Chhath Puja 2026 Date & Rituals: The Four-Day Holy Festival and Its Complete Details

Introduction: Chhath Puja 2026

India is a land of festivals, and each celebration has its own traditions, beliefs and spiritual significance. Among these festivals, Chhath Puja holds a very special place, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of Nepal.

Chhath Puja is one of the most sacred Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. It is celebrated with immense devotion and faith, with devotees offering prayers to the setting and rising sun. The festival is observed to express gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life and to seek blessings for good health, happiness, prosperity and the well-being of family members.

Unlike many other Hindu festivals, Chhath Puja is not limited to a single day. It is a four-day celebration involving purification, traditional food preparation, strict fasting and prayers near rivers, ponds and other water bodies.

In 2026, Chhath Puja will begin on Friday, November 13, and conclude on Monday, November 16. During these four days, devotees will follow traditional rituals with remarkable discipline and devotion.

Let's explore the complete Chhath Puja 2026 calendar, important rituals, religious significance, traditional offerings and everything you should know about this beautiful festival.

Chhath Puja 2026 Date and Four-Day Festival Calendar

Chhath Puja is celebrated during the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar, on the sixth day (Shashthi) of the bright lunar fortnight. The main worship takes place on the third day, while the festival concludes with prayers to the rising sun on the fourth day.

Here is the complete schedule for Chhath Puja 2026:

The main Chhath Puja and evening offering to the setting sun will take place on November 15, 2026.

Important: Sunrise and sunset timings vary from one city to another. Devotees should check their local Panchang for accurate puja timings.

What Is Chhath Puja and Why Is It Celebrated?

Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya. The Sun is considered the ultimate source of energy and life on Earth. Without sunlight, plants, animals and human beings cannot survive.

Through Chhath Puja, devotees express their gratitude to the Sun God for providing light, energy and nourishment to all living beings.

Chhathi Maiya, who is associated with Shashthi Devi, is also worshipped during the festival. Devotees believe that her blessings protect children, support family well-being and bring happiness and prosperity into their homes.

Many families observe Chhath Puja for the long life, good health and bright future of their children. Others perform the rituals to express gratitude, fulfil religious vows and pray for peace and prosperity.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this festival is that devotees worship both the setting sun and the rising sun. This reflects the belief that every phase of life deserves respect and gratitude.

The Four Days of Chhath Puja 2026: Complete Rituals and Traditions

Each day of Chhath Puja has a unique meaning and a set of traditional rituals. From preparing the home to observing a strict fast, every step is performed with great care.

Let's understand the significance of all four days.

Day 1: Nahay Khay – November 13, 2026 (Friday)

Nahay Khay marks the beginning of Chhath Puja. The day is dedicated to cleanliness, purification and preparing for the upcoming religious observance.

Devotees wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath, often in a river, pond or another clean water body. After bathing, they clean their homes, kitchens and surroundings to maintain purity throughout the festival.

The person observing the fast, traditionally known as the Vratin, prepares a simple and completely vegetarian meal.

The traditional Nahay Khay meal generally includes:

Rice (Bhaat)

Chana dal

Pumpkin or bottle gourd curry

Seasonal vegetables

Other simple sattvik preparations

Food is traditionally prepared with great care, avoiding ingredients such as onion and garlic. In many households, separate utensils are used for preparing the festival meal.

The Vratin eats this meal before beginning the more demanding fasting rituals of the following days.

Significance of Nahay Khay: This day represents physical and spiritual purification. It reminds devotees that cleanliness, discipline and a pure mind are essential parts of religious worship.

Day 2: Lohanda and Kharna – November 14, 2026 (Saturday)

The second day of Chhath Puja is known as Lohanda and Kharna. It is one of the most important stages of the festival because devotees prepare themselves for the extended fast.

On this day, the Vratin observes a fast throughout the day. Traditionally, no food or water is consumed during the fasting period.

In the evening, after sunset, devotees worship Chhathi Maiya and prepare special prasad.

The traditional Kharna prasad generally includes:

Jaggery-based rice kheer

Roti or chapati

Bananas

Other seasonal fruits

The kheer is often prepared using rice, milk and jaggery without refined sugar. In many households, it is cooked in traditional utensils over a wood-fired stove.

After completing the evening prayers, the Vratin consumes the prasad and distributes it among family members and others.

Following Kharna, a strict Nirjala Vrat begins. This fast traditionally continues for approximately 36 hours, without food or water, until the final morning rituals are completed.

Significance of Kharna: Kharna represents self-discipline, devotion and mental strength. It prepares devotees for the main Chhath rituals and the long period of fasting.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya – November 15, 2026 (Sunday)

Sandhya Arghya is the main day of Chhath Puja and one of its most beautiful moments.

On this day, devotees prepare bamboo baskets filled with traditional offerings and visit nearby rivers, ponds, lakes or specially prepared Chhath ghats.

As the evening approaches, families gather near the water to offer Arghya to the setting sun.

The offerings generally include:

Thekua

Seasonal fruits

Sugarcane

Coconut

Bananas

Rice-based sweets

Other traditional prasad

Water and milk for the ritual offering

The Vratin stands in the water and offers prayers to Lord Surya while the sun slowly disappears below the horizon.

Family members and other devotees join in singing traditional Chhath folk songs. The atmosphere becomes deeply spiritual, with the sound of devotional songs, glowing diyas and prayers filling the surroundings.

In many regions, devotees also perform the Kosi ritual during the night. It involves arranging sugarcane sticks and decorating the structure with lamps and traditional offerings.

Significance of Sandhya Arghya: Offering prayers to the setting sun represents gratitude, humility and respect for the natural cycle of life. It is a reminder to appreciate the blessings we receive every day.

Day 4: Usha Arghya – November 16, 2026 (Monday)

Usha Arghya is the final day of Chhath Puja. It is dedicated to worshipping the rising sun, marking the completion of the four-day festival.

Devotees wake up very early, often before sunrise, and return to the riverbanks or Chhath ghats with their families.

They stand in the water and offer Arghya to the rising Sun God. This ritual is performed with fruits, thekua, sugarcane, flowers, water and other traditional offerings.

After offering prayers, devotees seek blessings from Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya for the happiness, health and prosperity of their families.

Once the morning rituals are completed, the Vratin breaks the approximately 36-hour Nirjala fast. This ritual is known as Parana.

Prasad is then distributed among family members, neighbours and other devotees.

The completion of Usha Arghya marks the end of Chhath Puja.

Significance of Usha Arghya: Worshipping the rising sun represents hope, positivity, new beginnings and the continuous cycle of life. It is a beautiful way to conclude the festival with gratitude and devotion.

Chhath Puja 2026 Arghya Timings

The two most important offerings during Chhath Puja are Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya.

For New Delhi, the approximate timings are:

These timings are based on New Delhi's local sunrise and sunset calculations.

If you are celebrating Chhath Puja in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh or another location, the timings may be different. Always confirm the local sunrise and sunset before planning the rituals.

Chhath Puja Samagri 2026: Essential Items for Worship

Preparing the puja samagri is an important part of Chhath celebrations. Families arrange all the necessary items before the main rituals begin.

Here is a list of commonly used Chhath Puja items:

Bamboo baskets (Soop and Daura)

Thekua and other traditional sweets

Sugarcane

Coconut

Bananas

Seasonal fruits

Rice laddoos

Jaggery

Wheat flour

Milk and water

Flowers

Diyas and cotton wicks

Turmeric and other traditional puja ingredients

Earthen lamps

New clothes for the Vratin

The exact list may vary according to family traditions and regional customs.

The offerings are generally arranged in traditional bamboo baskets, which are carried to the Chhath ghat for the evening and morning prayers.

Why Is the Sun Worshipped During Chhath Puja?

The Sun is essential for life on Earth. It provides light, warmth and energy, supports agriculture and helps maintain the natural balance of our environment.

In Hindu tradition, Lord Surya is regarded as a powerful deity who represents vitality, health, strength and prosperity.

Chhath Puja is a way of expressing gratitude for these blessings.

Unlike many other religious celebrations, Chhath Puja gives equal importance to the setting and rising sun. Devotees offer prayers in the evening as well as the following morning.

This tradition carries a meaningful message: life is constantly changing, and every stage deserves respect. The setting sun is not ignored simply because the day is ending, and the rising sun is welcomed as a symbol of renewed hope.

Religious and Spiritual Significance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is much more than a religious festival. It represents faith, patience, discipline and respect for nature.

Some of its most important spiritual values include:

1. Gratitude towards nature

The festival teaches people to appreciate the Sun, water, air and other natural elements that make life possible.

2. Family well-being

Devotees seek the blessings of Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya for the good health, happiness and long life of their children and family members.

3. Self-discipline and devotion

The strict fasting practices encourage patience, determination and control over everyday desires.

4. Purity and cleanliness

From cleaning the home to preparing sattvik food, every ritual highlights the importance of cleanliness and purity.

5. Equality and community spirit

At Chhath ghats, people from different backgrounds gather together to pray. The festival encourages unity, cooperation and mutual respect.

Traditional Foods and Prasad of Chhath Puja

Food plays a special role in Chhath Puja. Traditional dishes are prepared with devotion, and cleanliness is given the highest priority.

Some popular Chhath delicacies include:

Thekua: Thekua is perhaps the most famous Chhath prasad. It is prepared using wheat flour, jaggery and ghee, then shaped and fried until golden brown. Its distinctive taste makes it an essential part of the celebration.

Gud Ki Kheer: This traditional rice pudding is prepared using milk, rice and jaggery. It is commonly offered during Kharna.

Kasaar: A traditional sweet made using rice flour, jaggery and ghee. It is prepared in many households as part of the festival offerings.

Kaddu Bhaat: A simple preparation of pumpkin curry and rice, traditionally associated with Nahay Khay.

Fruits and Sugarcane: Seasonal fruits, bananas and sugarcane are among the most common offerings presented to the Sun God.

These traditional foods are not simply prepared for consumption. They are an important expression of devotion, family heritage and cultural identity.

Where Is Chhath Puja Celebrated?

Chhath Puja is especially popular in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh. It is also celebrated in parts of Nepal and among Indian communities living in different parts of the world.

Some of the places where the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm include:

Patna, Bihar

Muzaffarpur, Bihar

Darbhanga, Bihar

Gaya, Bihar

Ranchi, Jharkhand

Jamshedpur, Jharkhand

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh

Delhi and the National Capital Region

In cities such as Delhi, large numbers of devotees gather at specially arranged Chhath ghats, lakes and riverbanks.

Over the years, the festival has also become an important cultural celebration for Indian communities living abroad.

Important Things to Remember During Chhath Puja 2026

Chhath Puja involves strict traditional practices, so devotees usually make preparations well in advance.

Here are a few important things to keep in mind:

Clean the home and kitchen before beginning the festival.

Purchase the required puja materials in advance.

Keep the food preparation area clean.

Prepare traditional prasad according to family customs.

Maintain cleanliness at the Chhath ghat.

Avoid polluting rivers, ponds and other water bodies.

Follow the fasting practices according to your family's tradition.

Check local sunrise and sunset timings before offering Arghya.

Follow safety arrangements while standing in water, especially when children and elderly family members are present.

A strict Nirjala fast can be physically demanding. Anyone with a medical condition, pregnancy or other health concerns should seek medical advice and avoid undertaking a fast that may put their health at risk.

Conclusion

Chhath Puja is one of the most beautiful expressions of faith, devotion and gratitude in Indian culture. Its four-day celebration brings families and communities together through prayers, traditional food, fasting and worship of the Sun God.

In 2026, Chhath Puja will be celebrated from November 13 to November 16, beginning with Nahay Khay and concluding with Usha Arghya.

Every ritual, whether it is preparing thekua, observing Kharna, offering prayers to the setting sun or welcoming the first rays of the morning sun, carries a deep spiritual meaning.

Beyond its religious significance, Chhath Puja reminds us to respect nature, value our families and remain grateful for the blessings of life.

May Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya bless everyone with good health, happiness, peace and prosperity.

Wishing everyone a very Happy Chhath Puja 2026! Jai Chhathi Maiya! Jai Surya Dev!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chhath Puja 2026

Q1. When is Chhath Puja in 2026?

Chhath Puja 2026 will be celebrated from November 13 to November 16. The main Sandhya Arghya ritual will take place on November 15.

Q2. When is Nahay Khay in 2026?

Nahay Khay will be observed on Friday, November 13, 2026. It marks the first day of the four-day festival.

Q3. When is Kharna in 2026?

Kharna will be observed on Saturday, November 14, 2026. Devotees observe a fast throughout the day and consume traditional prasad in the evening.

Q4. When is Sandhya Arghya in 2026?

Sandhya Arghya will take place on Sunday, November 15, 2026. Devotees offer prayers and traditional offerings to the setting sun.

Q5. When is Usha Arghya in 2026?

Usha Arghya will be observed on Monday, November 16, 2026. Devotees offer prayers to the rising sun and complete the festival.

Q6. How many days does Chhath Puja last?

Chhath Puja is a four-day festival. Its four main stages are Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya.

Q7. Which gods are worshipped during Chhath Puja?

Devotees worship Lord Surya, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya, who is associated with Shashthi Devi.

Q8. Why do devotees offer Arghya to both the setting and rising sun?

The tradition expresses gratitude to the Sun throughout its daily journey. It also symbolises respect for every stage of life, hope and new beginnings.

Q9. What is the traditional prasad of Chhath Puja?

Thekua, jaggery kheer, kasaar, seasonal fruits, bananas, coconut and sugarcane are among the most popular offerings.

Q10. How long is the Chhath Puja fast?

The strict Nirjala fast traditionally lasts approximately 36 hours, beginning after Kharna and ending after Usha Arghya. Individual practices may vary.

Q11. Which state is famous for Chhath Puja?

Bihar is particularly famous for its grand Chhath Puja celebrations. The festival is also widely celebrated in Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Nepal.

Q12. What is the main message of Chhath Puja?

The festival teaches gratitude towards nature, respect for the Sun, self-discipline, family values and devotion.