Usha Arghya is the fourth and final day of the grand Chhath Puja festival. It is a sacred morning when devotees offer their prayers to the rising Sun God and complete their four-day-long fast. The day holds great importance in Hindu tradition as it represents light, purity, and new beginnings. Usha Arghya marks the end of Chhath Puja with deep devotion and heartfelt gratitude to nature’s energy.
Meaning of Usha Arghya
The word Usha means “dawn” or “early morning,” and Arghya refers to the offering made to the Sun God (Surya Dev). Together, Usha Arghya means offering water and devotion to the rising sun. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the beginning of a new day filled with hope and blessings.
During this ritual, devotees express their gratitude to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, who is believed to bring prosperity, well-being, and happiness to the family. The morning rays of the sun are considered a divine source of energy that purifies the body and soul.
Usha Arghya 2025 Date and Timing
In 2025, Usha Arghya will be celebrated on October 30, 2025. Devotees wake up early before sunrise to offer prayers at rivers, lakes, and ponds. The offering is made during the sunrise period, generally between 5:50 AM to 6:30 AM, depending on local sunrise time. This marks the conclusion of the four-day Chhath Puja rituals that begin with Nahay Khay and end with Usha Arghya.
Rituals of Usha Arghya
The Usha Arghya ritual is filled with devotion, simplicity, and purity. Each step holds spiritual importance and symbolizes the bond between human life and nature.
Preparation Before Sunrise
Devotees wake up before dawn and take a holy dip in the river. The ghats are cleaned and decorated with flowers, banana leaves, and earthen lamps. Women observing the fast, known as vratin, dress in traditional sarees and prepare offerings in bamboo baskets. These baskets are filled with fruits, sugarcane, thekua, coconuts, and rice laddoos.
Offering Arghya to the Rising Sun
When the first rays of the sun appear, devotees stand in knee-deep water holding a soop (bamboo tray) filled with offerings. They pour water and milk while chanting Surya mantras and singing traditional Chhath songs. This sacred offering is known as Usha Arghya.
The ritual is not only about worship but also about expressing gratitude for the energy and warmth that sustains life on Earth. The entire atmosphere becomes spiritual and serene as thousands of devotees together offer prayers to the rising sun.
Breaking the Fast (Paran)
After performing Usha Arghya, devotees conclude their 36-hour-long fast by performing paran. The fast is broken with prasad like thekua, kheer, or fruits. The prasad is first offered to Chhathi Maiya and then distributed among family members and neighbors.
The end of the fast is a moment of relief, gratitude, and fulfillment. It symbolizes spiritual purification and divine blessings for the entire family.
Significance of Usha Arghya
Usha Arghya holds deep spiritual and cultural meaning. It represents the power of the rising sun and the connection between the human soul and divine energy. The early morning rays are believed to heal the body and remove negativity.
This ritual also reminds people of the importance of discipline, devotion, and respect for nature. By observing Usha Arghya, devotees learn to live in harmony with the elements—sunlight, water, and air.
In Hindu belief, the rising sun symbolizes truth, positivity, and hope. Offering arghya to the morning sun is believed to bring good health, success, and prosperity.
The Role of Chhathi Maiya
Chhathi Maiya is worshipped along with Surya Dev during Usha Arghya. She is considered the goddess of purity, motherhood, and fertility. Devotees pray to her for the well-being of their children and family. Many women observe the fast with deep faith that Chhathi Maiya will bless them with happiness and protection.
Cultural and Community Celebration
Usha Arghya is not just a personal ritual—it is a festival that unites entire communities. People from all walks of life gather near rivers and ponds to celebrate. The sight of devotees standing together, singing traditional songs, and offering prayers creates a feeling of unity and peace.
The celebration also showcases the strength and devotion of women who play the central role in the festival. Their faith and patience inspire others to follow the path of purity and simplicity.
Traditional Foods and Offerings
The foods used during Usha Arghya are made with complete cleanliness and devotion. The most common offerings include:
- Thekua – A sweet made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee.
- Sugarcane – Symbol of sweetness and strength.
- Bananas and coconuts – Offered as sacred fruits.
- Rice kheer – A sweet dish made with milk and jaggery.
These offerings are considered sacred and are later shared as prasad.
Environmental Message of Usha Arghya
Usha Arghya teaches people to respect and protect nature. The rituals encourage the cleaning of rivers and surroundings, promoting environmental awareness. The use of natural materials like bamboo, clay, and leaves shows how traditions can be eco-friendly.
Through this practice, devotees express their gratitude to nature and learn to live in balance with the environment.
Conclusion
Usha Arghya 2025 is the final and most sacred day of Chhath Puja. It celebrates the beauty of sunrise, the power of faith, and the importance of purity in life. The offering to the rising sun marks the completion of devotion, discipline, and gratitude shown during the four days of Chhath Puja.
By performing Usha Arghya, devotees thank the divine forces for light, energy, and prosperity. The ritual reminds everyone that life’s true blessings come from nature’s balance and spiritual dedication. As the sun rises on this holy morning, it fills hearts with peace, joy, and a promise of new beginnings.
Krishna Mishra writes for Insights of Hinduism, where he shares heartfelt thoughts on festivals, traditions, and the timeless wisdom of Sanatan Dharma. His aim is to keep the essence of Hindu culture alive in a way that feels simple, authentic, and relatable to everyone.