Chhath Puja 2026 Date: When Is Nahaye Khaye, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya?

Chhath Puja is celebrated on the Shashthi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha of the Kartik month. This year, Chhath Puja will begin on November 13 with Nahay-Khaay and will conclude on November 16 with Usha Arghya. The main observance, including Sandhya Arghya, falls on November 15.

Chhath Puja holds immense spiritual significance in Hinduism. The festival is dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya and is widely celebrated across the country, including Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Here is a complete list of important dates, rituals and the significance of each day.

Chhath Puja 2026 4-Day Calendar: Date And Ritual

Here is the day-by-day Panchang schedule for the 4-day Mahaparv:

Chhath Puja 2026: Day-By-Day Rituals And Panchang Timings

Chhath Puja is celebrated on the Shasthi Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha. Dedicated to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya, this rigorous 4-day festival demands strict purity, devotion, and community spirit.

Day 1: Nahaye Khaye – November 13, 2026

The festival begins with a ritual purification. Devotees who observe a fast are called vratis and take a holy bath in sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, or local water bodies.

On this day, vratis clean their homes and prepare a sattvic meal which traditionally includes Kaddu-Bhat, bottle gourd curry cooked in pure ghee paired with Chana Dal and Arwa Chawal.

Day 2: Kharna – November 14, 2026

Kharna marks the day when the nirjala vrat begins. In the evening, after worshipping Lord Surya, devotees break their fast with jaggery kheer made with milk and rice and roti. Once this prasad is consumed, the strict 36-hour fast officially begins, and preparations are made for the main rituals of the Chhath festival.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya– November 15, 2026

Sandhya Arghya is the main day of Chhath Puja. On this day, devotees prepare decorative bamboo baskets filled with homemade Thekua, sugarcane, fresh fruits, and seasonal crops.

Vratis, accompanied by family members, arrive at the ghat, offer Arghya to the setting Sun, sing traditional folk songs, and offer prayers to Chhati Maiyya to express their gratitude.

Sunset Time: 05:36 PM (Varies by city)

Day 4: Usha Arghya And Parana – November 16, 2026 (Sunday)

The final day celebrates rebirth and new light. Before sunrise, devotees gather at the ghat and stand waist-deep in water to offer Usha Arghya to the rising sun. After prayers, devotees drink water and consume Prasad, breaking their 36-hour-long fast.

Sunrise Time: 05:57 AM (Varies by city)

Chhath Puja is celebrated on the Shasthi Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha (Image: Pexels)

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Puja Samagri And Preparation Checklist

Ensure you have these essential items ready before Chhath Puja:

1. Bamboo baskets

2. Fresh sugarcane with leaves

3. Ingredients for Thekua

4. Coconut with water

5. Seasonal fruits

6. Clay lamps, Camphor, and Pure Ghee

7. Kalash, lota and thali

8. Sindoor and suhaag items

9. Akshat, paan, supari, honey, ghee, milk for the arghya

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Offering arghya to the Sun God and praying to Chhathi Maiyaa are believed to bring happiness, prosperity, and well-being to the family.

FAQs

1. Why is Chhath Puja celebrated?

Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya. It is observed to express gratitude for sustaining life on Earth, seek blessings for family longevity and prosperity, and promote well-being.

2. When does the 36-hour fast start and end in 2026?

The fast begins after consuming the Kharna prasad on the evening of November 13, 2026, and ends after offering Usha Arghya on the morning of November 15, 2026.

3. Can someone observe Chhath Puja away from a natural river?

Yes. If natural water bodies are not present nearby, devotees can build clean artificial water pits on rooftops, in gardens, or in community spaces to perform both Sandhya and Usha Arghya.