April 9, 2025 
Yamuna Chhath is a significant Hindu festival celebrated primarily in the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan, dedicated to the Yamuna River, which is revered as a sacred goddess. It falls on the sixth day (Chhath) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Chaitra.
In 2025, Yamuna Chhath will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 8th. In 2025, Yamuna Chhath will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 8th. Chhath Tithi Ends: Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 at 03:21 PM.
The most auspicious time (muhurat) for performing the Yamuna Chhath puja is generally considered to be during the morning hours of the Chhath Tithi. Since the Chhath Tithi ends in the early afternoon on April 8th, it is advisable to perform the main puja before that time.
The most significant ritual of Yamuna Chhath is taking a holy dip in the Yamuna River. Devotees believe that bathing in the sacred waters on this day purifies the soul and washes away sins. Special gatherings occur at the ghats (banks) of the Yamuna in Mathura, Vrindavan, and other places along its course. Special prayers (puja) are offered to Goddess Yamuna. Idols or images of the goddess are adorned with flowers and new clothes. Offerings of fruits, sweets (especially traditional Braj sweets), incense, and lamps (diyas) are made. Aarti, the ritualistic waving of lamps, is performed with devotional songs dedicated to the Yamuna. The ghats and the areas around the Yamuna River are often decorated with colorful flowers, rangolis (auspicious designs made with colored powder or rice flour), and lights to create a festive atmosphere.
Yamuna Chhath is a vibrant and culturally significant Hindu festival, deeply rooted in the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh, India, particularly in the sacred towns of Mathura and Vrindavan. Celebrated annually on the sixth day (Chhath) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the auspicious month of Chaitra, this festival is a dedicated homage to the Yamuna River, revered not merely as a geographical entity but as a divine goddess, Yamuna Devi. The Yamuna holds immense religious importance, especially in the context of Lord Krishna’s life and leelas (divine plays) that unfolded along its banks. Thus, Yamuna Chhath is an occasion for devotees to express their profound reverence and gratitude towards this sacred river, which is considered one of the most holy in Hinduism.
The essence of Yamuna Chhath lies in acknowledging the life-sustaining and purifying qualities of the Yamuna River. Just as a mother nurtures her children, the Yamuna provides sustenance and supports the ecosystem along its course. Bathing in its sacred waters is believed to cleanse the soul of impurities and bestow spiritual merit upon devotees. The festival is a time for spiritual reflection and a deep connection with nature’s divine manifestations. The reverence for the Yamuna is intricately linked with the devotion to Lord Krishna, as the river served as a silent witness and a significant backdrop to his childhood and youth. Many of his iconic stories, from his playful interactions with the gopis (milkmaids) to his miraculous feats, are associated with the Yamuna’s sacred banks and waters.
The celebrations of Yamuna Chhath are characterized by various devotional practices centered around the river. The most prominent ritual is taking a holy dip in the Yamuna, especially at the sacred ghats of Mathura and Vrindavan. Devotees gather in large numbers, their hearts filled with piety, to immerse themselves in the river’s purifying embrace. Special prayers and pujas are offered to Goddess Yamuna, with idols or images of the goddess adorned with vibrant flowers and new garments. Offerings of traditional Braj sweets, fresh fruits, incense, and lighted diyas are made as a mark of devotion and gratitude. The air resonates with the melodious chanting of hymns and the singing of bhajans dedicated to the Yamuna and Lord Krishna, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
The riverbanks and ghats are often festively decorated with colorful rangolis, intricate patterns made with colored powders or rice flour, symbolizing auspiciousness and welcoming the divine presence. Strings of flowers and illuminated lamps further enhance the celebratory ambiance. In some traditions, devotees may take boat rides on the Yamuna, a symbolic gesture of traversing the sacred waters. Small processions featuring images of Yamuna Devi might also grace the river, accompanied by devotional music and joyous chants. Community gatherings and small fairs are sometimes organized near the riverbanks, fostering a sense of collective devotion and celebration among the devotees