Chhath Puja 2026 will be celebrated from Friday, November 13, to Monday, November 16, 2026. This important Hindu festival is dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. The main Chhath Puja and Sandhya Arghya will be observed on Sunday, November 15, 2026, while devotees will offer Usha Arghya to the rising Sun on Monday, November 16.

Chhath Puja is one of the most significant traditional festivals, particularly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and several other parts of India. Devotees observe strict fasting, maintain cleanliness, prepare traditional offerings and worship the setting and rising Sun for the well-being, happiness, prosperity and good health of their families.

If you are searching for Chhath Puja 2026 date, four-day festival schedule, Arghya timings, puja samagri or traditional rituals, here is everything you need to know.

Chhath Puja 2026 Date and Calendar

Chhath Puja 2026 will begin on November 13 and conclude on November 16. The festival is observed over four days, with each day having a special religious significance.

Here is the complete Chhath Puja 2026 calendar:

The main Chhath Puja observance takes place on November 15, when devotees offer prayers and Arghya to the setting Sun. The festival concludes the following morning with Usha Arghya and the completion of the fast.

Chhath Puja 2026 Shashthi Tithi and Arghya Timings

Chhath Puja is observed on Kartik Shukla Shashthi, the sixth day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Kartik. Devotees perform Sandhya Arghya during sunset and Usha Arghya during sunrise.

According to the New Delhi Panchang, the important timings are:

Important: The sunrise and sunset timings vary according to the city and geographical location. Devotees should check their local Panchang for accurate Arghya timings.

Four Days of Chhath Puja 2026: Rituals and Significance

Chhath Puja is a four-day festival in which devotees follow traditional practices, observe fasting and worship the Sun God. Each day has a different ritual and spiritual importance.

1. Nahay Khay – November 13, 2026

Nahay Khay marks the beginning of Chhath Puja. On this day, devotees take a holy bath, clean their homes and prepare for the upcoming festival.

Traditionally, devotees prepare a simple and pure vegetarian meal. Popular dishes include rice, chana dal and bottle gourd (lauki). Food is prepared with special attention to cleanliness and traditional customs.

Nahay Khay represents purification, discipline and the beginning of the Chhath Vrat.

2. Kharna – November 14, 2026

Kharna, also known as Lohanda, is the second day of Chhath Puja. Devotees observe a fast throughout the day and perform evening prayers.

After worshipping Chhathi Maiya, devotees prepare traditional prasad, including jaggery-based kheer and roti. The prasad is first offered to the deity and then distributed among family members and others.

After completing Kharna, devotees begin the traditional 36-hour Nirjala fast, during which they abstain from food and water.

3. Sandhya Arghya – November 15, 2026

Sandhya Arghya is one of the most important rituals of Chhath Puja. On this day, devotees gather near rivers, ponds, lakes and other water bodies to offer Arghya to the setting Sun.

Devotees carry bamboo baskets (soop and daura) containing fruits, thekua, sugarcane and other traditional offerings. They stand in water and offer prayers to Surya Dev while seeking blessings for their families.

The evening ritual represents gratitude towards the Sun, which is considered the source of life, energy and prosperity.

4. Usha Arghya and Parana – November 16, 2026

Usha Arghya marks the final day of Chhath Puja. Devotees gather early in the morning before sunrise to offer prayers to the rising Sun.

After offering Arghya to Surya Dev and seeking blessings from Chhathi Maiya, devotees complete their fast through the traditional Parana ritual.

Family members and devotees share Chhath prasad and celebrate the successful completion of the four-day festival.

Chhath Puja 2026 Samagri List

Chhath Puja involves traditional offerings that are carefully prepared and arranged before the rituals. Most of the puja samagri is carried in bamboo baskets and containers.

Here is a list of commonly used Chhath Puja items:

• Bamboo soop and daura (baskets)
• Thekua and traditional prasad
• Sugarcane
• Coconut
• Banana
• Apple and seasonal fruits
• Sweet potato
• Jaggery
• Rice and wheat
• Milk and water
• Diya and cotton wicks
• Flowers and leaves
• Holy water
• Seasonal vegetables
• Sweets and other traditional offerings

The exact list may vary depending on family traditions and regional customs.

Why Is Chhath Puja Celebrated?

Chhath Puja is celebrated to worship Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya. In Hindu traditions, the Sun is considered the source of energy, light and life. Devotees express their gratitude to the Sun God and pray for good health, prosperity, happiness and the well-being of their families.

Chhathi Maiya is also worshipped during this festival. Devotees believe that observing Chhath Vrat with devotion and discipline brings blessings and fulfilment of their wishes.

One of the unique aspects of Chhath Puja is that devotees offer Arghya to both the setting Sun and the rising Sun. This tradition represents gratitude, devotion, nature and the continuous cycle of life.

Importance of Chhath Puja in Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh

Chhath Puja holds special cultural and religious importance in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh. It is also celebrated with great enthusiasm in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other cities where people from these regions live.

During the festival, riverbanks, ponds and specially prepared Chhath Ghats are decorated with lights and traditional decorations. Families come together to prepare prasad, participate in rituals and celebrate the festival.

Chhath Puja is also observed by Indian communities living abroad, keeping their cultural traditions alive across different countries.

Chhath Puja 2026: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When is Chhath Puja 2026?

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

2. What is the date of Chhath Puja 2026 Sandhya Arghya?

Sandhya Arghya will be performed on November 15, 2026. Devotees will offer prayers to the setting Sun during sunset.

3. When is Nahay Khay in 2026?

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

4. When is Kharna in Chhath Puja 2026?

Kharna will be celebrated on Saturday, November 14, 2026. Devotees observe a fast during the day and perform evening prayers before beginning the longer fast.

5. When is Usha Arghya in 2026?

Usha Arghya will be offered on Monday, November 16, 2026. Devotees worship the rising Sun early in the morning.

6. What is the significance of Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja is dedicated to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees observe fasting and offer prayers for family happiness, prosperity, good health and well-being.

7. How many days is Chhath Puja celebrated?

Chhath Puja is celebrated over four days. The four main observances are Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya.

8. Which states celebrate Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja is particularly popular in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh. It is also celebrated in other Indian states and by Indian communities living abroad.

9. What is offered during Chhath Puja?

Devotees commonly offer thekua, fruits, sugarcane, coconut, bananas, sweet potatoes and other traditional food items to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.

10. When does the Chhath Puja fast end in 2026?

The Chhath Puja fast concludes on Monday, November 16, 2026, after devotees perform Usha Arghya and complete the Parana ritual.

Conclusion

Chhath Puja 2026 will be observed from November 13 to November 16 with great devotion and enthusiasm. The festival is a beautiful expression of faith, discipline, gratitude towards nature and respect for the Sun God.

From Nahay Khay and Kharna to Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya, every ritual carries deep religious and cultural significance. Devotees across India will come together to celebrate this auspicious occasion and pray for the happiness, prosperity and well-being of their families.

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