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one of the most significant Hindu festivals dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, begins on Friday,(Img: Pinterest)
New Delhi: Chhath Puja, a major Hindu festival devoted to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya begins today. Celebrated over four days, the festival will conclude on November 16 with Usha Arghya and Parana. During this period, devotees follow age-old traditions, prepare sacred offerings and observe strict fasts to pray for the health, happiness and prosperity of their families.
Chhath Puja holds special importance in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Nepal. However, its popularity has spread to several other parts of the country. Devotees worship both the rising and setting Sun, expressing gratitude for the natural source of energy and seeking blessings for the well-being and longevity of their children.
The festival is observed through four main stages, starting with Nahay Khay and concluding with the morning prayers on the fourth day. Here is a look at the complete Chhath Puja 2026 calendar and the rituals associated with each day.
The festival is observed during Kartik Shukla Paksha with each day carrying a distinct religious significance.
November 13 - Nahay Khay: The festival begins with ritual bathing and the preparation of traditional food.
November 14 - Kharna: Devotees observe a day-long fast and perform evening prayers.
November 15 - Sandhya Arghya: Offerings are made to the setting Sun at rivers, ponds and designated ghats.
November 16 - Usha Arghya and Parana: Devotees worship the rising Sun and conclude their fast.
Nahay Khay marks the beginning of Chhath Puja and focuses on cleanliness and purification. Devotees wake up early, take a ritual bath and thoroughly clean their homes and kitchens before starting the religious observance.
A traditional meal known as Kaddu Bhaat is prepared on this day. It generally consists of bottle gourd, rice and chana dal. The food is cooked according to sattvik traditions, with onion and garlic avoided in many households.
The person observing the Chhath fast, known as the vratin, consumes this meal as part of the first day's rituals.
Chhath Puja 2026 begins on November 13 with Nahay Khay and concludes on November 16. (Img: Pinterest)
The second day is known as Kharna or Lohanda. Devotees observe a fast throughout the day and break it after sunset following prayers. Jaggery-based rice kheer and roti are among the traditional offerings prepared for the occasion. The prasad is first offered during worship and subsequently distributed among family members and relatives. Following Kharna, devotees begin a demanding 36-hour nirjala fast, abstaining from both food and water. This continues until the completion of the final morning rituals.
Sandhya Arghya is one of the most important occasions during Chhath Puja. Devotees gather at riverbanks, ponds and designated ghats to offer prayers to the setting Sun. Traditional offerings, including thekua, sugarcane, fruits and other seasonal produce, are arranged in bamboo baskets and soop. Standing in water, devotees offer Arghya to Surya Dev as the Sun approaches the horizon. Chhath songs and devotional prayers form an important part of the evening celebrations.
The final day begins before sunrise as devotees return to the ghats to worship the rising Sun. Usha Arghya marks the concluding stage of the festival. After offering prayers and completing the morning rituals, devotees perform Parana, formally bringing their 36-hour fast to an end. Prasad is then distributed among family members and other devotees.
Chhath Puja is dedicated to Surya Dev, regarded as the source of energy and life, and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees seek blessings for their children's well-being, family happiness, good health and prosperity. The worship of both the rising and setting Sun makes the festival distinctive. It also reflects gratitude towards nature, along with the values of discipline, devotion and community participation.
