Nahai Khai is the first day of Chhat puja festival. In 2025, Chhat Nahai Khai date is October 25. Nahai Khai means to take bath and to eat.
Devotees perform early morning ritual bath (Suryodaya Purva) in the holy river of Ganga. Some special recipes are prepared on Nahai Khai day.
Chhath Nahai Khai Puja day is also known as Lauki Bhat because on this day a special recipe called Lauki is prepared and offered to Surya bhagwan. Nahai Khai or Lauki Bhat is the first day during 4-day Chhat pooja.
Kharna vrat, Chhat Sandhya Argh, Chhat Suryodaya Argh are celebrated on second, third and fourth day respectively during Chhath Puja.
Significance of Nahay Khay
Nahay Khay marks the beginning of Chhath Puja and is essential for purifying oneself before the main rituals. This day emphasizes cleanliness and purity, both physically and spiritually. Devotees take a holy bath and prepare for the upcoming days of worship.
Rituals and Food
- Bathing and Purification: Devotees wake up early, take a bath in a sacred river or use water mixed with Ganga jal if not possible, and perform rituals to purify themselves.
- Food Preparation:
- Only Satvik food is consumed, which excludes any form of tamasic (heavy or non-vegetarian) food.
- Common dishes prepared include:
- Rice (bhat)
- Lauki (bottle gourd) sabzi
- Chana dal (split chickpeas)
- The food is prepared using rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular salt.
- It is customary to eat only once during the day, ensuring that the food is prepared with complete purity.
What to Avoid
- Do not consume garlic or onion, as they are considered tamasic.
- Avoid fried foods or heavy meals; instead, focus on light and nutritious options that provide energy for fasting in subsequent days.
- Maintain a positive mindset, refraining from negative thoughts or actions.