Every year, I look forward to my winter break visiting my hometown, Darbhanga in Bihar. But one year my trip during winter fell on Chhath Puja 2025. Which is one of the most significant and energetic celebrations in Bihar. I had read about it, seen photos and watched videos online but nothing could have prepared me for the real thing. From the early morning ritual to the evening prayers by the river. Blessing Chhath Puja in Darbhanga was simply amazing.
In this blog, I’m sharing my experience of celebrating Chhath Puja, along with some tips, rituals and the cultural spirit I saw in Darbhanga.
Understanding Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is a festival that integrity Surya Dev. The Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. It is mainly famous in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and some area of Nepal. What makes this festival special is its strict rules. Focus on cleanliness and deep spiritual devotion. People stand by rivers, fast and pray to both the morning and evening sun.
- Focus of Worship: Sun God and Chhathi Maiya
- Duration: 4 days
- Key Element: Rivers, ponds or water bodies
During Chhath Puja in Darbhanga, I said how the city modifies. The streets were significant cleaner, residences were beautifully decorated and every riverside turned into a place full of affection and activity.
Day 1: Nahay Khay – The Ritual of Purification
The festival starts with Nahay Khay, which indicate “bath and eat.” People take a sacred bath in a river or pond. Like the Ganga or smaller ponds in Darbhanga, to immaculate themselves spiritually.
I mastered up immediately and proceeded with my family to a nearby pond. The drown was very cold but the emotion of faith and concurrently made me feel warm inside. After the bath. We had plain vegetarian food — mainly rice, lentils and fresh vegetables. All cooked without using onion or garlic.
Tips for Nahay Khay:
- Wear comfortable, traditional clothes.
- Prepare food in a clean and purified kitchen.
- Focus on mental and spiritual preparation.
Day 2: Lohanda and Kharna – Fasting Begins
The discard day is shouting Kharna and on this day. People go by quickly all day until evening. I saw my family material Khichdi, thekua and resultant in the morning. When the evening came, everyone assembled and broke their fast with these foods.
- Traditional Food: Khichdi, Thekua, seasonal fruits, and jaggery
- Ritual: Eat after sunset, maintaining purity and devotion
During Chhath Puja 2025, I was proficient in the power of shared affection in Darbhanga. People from families, neighborhoods and friends came coincidently to share food and blessings. It wasn’t just a spiritual ceremony but also a celebration of reassurance and togetherness, bringing comfort and joy.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya – Evening Offering to the Sun
This was the day I truly felt the spirit of Chhath Puja in Darbhanga. People come together by the riverside and ponds to execute Sandhya Arghya. Which is a special offering made to the sunset in the evening.
I joined the group at Ghat, where many people had previously come. Women wearing various sarees and traditional accessory carried bamboo baskets called soop. Which were filled with fruits, sugarcane and flowers.
Key Rituals:
- Standing in waist-deep water
- Offering Arghya (water mixed with milk) to the setting sun
- Singing traditional Chhath songs
I was really moved by the spiritual songs. Everyone sang together, making a lovely and holy feeling. The flame of the lamps mirror on the water and the evening across the sky were truly lovely to watch.
Tips for Sandhya Arghya:
- Carry light offerings in bamboo baskets.
- Wear comfortable clothes and avoid synthetic fabrics.
- Reach early to secure a good spot at the ghat.
Day 4: Usha Arghya – Morning Offering to the Rising Sun
The survive day, Usha Arghya, is when reverence prays to the rising sun. I got up at 4:30 AM to get to the ghat in Darbhanga. The cool morning air and the soothing golden glow of the sun made the occasion feel extremely special.
Key Rituals:
- Offerings of fruits, thekua and sugarcane to the rising sun
- Maintaining silence and meditation
- Standing in water until the ritual is complete
After the offering, families break their fast with prasad. Which is the food offered during the ritual and exchange of blessings. Seeing the deep devotion and self-control of the people around me. I thought about why Chhath Puja is respected as one of the purest festivals in Bihar.
Food and Offerings During Chhath Puja
One of the most fascinating objects about Chhath Puja is the way people prepare and participate in food. When I was in Darbhanga, I got to see and try a lot of classical foods.
- Thekua is a sweet made from wheat flour and jaggery.
- It’s deep-fried and given to the Sun God as an offering.
- Fruits like bananas, sugarcane and other rhythmical fruits are placed in a bamboo basket.
- People also eat simple meals like rice and dal. Which is made without using onion or garlic.
I had the chance to make thekua on my own with help from my older cousins. It was a fun experience and I concluded how significant care and love goes into each dish.
Tips on How to Celebrate Chhath Puja Properly
From my experience and attention in Darbhanga. Here are some useful tips for anyone wondering how to celebrate Chhath Puja:
- Plan Early: Markets get filled during Chhath Puja 2025.
- Buy ingredients in advance to escape the rush.
- Wear Traditional Clothes: Sarees for women, dhotis or kurta-pajamas for men.
- Keep Water Body Clean: If you celebrate at a pond or river. Avoid polluting the water.
- Maintain Fasting Discipline: The festival is about innocence. Avoid breaking fast improperly.
- Join Community Celebrations: It’s further fun and incorporating uplifting to be part of the community.
- Capture Moments Respectfully: Photography is allowed but maintain admiration for rituals.
Why Chhath Puja in Darbhanga is Special
Darbhanga has a unique feeling during Chhath Puja. It’s different from big cities because the ghats are pacifistic but full of energy. I really actually know how people in the neighborhood and families worked together. Assisting each other set up bamboo baskets and decide to prasad.
Highlights I Noticed:
- Families singing Chhath songs together
- Children helping elders with offerings
- Clean and serene ghats along the river
- Community sense of devotion and celebration
Celebrating Chhath Puja in Darbhanga was further than justified thing rituals. It was a chance to bond with tradition, nature and the people around you.
Chhath Puja 2025: What to Expect
For Chhath Puja 2025, I expect Darbhanga to be even more vibrant, as fanatics start preparing months ahead. Many new ghats are being cleaned and adorned, while local markets are already stocking required like fruits, sugarcane, and bamboo baskets, leading to a sense of incentive and anticipation.
- Date 2025: Chhath Puja generally falls 6 days after Diwali (October–November).
- Preparations: Cleaning ghats, decorating homes, and arranging community songs.
- Experience: Traditional Chhath songs, lamps floating on water, and spiritual energy.
I recommend anyone planning to witness Chhath Puja in Darbhanga 2025 to book accommodations early, dress traditionally, and immerse themselves fully in this spiritual experience.
Conclusion: Experiencing Chhath Puja Personally
After celebrating Chhath Puja in Darbhanga, I realized why this festival is called the festival of devotion and purity. It’s not just about rituals — it’s about discipline, community, gratitude, and connecting with nature.
Whether it’s your first time or a returning visit, experiencing Chhath Puja in Bihar, especially in a culturally rich city like Darbhanga, is unforgettable. From fasting, bathing, singing, offering prayers, and sharing prasad, the festival leaves a deep imprint on your heart.
Final Thoughts:
- Plan your trip to coincide with Chhath Puja 2025.
- Follow the rituals with devotion and respect.
- Enjoy the vibrant culture, food, and community spirit.
Celebrating Chhath Puja in Darbhanga was more than a festival — it was a journey into the heart of Bihar’s tradition, faith, and communal harmony.