Chhath Puja and Bhai Dooj Holidays at JEF Public School: A Time for Family, Faith, and Festive Joy!

Dear Parents, Students, and Staff of JEF Public School,

As the vibrant hues of Diwali fade into the golden glow of Kartik's full moon, our hearts turn toward two of Bihar's most cherished festivals: Bhai Dooj and Chhath Puja. These celebrations are more than rituals—they are threads in the rich tapestry of our cultural heritage, weaving together themes of sibling love, gratitude to nature, and the unyielding spirit of devotion. At JEF Public School, we believe in nurturing not just young minds but also the timeless values that bind families and communities.

This year, we're excited to announce that JEF Public School will observe a well-deserved holiday from October 20 to October 28, 2025, allowing our students and families to immerse themselves fully in these festivities. This extended break follows the joyous Diwali celebrations and provides ample time for rest, reflection, and reconnection. Regular classes will resume on October 29, 2025.

Embracing Bhai Dooj: A Celebration of Sibling Bonds

Kicking off the festive spirit is Bhai Dooj (also known as Yama Dwitiya in Bihar), observed on October 23, 2025. This heartwarming festival, celebrated two days after Diwali on the second lunar day of the bright fortnight (Kartika Shukla Dwitiya), honors the unbreakable bond between brothers and sisters. Rooted in ancient legends, it draws from the story of Lord Yama, the god of death, who visited his sister Yamuna. Touched by her loving aarti and tilak, Yama granted her a boon for the longevity and protection of all brothers. Another tale recounts Lord Krishna's visit to his sister Subhadra after slaying the demon Narakasura, where she welcomed him with sweets and prayers—a gesture that inspired the tilak tradition we cherish today.

In Bihar and across India, sisters prepare a special tilak using sandalwood, kajal, and ghee, applying it to their brothers' foreheads while performing aarti with a sacred flame. Brothers, in return, shower their sisters with gifts, sweets, and promises of lifelong protection. It's a day that transcends age and distance, reminding us that family is our greatest strength.

For our JEF family, Bhai Dooj is a perfect opportunity to pause and reflect on the siblings, cousins, and friends who stand by us. Use this time to create new memories—perhaps a family feast with litti chokha or sharing stories under the evening sky. We encourage our students to draw or write about what their siblings mean to them; feel free to share your creations with us upon return!

The Divine Glow of Chhath Puja: Honoring the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya

As Bhai Dooj concludes, the air fills with anticipation for Chhath Puja, Bihar's most revered festival of faith and purity. This year, Chhath Puja unfolds over four sacred days from October 25 to October 28, 2025:

• Day 1: Nahay Khay (October 25) – Devotees begin with a holy bath in a river or pond, symbolizing purification. A simple vegetarian meal (kaddu bhat) marks the start of the fast, setting the tone for devotion.
• Day 2: Kharna (October 26) – An evening of preparation with a single meal of kheer and puffed rice, followed by a strict 24-hour fast. Prayers invoke Chhathi Maiya, the benevolent goddess who nurtures life.
• Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (October 27) – The highlight! Families gather at water bodies to offer arghya (offerings) to the setting sun, using bamboo baskets filled with fruits, sugarcane, and thekua. Standing knee-deep in water, they sing folk songs that echo gratitude for health and prosperity.
• Day 4: Usha Arghya (October 28) – The fast breaks with dawn offerings to the rising sun, followed by distribution of prasadam. It's a triumphant close, filled with joy and communal feasting.

Dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, Chhath Puja is an ancient Vedic festival symbolizing gratitude for life's sustenance. In Bihar, it's a spectacle of discipline and unity—mothers fasting for their children's well-being, families bonding over eco-friendly rituals, and communities lighting up ghats with earthen lamps. Scientifically, the festival's emphasis on sunlight and natural sulphur-rich waters (like Bihar's rivers) aligns with healing practices for skin ailments and vitality.

At JEF Public School, we see Chhath Puja as a lesson in resilience and environmental harmony. It's a reminder that true strength comes from connecting with nature and each other. We urge our families to participate mindfully—perhaps by avoiding plastic during offerings or teaching children the folk songs passed down through generations.

Why This Holiday Matters for Our JEF Community

This nine-day respite from October 20 to 28 isn't just a break—it's an invitation to recharge. In our fast-paced world, these festivals offer a gentle nudge to slow down, honor traditions, and foster the values of empathy, gratitude, and perseverance that we instill in our classrooms every day. Whether you're applying tilak on a sibling's forehead or standing by the Ganga at dawn, know that these moments build character in our young scholars.

To our parents: Use this time to create family albums or discuss the stories behind these rituals—it's the best education outside the classroom. Students, we can't wait to hear your festive tales when school reopens!

Wishing you all a Happy Bhai Dooj filled with sibling laughter and a Blessed Chhath Puja bathed in divine light. May Chhathi Maiya shower prosperity, health, and unbreakable bonds upon your families.

Jai Chhathi Maiya! Jai Surya Dev!