Chhath Puja, one of the most sacred Hindu festivals dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, will be observed from November 13 to November 16, 2026. Celebrated with immense devotion, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and several other parts of India, the four-day festival involves fasting, traditional offerings, prayers and rituals performed at riverbanks, ponds and other water bodies.
The festival begins with Nahay Khay and concludes with Usha Arghya, when devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun. The main Chhath Puja and Sandhya Arghya will take place on Sunday, November 15. From the complete festival calendar and puja timings to rituals, samagri, and religious significance, here is everything you need to know about Chhath Puja 2026.
Chhath Puja 2026: Date And Complete Four-Day Schedule
Chhath Puja is observed on Kartik Shukla Shashthi, the sixth day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Kartik. In 2026, the celebrations will take place over four days, with each day dedicated to a specific ritual.
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Here is the complete Chhath Puja 2026 calendar:
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November 13, Friday – Nahay Khay: The first day marks the beginning of the festival. Devotees take a holy bath, clean their homes, and prepare a traditional satvik meal.
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November 14, Saturday – Kharna (Lohanda): Devotees observe a fast throughout the day and perform evening prayers. Jaggery-based kheer and roti are prepared as prasad.
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November 15, Sunday – Sandhya Arghya: The main day of Chhath Puja, when devotees offer Arghya to the setting Sun while standing in water.
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November 16, Monday – Usha Arghya and Parana: On the final day, devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun. The rituals conclude with Parana, when the fast is broken.
Chhath Puja 2026: Shashthi Tithi And Arghya Timings
According to the New Delhi Panchang, Kartik Shukla Shashthi Tithi will begin at approximately 11:24 pm on November 14 and end at approximately 2:01 am on November 16.
The two most important offerings during the festival are Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya.
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Sandhya Arghya: Sunday, November 15, at sunset.
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Usha Arghya: Monday, November 16, at sunrise.
The exact Arghya timings depend on the location because sunrise and sunset differ from city to city. For reference, the sunset in Delhi is approximately 5:27 pm on November 15, while sunrise on November 16 is approximately 6:44 am. Devotees should check their local Panchang before performing the rituals.
Chhath Puja 2026: Puja Vidhi And Rituals Explained
Chhath Puja is observed through a series of traditional rituals over four days. Devotees, commonly known as vratis, follow a disciplined routine involving cleanliness, fasting, prayers, and offerings to the Sun God.
1. Nahay Khay (November 13)
The festival begins with Nahay Khay, which means bathing and eating. Devotees take a holy bath, clean their homes, and prepare food in a clean environment. Traditional meals often include rice, chana dal, and bottle gourd (lauki) cooked without onion or garlic.
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