Celebrating Chhath Puja 2026: The Rituals of Nahay Khay

Chhath Puja 2026 begins with the sacred ritual of Nahay Khay, where devotees engage in purification and prepare special meals like Kaddu-Bhat. This four-day festival honors the Sun God and emphasizes simplicity and humility in its practices. Discover the significance of these rituals and the beliefs that guide them, as devotees seek blessings from Chhathi Maiya and the Sun God. Join us in exploring the rich traditions and spiritual meanings behind this revered festival.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 13, 2026, 10:16 IST

Chhath Puja 2026 – Nahay Khay

The auspicious festival of Chhath commences today, Friday, November 13, with the ritual known as 'Nahay Khay'. This revered four-day celebration is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, Lord Surya, and Chhathi Maiya. Observing strict rules and maintaining purity are crucial during this festival, leading devotees (vratis) to engage in various religious practices from the very first day. A significant tradition involves preparing and consuming 'Kaddu-Bhat' (a dish made of pumpkin and rice) while seated on the floor, which holds deep meaning. Let's delve into the rituals associated with 'Nahay Khay', the significance of 'Kaddu-Bhat', and the beliefs surrounding the practice of eating on the floor.

Activities of Devotees on 'Nahay Khay'

On the inaugural day of Chhath, known as 'Nahay Khay', devotees rise early and perform a cleansing bath. Many choose to immerse themselves in the Ganges or another holy river. Following this, they meticulously clean their homes and kitchens. From this day onward, devotees embrace a 'satvik' lifestyle, focusing on purity in thoughts, words, and actions. A special meal featuring pumpkin curry, split Bengal gram (chana dal), and rice is prepared, referred to as 'Kaddu-Bhat'. This dish is made with rock salt (sendha namak) and pure ghee, avoiding any use of onion or garlic. In numerous households, it is traditionally cooked on an earthen stove (chulha) using mango wood.

The Importance of 'Kaddu-Bhat'

Religious traditions hold that pumpkin is a 'satvik' and pure food. The demanding fast of Chhath begins with the intake of simple and pure nourishment. 'Kaddu-Bhat' symbolizes the cleansing of both body and mind. By consuming this meal, devotees prepare themselves for the strict fasting rules that will follow over the next three days. According to tradition, the food is first offered to the Sun God before the fasting individuals partake in the meal, after which it is shared with family members as *prasad* (sanctified food).

Religious Significance of 'Nahay-Khay'

It is believed that consuming *satvik* food on 'Nahay-Khay' purifies both body and mind, setting the stage for the rigorous fasting that follows. After the meal, devotees begin preparations for 'Kharna', 'Sandhya Arghya' (evening offering to the Sun), and 'Usha Arghya' (morning offering to the Sun). Devotees approach all rituals of this festival with utmost dedication and reverence, seeking blessings from Chhathi Maiya and the Sun God.

Eating While Seated on the Floor

On 'Nahay-Khay', fasting individuals eat while seated on the floor, a practice rooted in religious and spiritual beliefs. This act symbolizes simplicity, humility, and discipline, conveying a message of humility and respect for nature and the Earth.

Overview of the Four-Day 'Chhath Mahaparv'

The 'Chhath Mahaparv' spans four days: 'Nahay-Khay' on November 13, 'Kharna' on November 14, 'Sandhya Arghya' on November 15, and concluding with 'Usha Arghya' on November 16. After 'Kharna', devotees observe a *nirjala* (waterless) fast lasting approximately 36 hours, culminating on the final day with an offering of *arghya* to the rising Sun.

Key Guidelines for 'Nahay-Khay'

Bathing and Purity: Devotees wake early to bathe, often in the Ganges or another sacred river, followed by a thorough cleaning of their homes and kitchens.
Sattvic (pure) food: A meal of pumpkin, lentils (chana dal), and rice is prepared, avoiding onion and garlic, and using rock salt (sendha namak) and pure ghee.

Emphasis on purity: Care is taken to maintain cleanliness while preparing food, often using a traditional earthen stove with mango wood.
Eating while seated on the floor: Fasting individuals consume their meals while sitting on the floor, symbolizing simplicity, discipline, and humility.