Chhath Puja 2025: Avoid these common mistakes – important do’s and don’ts during the festival

Chhath Puja, one of the most revered festivals of India, is dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. Celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and parts of Nepal, this four-day festival is marked by rigorous rituals, fasting and prayers offered to the rising and setting sun. As Chhath Puja 2025 is approaching, devotees are getting ready to celebrate with devotion and discipline. However, due to the strict nature of the rituals, even small mistakes can impact the spiritual benefits of the festival. Here’s a guide to help you avoid common pitfalls and perform rituals correctly.

Common mistakes to avoid during Chhath Puja

omitting proper purification
Many devotees underestimate the importance of physical and mental purification before starting the ritual. Taking bath early in the morning, wearing clean clothes and maintaining a pure mindset are essential steps that cannot be ignored.

Improper preparation of Chhath Puja thali
The offerings including fruits, sweets and traditional thekua should be prepared with utmost care. Avoid using items that are not fresh or are processed. Each component should symbolize purity and devotion.

breaking the fast wrongly
Chhath Puja involves strict fasting, which may include abstinence from water for a specific period. Breaking the fast incorrectly, such as consuming food or water before performing rituals, is considered inauspicious.

neglecting the evening prayer
Many devotees focus on the morning rituals and ignore the importance of offering evening arghya to the setting sun. Both sunrise and sunset offerings are important for the ritual to be completed properly.

Neglect of environmental cleanliness
Performing rituals near rivers, ponds or other water bodies requires maintaining cleanliness. Throwing garbage or using non-biodegradable items can pollute water and impair the spiritual sanctity of the festival.

Important tasks during Chhath Puja

• Get up early: Sunrise ritual is an important part of Chhath Puja. Reaching the river or pond early ensures you don’t miss any steps.
• Pray with devotion: Sincerity and focus are more important than the grandeur of the offerings.
• Maintain cleanliness: Maintain cleanliness around you and ensure that all utensils, plates and puja items are washed and purified.
• Follow traditional recipes: Thekua, fruits and other offerings should be prepared using traditional recipes and methods.
• If fasting is difficult then definitely take help of: Pregnant women, the elderly, or people with medical conditions should consult a doctor before fasting.

Important things not to do during Chhath Puja

• Do not use artificial items: Avoid synthetic flowers, non-traditional colors, or packaged foods in your offerings.
• don’t skip rituals: Every stage from Nahay-Khay to Paran has spiritual significance. Leaving out even one could reduce profits.
• Do not get involved in fights: This festival promotes peace and devotion. Arguments or negative energy can disrupt the spiritual environment.
• Do not pollute water bodies: Dispose of waste responsibly and avoid using plastic near rivers or ponds.
• Don’t neglect your health: While fasting is necessary, listen to your body. Dehydration or exhaustion can be harmful.

Celebrate Chhath Puja 2025 with sincerity, care and devotion and make this festival a rich spiritual experience.