25th October 2025, Kathmandu
As the last days of the Tihar festival fade, the capital of Bagmati Province, Hetauda, shifts its focus to one of the most devout and visually stunning celebrations in Nepal: Chhath Parva.
Hetauda Chhath 2025
Far from being a festival solely of the Terai-Madhesh region, Chhath in Hetauda has evolved into a powerful symbol of national unity, drawing crowds and showcasing vibrant cultural exchange.
This year, the preparations for the four-day festival are in full swing, turning the banks of the Rapati River in Hetauda-1 into a dazzling spectacle of light and devotion.
The Grand Transformation: Rapati River Ghats Dazzle
The annual preparation, spearheaded by organizations like the Joint Madheshi Service Society Nepal Chhath Puja Ceremony Committee, is nothing short of an engineering and artistic feat.
Illumination: The riverbanks, stretching from the Rapatirroad area of Hetauda market to the Rapati bridge, are currently being draped in colorful and glittering lights, alongside the construction of welcome and auxiliary gates.
Devotee Facilities: To accommodate the large number of worshippers, the committee is rapidly constructing numerous tents and 35 massive pandals (pavilions).
Each pavilion is planned to be 20 feet wide and 650 feet long, ensuring space for the estimated 62,000 devotees expected this year.
Focus on Purity: Intensive cleaning and decorative work around the holy site underscore the festival’s emphasis on spiritual and environmental purity.
A Symbol of National Harmony in Makwanpur
The rise of Chhath in hilly regions like Makwanpur (where Hetauda is located) has been a significant cultural phenomenon. Organizers stress that the growing number of devotees each year highlights a deepening sense of community.
“The increasing number of people celebrating Chhath in Makwanpur every year further strengthens the harmony and profound connection between the Madheshi and Pahadi communities,” remarks a spokesperson from the organizing committee.
Chhath thus serves as a powerful cross-cultural bridge, moving beyond regional boundaries to foster a collective sense of Nepalese identity and tradition.
Chhath Parva 2082: Ritual Dates and Significance
The four-day fasting and ritual period is observed with strict adherence to purity and tradition, dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya (Goddess of the Sixth Day/Protection).
| Day | Date (B.S.) | Date (2025 AD) | Ritual Name | Significance |
| Day 1 | Kartik 8 | October 25 (Saturday) | Nahay-Khay | Holy bathing and consumption of a single pure, Satvik meal to begin the fast. |
| Day 2 | Kartik 9 | October 26 (Sunday) | Kharna | Day-long fast followed by the consumption of a special sweet dish (Kheer) in the evening. |
| Day 3 | Kartik 10 | October 27 (Monday) | Sandhya Arghya | Main day of Chhath; Arghya (offerings) are made to the setting Sun while standing in the river. |
| Day 4 | Kartik 11 | October 28 (Tuesday) | Usha Arghya | Fast concludes with Arghya offered to the rising Sun, seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being. |
The Essence of the Offerings (Prasad)
Devotees are actively preparing the traditional prasad (offerings), with materials sourced from local markets. The main items symbolize gratitude and nature’s bounty:
- Bananas and various fresh fruits
- Sugarcane and ginger plants
- Sweets and mithai
- Items made of bamboo and clay (like soop and diya)
The core objective of the fast, as stated by coordinator Raviranjan Kumar Kalwar, is to seek “family happiness, peace, freedom from illness, and the fulfillment of wishes” through unwavering devotion.
Conclusion: A Must-See Festival in Hetauda
The Chhath festival at the Rapati River is more than a religious observance; it is a stunning display of deep-rooted cultural values and community spirit in Hetauda.
For both locals and visitors, witnessing the thousands of devotees gather at the dazzling riverbank for the ritualistic offerings to the setting and rising sun promises an unforgettable experience of Nepalese devotion.
For more: Hetauda Chhath 2025