Chhath Puja, one of the most revered festivals in India, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, has officially been declared a public holiday in 2025 by several state governments. This ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya is marked by strict rituals, deep devotion, and mass public participation.
Below, we explore the Chhath Puja public holiday 2025 in detail—covering the official holiday declaration, its cultural importance, the date, and state-wise notifications.
Chhath Puja 2025 Date: When Will It Be Celebrated?
In 2025, Chhath Puja will be observed from Tuesday, October 28 to Friday, October 31, with the main offering to the setting sun (Sandhya Arghya) on October 30 and the morning offering (Usha Arghya) on October 31. The festival spans four days, each having its own religious and symbolic relevance:
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Nahay Khay (Oct 28): The first day marks purification with a ritual bath and simple vegetarian food.
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Kharna (Oct 29): Devotees observe a fast and break it after sunset with prasad.
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Sandhya Arghya (Oct 30): Devotees offer prayers to the setting sun on riverbanks.
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Usha Arghya (Oct 31): The final and most important day when the rising sun is worshipped.
Chhath Puja Public Holiday 2025: Government Declarations
As the festival plays a vital cultural and religious role in various regions, state governments have started issuing official notices declaring Chhath Puja as a public holiday in 2025. These declarations are essential for public institutions, government offices, and schools to ensure participation and crowd management.
Here is a state-wise summary of the Chhath Parv govt declaration for 2025:
State-Wise Notification of Chhath Puja Holiday 2025
1. Bihar
Bihar, the cultural heartland of Chhath, was among the first to announce an official holiday. The Bihar government declared October 30 and 31, 2025, as public holidays across the state. All government offices, educational institutions, and banks will remain closed.
2. Jharkhand
In Jharkhand, where the festival is celebrated with similar fervor, the government has also confirmed a public holiday on both main Arghya days. Administrative bodies have been instructed to support public safety and cleanliness at ghats.
3. Uttar Pradesh
Eastern districts like Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Ballia witness massive Chhath celebrations. The Uttar Pradesh government has issued a gazette notification recognizing October 30 and 31 as public holidays in those regions.
4. Delhi
Given the growing migrant population from Bihar and UP in the capital, Delhi government typically allows a restricted or optional holiday for Chhath. For 2025, it’s expected that October 31 will be marked as a restricted holiday, especially around Yamuna ghats.
5. West Bengal
In Kolkata and surrounding areas with significant Bihari communities, local municipal bodies often facilitate celebrations. While not an official state holiday, certain public schools and organizations in areas like Howrah and Barrackpore observe special schedules.
Cultural and Religious Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is unique among Hindu festivals as it does not involve idol worship. Devotees fast rigorously, sometimes without water, and perform rituals in natural water bodies—usually rivers or ponds. The core belief is to show gratitude to Surya Dev, who sustains life on Earth, and to seek blessings for well-being, prosperity, and fertility.
The festival is also known for its environmental emphasis, as rituals are performed in clean surroundings, often leading to community-driven river cleaning initiatives. Many urban local bodies have started organizing eco-friendly ghats to support safe worship.
Importance of Government Declarations for Chhath Parv
The Chhath Parv govt declaration ensures that thousands of devotees can travel, gather, and participate in the festival with minimal disruption. It also aids law enforcement and municipal authorities in planning crowd control, waste management, and medical support during mass gatherings at ghats.
Public holidays during Chhath are not only religious accommodations—they also reflect the growing recognition of regional cultural practices in national policy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Is Chhath Puja a public holiday across all Indian states in 2025?
No. Chhath Puja is a public holiday mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, parts of Uttar Pradesh, and select urban zones like Delhi. Other states may mark it as a restricted or optional holiday.
Q2. What are the main rituals performed during Chhath Puja?
The key rituals include bathing in holy water, fasting (often without water), offering Arghya to the sun during sunrise and sunset, and maintaining ritual purity throughout.
Q3. Why is Chhath Puja important?
It honors the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya for sustaining life and ensuring family well-being. It also promotes eco-conscious behavior and spiritual discipline.
Q4. Will banks and government offices be closed on Chhath Puja 2025?
In states where Chhath Puja has been declared a public holiday, government offices, banks, and schools will remain closed on the main ritual days.
Q5. How is Chhath celebrated in cities like Delhi and Mumbai?
In metro cities, Chhath is celebrated in public parks, near water bodies, or on artificial ghats with help from local municipal bodies and community groups.
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