Chhath Puja ‘Nahay-Khay’ 2026: Chhath Puja is a festival of faith and penance, dedicated to the worship of the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya. This rigorous four-day fast begins today, November 13, with the ritual of ‘Nahay-Khay’. Chhath Puja is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm. During the festival, those observing the fast (vratis) undergo a ‘nirjala’ (waterless) fast for about 36 hours. In 2026, the Chhath festival will be observed from November 13 to November 16.
Purity, sanctity, and the adherence to strict rules hold immense significance during Chhath Puja. On the day of ‘Nahay-Khay’, there is a tradition of preparing ‘kaddu-bhaat’ (a dish made of pumpkin and rice) and consuming the meal while sitting on the floor. Let us explore the rituals of ‘Nahay-Khay’ and the significance of ‘kaddu-bhaat’.
Chhath Puja begins with the ‘Nahay-Khay’ ritual.
On the first day of the grand Chhath festival—’Nahay-Khay’—those observing the ritual wake up early in the morning to bathe. Many choose to bathe in the Ganges or another sacred river. Following this ritual, the home and kitchen are thoroughly cleaned. On this day, a special meal consisting of pumpkin curry, split Bengal gram (chana dal), and rice is prepared. Notably, all the food is cooked only in ‘ghee’ (clarified butter). This meal is known as ‘kaddu-bhaat’. Only rock salt (‘sendha namak’) and pure ghee are used in its preparation; onion and garlic are strictly avoided. You may have observed that in some households, the ‘prasad’ for Chhath Puja is still prepared on traditional earthen stoves.
Why do those observing the fast eat while sitting on the floor?
On the day of ‘Nahay-Khay’, those observing the fast sit on the floor to eat their meal. There are religious and spiritual beliefs associated with this practice. Sitting on the floor to eat is considered a symbol of simplicity and discipline. This tradition conveys a message of remaining free from ego while expressing respect toward nature and the Earth. The Chhath festival will span four days.
The first day is ‘Nahay-Khay’; the second day, November 14, is ‘Kharna’; the third day, November 15, is ‘Sandhya Arghya’; and the fourth day, November 16, concludes with ‘Usha Arghya’.
Complete Calendar for Chhath Puja 2026
Nahay-Khay, Friday, November 13
The first day of Chhath Puja is known as ‘Nahay-Khay’. On this day, kaddu-bhaat (a dish made of pumpkin and rice) and chana dal (split Bengal gram) hold special significance.
Kharna, Saturday, November 14
The second day is ‘Kharna’. Those observing the fast remain without food or water throughout the day; in the evening, they prepare gur ki kheer (jaggery-based rice pudding) and roti (flatbread) as prasad (offering) for the ritual.
Sandhya Arghya, Sunday, November 15
On the third day, Arghya (an offering) is presented to the setting sun.
Usha Arghya and Paran, Monday, November 16
On the fourth day, Arghya is offered to the rising sun in the morning. Following the prayers and rituals, those observing the fast conclude it by performing ‘Paran’ (breaking the fast).