, fostering a spirit of unity and collective devotion. Families come together to participate in the rituals, offer prayers, and strengthen their bonds with the divine.

Chhath Puja 2025: A Test of Endurance and Faith

For the Chhath Vratis, the 36-hour fast without water is considered a test of endurance and faith. This rigorous observance demonstrates the devotee’s commitment to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya, seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and happiness for their families. The Arghya offerings to the Sun symbolize the devotee’s gratitude for the Sun’s life-giving energy and its pivotal role in sustaining life on earth.

The rituals, which involve bathing in the sacred waters, offering prayers, and performing various other activities, are believed to purify both the body and mind. The act of offering Arghya to the setting and rising Sun is symbolic of renewal and transformation, as it is believed that the Sun has the power to eliminate sins and bestow blessings upon the devotee.

Local Economy and Chhath Puja: A Boost for Patna’s Market

As the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, it provides a significant boost to the local economy. Markets in Patna and other parts of Bihar experience a surge in sales of fruits, flower garlands, coconut, and other offerings during the Chhath festival. Vendors across the city witness a rise in business, as devotees flock to buy the essential items needed for the rituals.

The Wholesalers in Patna’s Fruit Market experience a spike in demand, with customers purchasing large quantities of fresh produce for the puja. Thekua, a traditional sweet made of whole wheat flour, jaggery, and coconut, is in high demand during this festival. Devotees also spend hours preparing Prasads, including Khajuri (dates), coconut, and fruits, for offering during the rituals.

In addition to the economic impact, Chhath Puja also encourages cultural tourism, as devotees from all over the country, especially from neighboring states, come to Patna to participate in the festivities. The gathering of devotees at the Ghats and ponds contributes to a sense of community and togetherness.

The Chhath Puja 2025 in Patna is set to be a grand celebration of faith, devotion, and unity. With well-organized arrangements by the Patna District Administration, the Chhath Vratis are assured of a safe and meaningful experience as they perform their rituals at the Ganga Ghats, ponds, and lakes.

This sacred occasion provides an opportunity for people to come together, regardless of their background, to offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Surya. As the festival unfolds, it will not only bring people closer to their spiritual roots but also offer a chance to celebrate the cultural and traditional richness of Bihar.

The Chhath Puja 2025 marks a significant occasion for both devotees and the local community in Patna and Bihar, as they continue to uphold one of the most revered and demanding religious traditions in the country.