Chhath Puja 2026: Dates, Rituals, and Significance

Chhath Puja, a revered festival dedicated to the Sun God, will be celebrated in 2026 from November 13 to November 16. This four-day event involves rigorous fasting and various rituals, including offerings to both the setting and rising sun. The festival is particularly significant in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, where devotees believe that these practices bring blessings for health and prosperity. The article outlines the specific dates, rituals, and timings for each day of the festival, providing a comprehensive guide for participants.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 11, 2026, 08:11 IST

Chhath Puja Overview

Chhath Puja, celebrated after Diwali, is a significant festival for many across India, particularly in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. This four-day festival honors the Sun God, Surya Dev, and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees engage in strict fasting and rituals, believing that these practices will bring blessings for their children's health, family prosperity, and overall happiness. A key aspect of the celebration involves offering 'arghya' to both the setting and rising sun.

Festival Schedule and Rituals

The festival begins in the month of Kartik with the 'Nahay-Khay' ritual, followed by 'Kharna', 'Sandhya Arghya', and 'Usha Arghya'. The final day concludes with 'Paran', where devotees break their fast after offering 'arghya' at sunrise. Let's explore the specific dates and timings for Chhath Puja in 2026.

Chhath Puja 2026 Dates

When is Chhath Puja 2026?

According to the lunar calendar, the 'Shashthi Tithi' of Kartik's bright fortnight begins at 11:23 PM on November 14, 2026, and ends at 2:00 AM on November 16, 2026. The main celebration will occur on Sunday, November 15, 2026.

Four-Day Ritual Calendar

Day 1: Nahay-Khay (Friday, November 13, 2026)

The festival kicks off with 'Nahay-Khay', where devotees purify themselves through bathing and cleaning their homes. They prepare a *satvik* meal, emphasizing purity throughout the process, marking the start of the four-day fast.

Day 2: Lohanda and Kharna (Saturday, November 14, 2026)

On this day, known as 'Kharna', devotees observe a *nirjala* fast until evening. After rituals and bathing, offerings are made to Chhathi Maiya, including *kheer* and other traditional foods, marking the beginning of a 36-hour fast.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Sunday, November 15, 2026)

On the third day, devotees gather at water bodies to offer *arghya* to the setting sun at 5:28 PM, praying for family happiness and prosperity.

Day 4: Usha Arghya and Paran (Monday, November 16, 2026)

The festival concludes with the 'Usha Arghya' at 6:44 AM, where devotees offer prayers to the rising sun and break their fast with *prasad*, marking the end of the celebrations.