Chhath Puja 2026: Dates, Four-Day Rituals, Significance and Surya Arghya Timings

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Chhath Puja is one of India's most unique and disciplined festivals. Dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, it is a celebration of gratitude, devotion and the well-being of the family. Observed mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh, and by communities across the world, it brings together fasting, folk songs, riverside rituals and shared prasad. In 2026, the four-day festival runs from 13 to 16 November. Here is what each day means and how it is observed.

Chhath Puja 2026 at a Glance
Day Date Ritual
Day 1 13 November (Friday) Nahay Khay
Day 2 14 November (Saturday) Kharna
Day 3 15 November (Sunday) Sandhya Arghya
Day 4 16 November (Monday) Usha Arghya and Parana

Day 1: Nahay Khay (13 November): The festival begins with purification. Devotees, known as vratis, bathe in a river, pond or at home, and the house is cleaned thoroughly. A simple, sattvic meal is then prepared and eaten, traditionally including bottle gourd, chana dal and rice cooked without onion or garlic. This meal sets the tone of discipline for the days ahead.

Day 2: Kharna (14 November): On Kharna, vratis fast through the day without food or water. In the evening, they prepare kheer made with jaggery, along with rotis, and offer it to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. The vrati eats the prasad first and then shares it with family and neighbours. This marks the beginning of the demanding 36-hour nirjala fast.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (15 November): The third day is the heart of the festival. Families spend the day preparing prasad, including thekua, fruits, sugarcane and coconut, which are arranged in bamboo baskets. In the evening, everyone heads to the riverbank or pond, often singing Chhath songs along the way. Standing in the water, the vratis offer prayers and arghya to the setting Sun. The sight of lamps, songs and devotion at the ghat is unforgettable. Since sunset times differ across cities, it is wise to check your local timing.

Day 4: Usha Arghya and Parana (16 November): The festival concludes at dawn. Devotees return to the ghat before sunrise and offer arghya to the rising Sun, praying for health, prosperity and the safety of their children. After the prayers, the vrati breaks the fast, known as Parana, with prasad and water. The festival closes with devotion and the distribution of prasad among family, friends and neighbours.

The Spirit Behind Chhath
What makes Chhath special is its simplicity and inclusiveness. There are no priests required, no elaborate idols, only nature, family and faith. The festival honours the Sun as the source of life and energy, and it teaches discipline, cleanliness and thankfulness. Worshipping both the setting and rising Sun carries a gentle message: gratitude is due at every stage of life.

Tips for Devotees and Visitors
- Keep it clean. Maintain the cleanliness of ghats and avoid littering.
- Prioritise safety. Take care near deep water, especially with children and elders.
- Support the vrati. Help with preparations and keep a close eye on the fasting devotee.
- Plan ahead. Reach the ghat early, as crowds gather quickly.
- Check local timings. Sunrise and sunset vary by city, so confirm with your local panchang.

Chhath Puja is a festival of faith, patience and togetherness. Over four days, it reminds us to pause, give thanks and care for the people we love. Whether you are fasting, helping at home or simply watching the ghats glow at dusk, may this Chhath bring you peace and blessings.