Festivals
Chhath Puja 2026: Date, Arghya Timings, Nahay Khay &…
Chhath Puja 2026: Date, Arghya Timings, Nahay Khay & Significance
Chhath Puja, also known as Surya Shashthi, is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (Goddess Usha/Shashthi). Celebrated with immense rigor and devotion, primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, it is unique as it involves no idol worship but rather direct gratitude to the Sun—the source of all life.
The festival spans four days and is famous for its strict 36-hour Nirjala Vrat (fasting without water), holy river dips, and standing in water to offer Arghya to the setting and rising sun.
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Chhath Puja 2026: The 4-Day Schedule
In 2026, Chhath Puja begins on November 13 (Nahay Khay) and concludes on November 16 (Usha Arghya). The main day of Sandhya Arghya falls on Sunday, November 15, 2026.
| Day | Ritual Name | Date & Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Nahay Khay | Nov 13, 2026 (Friday) Devotees bathe, clean the house, and eat a single meal of Bottle Gourd (Lauki) and Rice. |
| Day 2 | Kharna (Lohanda) | Nov 14, 2026 (Saturday) Day-long fast broken in the evening with Rasiya (Jaggery Kheer) and Roti. The 36-hour Nirjala fast begins after this. |
| Day 3 | Sandhya Arghya | Nov 15, 2026 (Sunday) Main Chhath Puja. Offering Arghya to the setting sun while standing in water. |
| Day 4 | Usha Arghya | Nov 16, 2026 (Monday) Offering Arghya to the rising sun. The fast concludes after this (Parana). |
*Note: Timings are based on the Hindu Calendar. Sunset and Sunrise times vary by city.
Significance & Mythology
Chhath Puja is deep-rooted in science and spirituality:
- Karna’s Devotion: It is believed that Karna, the son of the Sun God (from Mahabharata), was the first to perform Chhath Puja. He stood in water for hours to pray to his father, gaining immense power.
- Legend of Draupadi: The Pandavas and Draupadi also performed this puja to regain their lost kingdom.
- Chhathi Maiya: She is considered the sister of the Sun God and an incarnation of Goddess Katyayani (Devasena). Worshipping her blesses devotees with offspring and protects children from diseases.
Key Rituals & Traditions
The festival requires extreme purity and discipline.
1. The Holy Offerings (Prasad)
The prasad is cooked on earthen stoves (chulhas) using mango wood. The main offerings include Thekua (a cookie made of wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee), sugarcane, coconuts, and seasonal fruits.
2. Standing in Water
Devotees stand in river or pond water for long periods during sunset and sunrise. This act helps the body absorb solar energy and activates the Prana (life force).
3. Prostrate Salutations (Dandavat Pranam)
Many devotees perform a prostrate march (measuring the road with their body) from their homes to the Ghats as a sign of penance and devotion.
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While Chhath is a personal fast, many families require Pandits for Udyapan (closing ceremony of the fast) or other associated rituals. SmartPuja connects you with verified Pandits in your city.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The main day of Chhath Puja, where Arghya is offered to the setting sun, is Sunday, November 15, 2026.
Yes, she is identified as Devasena (wife of Kartikeya) or Shashthi Devi in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana. She protects children and grants longevity.
Thekua is the main prasad offered to the Sun God. Made from wheat and jaggery, it is considered highly auspicious and is prepared with strict hygiene rules.
