Chhath Puja is one of the most sacred and famous Hindu Festivals dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. The Festival is mainly popular in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, and in other parts of India. The four-day festival involves fasting, traditional offerings, and prayers for family well-being.
In 2026, Chhath Puja will be observed on November 13 and conclude on November 16. The main rituals in Chhath Puja include Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya.
In this blog, we will discuss Chhat Puja 2026 Date, Chhat Puja details, Chhath Puja schedule, Chhath Puja vidhi Guidance and important dates, Rituals, fasting traditions, puja samagri, history, and religious significance of the festival.
Chhath 2026 is observed on the sixth day (Shasthi Tithi) of the Kartik month’s Shukla Paksha, as per the Indian lunar calendar.
The festival begins with Nahay Khaya and concludes with Usha Arghya, when devotees offer prayers to the rising sun.
Important dates of Chhath Puja 2026:
|
Day |
Date |
Rituals |
|
Day 1- Nahay Khay |
Friday, 13 November |
Holy bath, cleaning house, & one satvik meal |
|
Day 2- Kharna (Lohanda) |
Saturday, 14 November |
Fast through the day after sunset; the 36 hours of nirjala fast |
|
Day 3- Sandhya Arghya |
Sunday, 15 November |
Arghya at ghat to sunset; Kosi bharai and a night vigil |
|
Day 4- Usha Arghya and Parana |
Monday, 16 November |
Arghya to the rising sun; fast is broken |
The Hindu Panchang outlines the important tithis observed during Chhath Puja to help devotees in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh understand the lunar calendar and plan their rituals accordingly. According to the Hindu Panchang, the table below highlights the important tithis and timing, including the beginning and end of Shasthi tithi, to help devotees plan their rituals.
|
Tithi Events (IST) |
Time |
|
Chaturthi begins |
Thu 12 Nov, about 6:10 PM |
|
Panchami begins |
Fri 13 Nov, about 8:43 PM |
|
Shashthi begins |
Sat 14 Nov, 11:24 PM |
|
Shashthi ends |
Mon 16 Nov, 2:01 AM |
|
Saptami ends |
Tue 17 Nov, about 4:20 AM |
During Chhath Puja, offerings are made at sunrise and sunset. The exact timing varies by location.
The following timings are for New Delhi:
Sandhya Arghya: November 15, 2026, Sunset at 5:28 PM
Usha Arghya: November 16, 2026, Sunrise at 6:44 AM
Timings in New Delhi may vary slightly. Devotees are advised to consult a local Panchang or calendar to confirm Puja timings.
Chhath Puja is a festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. It is a festival to thank the Sun for sustaining all living beings and to pray to the Sun to fulfil their wishes.
The festival is deeply rooted in the traditions of Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. It is also celebrated by Indian communities all over the World.
One distinctive feature of Chhath Puja is the worship of both the setting and rising Sun. Worshippers arrange themselves near lakes and other water bodies to offer prayers and Arghya to the rising and setting Sun.
Devotion, gratitude, and purity are central to Chhath Puja. Its four-day-long celebration has different rituals to be performed on different days, and it ends with the offering of Usha Arghya to the rising Sun.
There are four days of traditional Chhath Puja Vidhi, and while details may vary with region and family, the overall structure remains the same.
Nahay Khay marks the first day of Chhath Puja, when devotees prepare themselves and their homes for the rituals.
The preparation for Nahay Khay includes:
Taking a ritual bath.
Cleaning the household and cooking area.
Preparation of a satvik meal, which usually includes rice, chana dal and bottle gourd.
Chhath Puja Vidhi is centred around discipline and purity.
Devotees observe a daytime fast and break it after performing the evening Kharna ritual.
The ritual involves offering a traditional prasad to the deity, which consists of Khare and Jaggery.
The prasad is distributed according to family traditions.
After the performance of the Kharna ritual, the family typically begins observing a strict nirjala (without water or food) fast until the offering of the morning Arghya.
Devotees should observe fasting practices according to their health conditions and family traditions.
Of the various rituals of Chhath Puja, Sandhya Arghya, which offers water and a traditional prasad to the setting Sun, is considered the most important. The devotees gather at an assigned ghat to perform the ritual.
The offerings vary and are often placed in bamboo baskets or soops. Items may include fruits, sugarcane, and thekua.
Devotees stand in water, where it is safe and permitted, offer Arghya and pray for their family’s well-being. Traditional Chhath songs are sung during the gatherings.
This ritual is performed to thank Lord Surya for light, warmth and energy.
Usha Arghya is the last day of Chhath Puja. Devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun before it is even visible on the horizon.
Usha Arghya symbolises gratitude, renewal, and hope for a prosperous future. After offering Arghya, the fast is broken (Parana) through family traditions.
The prasad is shared with relatives, neighbours, and other devotees. Thus concludes the four-day celebration.
There are certain families that perform a part of the festival at home based on their customs and conditions.
Here is how to prepare and worship:
It is advisable to prepare the pooja items for Chhath Puja in advance, as devotees like to perform this puja with great devotion and affection. The important components of Chhath Puja samagri are:
A brass diya or Akhand Jyot and puja bell may also be kept as part of supporting worship essentials, as per family traditions. In different regions, there may be some additional or different components in samagri, as per household traditions. However, traditional offerings of thekua and seasonal fruits and sugarcane should be an integral part of Chhath Puja samagri.
Chhath Puja tells the story of ancient Hindu traditions to worship the Sun. Lord Surya is worshipped for being the giver of light, energy and life. Sun worship has remained an important part of Hindu traditions for centuries.
Chhath Puja also celebrates reverence for Chhathi Maiya for the overall health and well-being of the members of the family.
Chhath Puja is extremely popular in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand and Eastern Uttar Pradesh. Families pass down unique fasting practices, traditional offerings, and devotional songs through generations.
A summary of the importance of Chhath Puja is described below:
The Chhath Puja story is shared in many regional versions and religious narratives. These narratives provide insights into the enduring importance of the festival and the nature of devotion associated with it.
In one of the popular accounts, Chhath Puja is linked with Karna, a major figure from the Mahabharata. Karna is depicted as an ardent worshiper of Surya, and reference to Sun worship, in general, is often incorporated in the description of the festival.
Accounts of prayer to Chhathi Maiya for children and the family’s general well-being and prosperity are also popular.
As to the exact nature of the tradition and its interpretation, it may vary. For the most part, these accounts are learned from elders in the family, scriptures and traditional Chhath songs.
It is important to follow the rules related to prayer, cleansing the body, dietary habits, and preparation of prasad during the observance of the Chhath vrat.
Some practices include maintaining a clean cooking area, the use of satvik food, observing the correct sequence of rituals, and offering Arghya to the sun at sunset and sunrise.
Some individuals observe a nirjala fast after Kharna, breaking the fast only after offering Usha Arghya to the rising sun. However, a long-term fast without fluids may be harmful to some individuals. Persons with medical conditions, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and people taking medications should seek medical advice before observing a long-term fast.
Fasting and other ritualistic practices can be modified based on individual and family traditions.
Chhath Puja is linked to the month of Kartik, and Chaiti Chhath is observed in the month of Chaitra.
Chaiti Chhath observances are performed in the spring. The major Chhath Puja discussed in this article falls in Kartik and will occur in November 2026.
Chaiti Chhath and Kartik Chhath are related to the worship of Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya. Likewise, their practices also include fasting and offering to the rising and setting sun. Differences in the positions of the sun and moon in the lunar calendar result in the different months of celebration of the two observances.
Also Read: Dhanteras Puja Vidhi 2026: Samagri, Steps & Muhurat
1. What are the different steps of Chhath Puja?
The different steps include Nahay Khay, Lohanda and Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, Usha Arghya, and Parana. Each of these steps is important and has its own significance.
2. What is the process of Chhath Puja?
Devotees clean their homes and themselves on Nahay Khay. A fast is kept for two days along with the preparation of Prasad. On the second day, Arghya is offered to the setting Sun. On the third day, the same is offered to the rising Sun. This is the basic process of Chhath. Other processes and rituals may vary according to family traditions and customs.
3. What is the history of Chhath Puja?
The celebration is dedicated to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees offer prayers for the welfare of their family and offer gratitude for the life-saving rays of the Sun.
4. What is the difference between Kartik Chhath and Chaiti Chhath?
Generally, Kartik Chhath is celebrated in the month of Kartik, and Chaiti Chhath is celebrated in the month of Chaitra. Both festivals involve worshipping Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya.
5. What are the main rituals of Chhath Puja?
The main rituals of Chhath Puja include Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya. Devotees observe fasting and offer prayers to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya for health, prosperity, and happiness.
6. How to order ready-made Chhath Puja kits with delivery service?
You can order ready-made Chhath Puja kits through online puja stores and e-commerce websites. Check the kit contents, delivery availability, and estimated delivery date before placing your order.
7. Where to find eco-friendly Chhath Puja diyas and accessories nearby?
You can find eco-friendly Chhath Puja diyas and accessories at local puja shops, handicraft stores, and organic product shops. Look for clay diyas, natural materials, and reusable puja items to celebrate sustainably.
8. 2026 में छठ पूजा कब है ( When is Chhath Puja in 2026) ?
साल 2026 में छठ पूजा 15 नवंबर, रविवार को मनाई जाएगी। यह चार दिवसीय पर्व 13 नवंबर को नहाय-खाय से शुरू होकर 16 नवंबर को उषा अर्घ्य के साथ संपन्न होगा।
9. छठ पूजा की कहानी क्या है?
छठ पूजा की कथा सूर्य देव और छठी मैया की आराधना से जुड़ी है, जिन्हें सुख-समृद्धि और संतान की रक्षा का प्रतीक माना जाता है। मान्यता है कि श्रद्धापूर्वक छठ व्रत करने से परिवार में सुख, शांति और खुशहाली आती है।
In 2026, Chhath Puja will be celebrated from November 13 to November 16. Sandhya Arghya will be offered on November 15 and Usha Arghya on November 16.
For devotees, it is very important to know when Chhath Puja will be celebrated, the procedure of Chhath Puja, the history and the importance of the four days of Chhath Puja. All these help devotees to prepare for Chhath Puja with a lot of love and devotion. Gratitude, family welfare, discipline and respect for nature are the message of Chhath Puja. To make your Chhath Puja 2026 more auspicious, shop for pooja items from The Divine Tales.
