Chhath Puja 2026 – If you are also busy preparing for the Chhath festival, then this news is useful for you. This festival, a symbol of faith of Bihar, Jharkhand and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, is starting from 13 November 2026 this year. In this great festival, which lasts for four days, the devotees observe a waterless fast with strict rules and offer water to the setting and rising sun.
First of all, know the exact date of the main day
According to the Hindu calendar, Shashthi Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha will start from 11:23 pm on 14th November and will continue till around 2 am on 16th November. If we look at Udaya Tithi, the main day of Chhath is on 15 November 2026, Sunday. On the same day, Sandhya Arghya will be offered to the setting sun in the evening. At the same time, the festival will end on the morning of 16th November after offering Arghya to the rising sun.
Complete schedule of all four days
Day 1: Nahay-Khay (13 November 2026, Friday)
On this day, fasting people take a bath in the morning and clean the house and kitchen thoroughly. According to tradition, satvik food like pumpkin curry, gram dal and rice is consumed. With this, following the difficult rules of Chhath begin.
Day 2: Lohanda and Kharna (14 November 2026, Saturday)
On this day, devotees observe a waterless fast from morning and take Prasad after worship in the evening. Kharna’s offerings include jaggery kheer, roti and fruits. After receiving the Prasad, a Nirjala fast of about 36 hours begins, in which both food and water are sacrificed.
Third day: Evening Arghya (15 November 2026, Sunday)
This is the most important day of Chhath Puja. Vrati reaches the banks of a river, pond or reservoir with the family. Arghya is offered to Lord Surya by arranging thekua, fruits and other traditional offerings in a bamboo soup. By worshipping the setting sun at sunset, one wishes for the happiness and prosperity of the family and the well-being of the children.
Fourth day: Usha Arghya and Paran (16 November 2026, Monday)
On the last day, the devotees reach the ghat before sunrise and offer Arghya to the rising sun. This is called Usha Arghya. The fast is broken after worshipping the Sun God and praying to Chhathi Maiya for the welfare of the family. With this, the 36-hour waterless fast is completed.
An important thing regarding the time of Arghya
The time of Arghya in Chhath Puja is decided according to sunrise and sunset. Therefore, there is a difference in it in different cities. The fasting person must check the time of Sandhya and Usha Arghya according to his local calendar. For example, if we look at Delhi, sunset on November 15 will be around 05:10 pm and sunrise on November 16 will be around 08:01 am.
What is the importance of this festival?
In Chhath Mahaparva, Chhathi Maiya is worshiped along with Lord Surya. There is a religious belief that worshipping the Sun God brings blessings of health, happiness, and prosperity, while the blessings of Chhathi Maiya ensure the protection of children and the prosperity of the family. In this festival, along with the rising sun, Arghya is also offered to the setting sun, which expresses gratitude towards the sun and respect for nature.