Chhath Puja 2026: Date, 4-Day Rituals, Significance, Puja Vidhi, Arghya Timings And Celebrations
Chhath Puja 2026 falls on November 15. Know the 4-day dates, rituals, Sandhya Arghya, Usha Arghya, significance, traditions and celebrations.
Chhath Puja 2026 falls on November 15. Know the 4-day dates, rituals, Sandhya Arghya, Usha Arghya, significance, traditions and celebrations
Chhath Puja is one of the most revered Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya. The festival is known for its devotion, discipline, fasting and beautiful rituals performed near rivers, ponds and other water bodies. Chhath Puja 2026 will be observed from Friday, November 13, to Monday, November 16, with the main Chhath Puja and Sandhya Arghya falling on Sunday, November 15.
The festival is particularly popular in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of Nepal, while Chhath celebrations are also observed by communities across India and abroad. Devotees offer prayers to the setting and rising Sun while seeking health, prosperity, happiness and well-being for their families.
Chhath Puja 2026 Date And 4-Day Schedule
Chhath Puja is celebrated over four days, with each day having its own importance and rituals.
November 13, 2026 – Nahay Khay:
The festival begins with Nahay Khay. Devotees traditionally take a holy bath and prepare a simple, pure meal. The day marks the beginning of the spiritual preparation for Chhath Puja.
November 14, 2026 – Kharna:
The second day is known as Kharna or Lohanda. Devotees observe a fast during the day and traditionally break it after sunset following the preparation and offering of prasad. This marks the beginning of the rigorous fasting period associated with Chhath.
November 15, 2026 – Chhath Puja And Sandhya Arghya:
This is the main day of Chhath Puja 2026. Devotees gather at decorated ghats during the evening and offer Arghya to the setting Sun. The ritual is accompanied by devotional songs, diyas, traditional offerings and prayers.
November 16, 2026 – Usha Arghya And Parana:
On the final day, devotees return to the water body before sunrise to offer Arghya to the rising Sun. After completing the morning rituals, the fast is traditionally concluded with Parana.
Chhath Puja 2026 Arghya Timings
The exact sunrise and sunset timings depend on the location. For New Delhi, the Sandhya Arghya on November 15 is around sunset, while Usha Arghya on November 16 is offered around sunrise. One published New Delhi Panchang calculation lists sunset at approximately 5:27 PM on November 15 and sunrise at approximately 6:44 AM on November 16. Devotees should check their local Panchang for the most accurate timings.
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Significance Of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is dedicated primarily to Lord Surya, who is traditionally worshipped as the source of energy and life. Devotees express gratitude to the Sun and pray for good health, prosperity, progress and family happiness. Chhathi Maiya is also worshipped during the festival.
One of the unique aspects of Chhath is the offering made to the setting Sun during Sandhya Arghya, followed by prayers to the rising Sun on the final morning. The festival therefore beautifully combines gratitude, faith, nature and spiritual discipline.
Important Chhath Puja Rituals
The rituals of Chhath Puja are performed with great cleanliness and dedication. Devotees prepare traditional prasad and arrange offerings in bamboo baskets or soops. Common offerings include fruits, sugarcane, thekua, rice, sweets and other seasonal items.
Devotees also decorate Chhath ghats with flowers, diyas and traditional decorations. Families often gather together to prepare prasad and participate in the evening and morning Arghya ceremonies.
How Is Chhath Puja Celebrated?
Chhath celebrations create a deeply spiritual atmosphere, especially near riverbanks and ghats. Devotees dress traditionally, carry decorated soops filled with offerings and sing traditional Chhath songs. As the Sun sets, families stand in the water and offer Arghya with devotion.
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The following morning, devotees gather again before sunrise for Usha Arghya. After prayers and offerings to the rising Sun, the Chhath fast is concluded. The Incredible India tourism portal also highlights Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh as important places to experience the festival’s traditions, including riverbank rituals, folk songs and traditional foods such as thekua.
Chhath Puja 2026: A Festival Of Faith And Gratitude
Chhath Puja 2026 will once again bring families and communities together through four days of prayer, fasting, traditional food and devotion. From Nahay Khay to Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya, every stage of the festival reflects discipline and gratitude toward nature and the Sun God. With its simple rituals and powerful spiritual atmosphere, Chhath remains an important cultural and religious celebration for millions of devotees.
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