Chhath Puja is one of India’s most revered festivals, primarily celebrated in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. Dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, this festival is observed to seek blessings for happiness, prosperity, and good health.In 2025, Chhath Puja will once again be celebrated with great devotion and traditional rituals. Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare for Chhath Puja at home, including the list of puja materials and step-by-step rituals.Preparation for Chhath Puja1. Clean Your HomeBefore the puja, thoroughly clean your house, especially the puja area, and keep it pure and tidy. It is believed that a clean and sacred environment invites divine blessings.2. Set Up the Puja SpaceChoose a clean and open space for performing the puja. Decorate it beautifully like a small mandap (altar) with flowers, lights, and rangoli.3. Maintain Purity and SimplicityThose observing the fast, known as Vratis, follow a life of purity during Chhath Puja. They eat satvik (pure vegetarian) meals.Essential Chhath Puja Items (Chhath Puja Samagri List)General Puja Items:Bamboo Soop or Basket (2–3) – used to hold fruits and offerings Copper or Bronze Lota (small water vessel) Earthen or Brass Lamps (Diya) Cotton wicks for lamps Red or Yellow Cloth Ganga Jal Kalash Paan leaves Sindoor Betel NutFruits for Offering:Banana Coconut Apple Guava Papaya 5 Sugarcanes Lemon Custard Apple Bael Fruit Water Chestnut (Singhada) Orange Raddish Pumpkin Sweet potatoes and Suthni Tumeric plant Ginger plantGrains and Food Items:Wheat Rice Jaggery Ghee Fennel Seeds Milk Honey SugarFor Arghya (Offering to the Sun God):A Lota filled with milk or Ganga jal Fruits arranged in Soop (bamboo basket) Thekua (traditional sweet) Kachwania (Chawal laddu) Flower garlands Akshat (unbroken rice) Dhub (sacred grass) Diya (lamp) Basket or tray filled with prasad (offerings) ALSO READ: Chhath Puja 2025: Date, Rituals & Significance of First Day ‘Nahay Khay’ Chhath Puja Rituals (Step-by-Step)Day 1 – Nahay-Khay (Holy Bath and Meal):On this day, devotees bathe in holy rivers like the Ganga to purify themselves. They eat simple, pure food and begin preparing for the upcoming fast.Day 2 – Kharna (Fasting and Offering):Devotees observe a day-long fast without water. In the evening, eat roti and kheer made with jaggery, rice, and milk.Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering):During sunset, devotees offer arghya (water offering) to the setting sun, standing in rivers, ponds, or water bodies. The rituals are performed with songs, lamps, and traditional prayers to express gratitude.Day 4 – Usha Arghya (Morning Offering):The final day marks the offering to the rising sun (Usha Arghya). Devotees gather before sunrise, offer prayers, and conclude their fast after receiving blessings from Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.After the rituals, the offerings — including flowers, fruits, Kachwania, and thekua — are immersed in water as a symbol of gratitude and completion.Significance of Chhath PujaWhile customs may vary slightly from region to region, the essence of the festival remains the same — offering prayers to the Sun and seeking blessings for prosperity, peace, and harmony. Disclaimer: The content provided here is based on beliefs and information only. Always consult a concerned expert.