Chhath Mahaparv 2026 – Chhath songs have started resonating in the markets, and the streets have returned to life. From cleaning the ponds to the courtyards of the houses, preparations to welcome Chhath Maiya are in full swing everywhere. This year, the four-day long festival of Chhath is starting on Friday, November 13, and will conclude on Monday, November 16, by offering Arghya to the rising sun.
Let us know, one by one, the complete calendar of this great festival and the special things of every day:
Day 1: Nahay-Khay (13 November, Friday)
The difficult practice of fasting begins from this day itself. Lord Bhaskar will be worshipped after taking a bath in the morning. Then, with the cleanliness and purity of the house, there is a tradition of preparing pumpkin rice, gram dal and arva rice in the kitchen. The fasting person first accepts the Prasad; only then do the rest of the family members have food. From this day onwards, special rules of purity come into force in the house.
Day 2: Kharna (14 November, Saturday)
On this day, devotees keep fast for the whole day. Preparations for puja take place in the evening after sunset. Prasad of jaggery kheer and wheat bread is made by burning mango wood on an earthen stove. As soon as the prasad is accepted, the hardest part begins—an almost 36-hour fast, in which neither food nor water is consumed.
Third day: Evening Arghya (15 November, Sunday)
This is the most important day of Chhath festival. Thekua and rice laddus are being made in homes. The devotee along with his family reaches the ghat of the river or pond after decorating the bamboo soup with coconut, banana, sugarcane, apple and seasonal fruits. In the evening, Arghya with milk and water will be offered to the setting sun. On this day, the story of Chhath Maiya is also heard in the evening.
Fourth day: Usha Arghya (16 November, Monday)
On the last day, early in the morning the ghats will again be crowded. The devotees will offer prayers to the rising sun and pray for the happiness and prosperity of the family, long life and health of their children. With this the 36-hour waterless fast will end and the fast will be completed.
Talking about the timing: The sunset on November 15 will be around 5:24 to 5:28 pm, according to which the first Arghya will be offered. Whereas on November 16, sunrise will be between 6:12 to 6:36 in the morning, when Arghya will be offered to the rising sun. (Note that there may be slight differences in local time.)
So you see, this is not just a festival, but a four-day Mahayagya of faith, discipline and purity. Our best wishes to all the devotees for this difficult sadhana! Jai Chhathi Maiya!