Chhath Festival 2025 Starts: ‘Nahay-Khay’ Ritual Begins 4-Day Sun Worship in Janakpur and Nepal
25th October 2025, Kathmandu
The highly revered festival of faith, Chhath, has officially begun today, observed with immense devotion by the Nepalese community, particularly in the Terai/Madhesh region, including Janakpur.
Chhath Festival 2025 Starts
This four-day festival is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya, serving as a deep expression of gratitude towards nature.
Day 1: ‘Nahay-Khay’ (Purification)
The first day of Chhath is known as ‘Nahay-Khay’. Devotees initiate the ritual by taking a holy bath in a river or pond to purify themselves. Following the bath, they consume a vegetarian, satvik meal (Arva-Arvayin) which marks the start of the vow.
Day 2: Kharna (The Beginning of the Fast)
The second day is ‘Kharna’. In the evening, devotees prepare a special Kheer (sweet dish) made of rice, jaggery, and milk. After consuming this sacred offering, the formal fast begins, requiring devotees to observe a rigorous Nirjala Vrat (fast without food or water) for approximately 36 hours.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (The Main Ritual)
Monday marks the most important day of Chhath, the ‘Sandhya Arghya’ (Evening Offering). Devotees, who have been fasting without water, gather at the banks of rivers and ponds (Ghats) to offer prayers and a complete set of offerings to the Setting Sun. The Ghats in Janakpur are known for their spectacular decorations and the massive gathering on this day.
Day 4: Usha Arghya and Paran (Conclusion)
The festival concludes on Tuesday morning with the offering of ‘Usha Arghya’ to the Rising Sun. After performing this final ritual, the devotees break their 36-hour fast by consuming the sacred offerings, an act known as ‘Paran’ (breaking the fast), thus formally concluding the four-day festival.
Public Holiday Announcement
The main day of Chhath, Monday, has been declared a nationwide public holiday in Nepal. Furthermore, the Madhesh Provincial Government has announced an additional provincial holiday on Tuesday (the final day), ensuring devotees have ample time to participate in all the sacred ceremonies.
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