Chhath Puja 2026 is being held from Friday, 13 November to Monday, 16 November. With the primary day on Sunday, 15 November, devotees participate in the Sandhya Arghya to Lord Surya and Goddess Chhathi Maiya. Subsequently, the festival ends the next morning at dawn with Usha Arghya to the rising sun (udayaman Surya) and Chhathi Maiya. This is a major Hindu festival dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. The festival lays focus on certain attributes to enhance blessings, namely purity, discipline, gratitude, and family well-being that is nurtured with fasting and riverside rituals.
According to Ganesha Speaks, Chhath Puja is slated for Kartik Shukla Shashthi (the sixth day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Kartik). Shashthi Tithi starts at approximately 11:23 PM on 14 November 2026 and concludes at approximately 2:00 AM on 16 November 2026.
Arghya is offered at local sunset on 15 November (Sandhya Arghya) and local sunrise on 16 November (Usha Arghya). Timings differ according to location, so devotees should always check a local Panchang or reliable city-specific sunrise and sunset data.
Devotees are advised to reach the ghat 20–30 minutes early to arrange the offerings properly.
The festival begins with purification. The vrati (the person observing the fast) takes a holy bath. The house and kitchen are thoroughly cleaned. A single sattvik meal is first offered to the deities and then eaten by the vrati, accompanied by family.
The vrati observes a strict day-long fast (traditionally without water). In the evening, after sunset, prasad is usually prepared and offered to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, then consumed by the vrati. After this meal, the rigorous nirjala fast (no food or water) for approximately 36 hours continues until the morning of the fourth day.
This is the main day. Families prepare bamboo baskets laden with offerings. In the evening, devotees go to a riverbank, pond, or clean water body. The vrati stands in the water facing the setting Sun and offers Arghya (water mixed with milk) while uttering prayers and traditional Chhath songs.
Before sunrise, devotees return to the water body. The vrati offers Arghya to the rising Sun. After the ritual, the fast is broken (Parana) with the prasad. The remaining offerings are distributed among family, neighbours, and the community.
Maintain strict purity of body, mind, and surroundings. Avoid onion, garlic, non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and tobacco during the festival period. Maintain a tranquil and devotional atmosphere. Thekua and other prasad items are prepared with devotion, usually by the vrati or family members under strict hygiene.
Devotees are advised to follow their family traditions and consult a local Panchang for precise timings and any regional variations.
