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Chhath Puja is a four-day festival dedicated to the worship of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, celebrated with great devotion in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. The festival begins with Nahay-Khay and continues until the Uday Arghya. The first day is called Nahay-Khay, which lays the foundation for the entire vrat (fast). This year, Nahay-Khay will be observed on 25 October 2025. On this day, devotees take a holy bath and then consume a pure vegetarian meal. But why is Nahay-Khay so important? Let us understand its religious, scientific, and social significance. The Tradition of Nahay-Khay On Nahay-Khay, devotees bathe in the Ganges or another sacred river before sunrise. "The worshipping of Sun God spans for four days. The first day of Chhath is known as Nahay Khay. The holy dip in water body, especially in river Ganga, is taken on this day. Women folks who observe Chhath take only single meal on this day," states Drik Panchang. After returning home, they prepare offerings in new clay pots, typically including chana dal, pumpkin curry, and rice. This is also known as kaddu bhaat. This meal, free from garlic and onions, is consumed by the devotee and family members. The house is thoroughly cleaned before preparing the prasada. The day symbolises the purity of the Chhath vrat. Religious Significance: Purity and the Invocation of Chhathi Maiya It is believed that Nahay-Khay marks the beginning of Chhathi Maiya’s arrival. The ritual bath in a sacred river is said to purify both body and mind, while the vegetarian meal brings sattvic qualities. It is said that on this day, the devotee’s body becomes a temple in which Maiya resides. Nahay-Khay is considered essential; without it, the vrat is incomplete. The day is also for offering thanks to Surya Dev, the giver of life energy. Nahay-Khay strengthens family bonds. Everyone comes together to prepare and share the prasad. The day marks the start of prayers for the well-being of children, health, and prosperity. Through folk songs and the vrat stories, the festival also reinforces social connections. Wellness Perspective From a scientific perspective, Nahay-Khay promotes health. According to beliefs, it's said that bathing in a sacred river helps remove bacteria and viruses. Chana dal is rich in protein, pumpkin provides vitamin A, and rice is high in carbohydrates, supplying energy for the 36-hour waterless fast. Consuming pure food also strengthens the digestive system. Disclaimer: This article is based on popular beliefs. Times Now is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information and facts provided here.
