Chhath Puja 2026: Dates, 4 Days, Arghya & Puja Vidhi

Chhath Puja is one of India's most sacred and disciplined Hindu festivals, dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Celebrated with deep devotion, the festival expresses gratitude toward the Sun for sustaining life and includes prayers for family well-being, health, prosperity and harmony.

The festival is especially prominent in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of Nepal, although it is now celebrated by devotees across India and around the world.

If you're wondering when is Chhath Puja in 2026, the four-day festival begins on Friday, November 13, 2026, and concludes on Monday, November 16, 2026.

The observance includes four important stages: Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya. Each day carries its own rituals, food traditions and spiritual significance.

During Chhath preparations, devotees carefully clean their homes, prepare Satvik offerings, arrange traditional puja materials and follow established household customs.

For a home prayer area, devotional essentials such as Pure Camphor, Pure Ghee Batti, Silver Kalash and Silver Diya may complement the broader puja preparations where their use aligns with family tradition. Gomti Chakra and Sandalwood Attar can remain part of a separate devotional collection or personal spiritual routine.

However, these products are not compulsory Chhath Puja Samagri and should never replace the traditional materials prescribed for Surya Arghya and Chhathi Maiya worship.

This complete guide covers the Chhath Puja 2026 date, four-day festival calendar, Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, Usha Arghya, fasting practices, offerings, Puja Vidhi and significance.

Important: Chhath Puja traditions vary by family and region. Sunrise and sunset times are location-specific. The festival involves demanding fasting practices, and devotees should adapt them when necessary for health and safety.

When Is Chhath Puja in 2026?

Chhath Puja 2026 Dates: November 13–16, 2026

The four-day Kartik Chhath observance follows the Diwali festive period.

The main evening Arghya is offered on Kartik Shukla Shashthi, while the concluding morning Arghya is offered at sunrise on the following day.

The four days are:

Day 1 – Friday, November 13: Nahay Khay

Day 2 – Saturday, November 14: Kharna

Day 3 – Sunday, November 15: Sandhya Arghya

Day 4 – Monday, November 16: Usha Arghya and Parana

The exact sunrise and sunset timings depend on the city where the rituals are performed.

Chhath Puja 2026 Date and Four-Day Calendar

Day	Date	Rituals
Day 1	November 13, Friday	Nahay Khay
Day 2	November 14, Saturday	Kharna
Day 3	November 15, Sunday	Sandhya Arghya
Day 4	November 16, Monday	Usha Arghya

 

These dates correspond to the commonly followed Kartik Chhath calendar for 2026.

What Is Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.

Unlike many festivals centred primarily on temple idols, Chhath prominently involves worship of the visible Sun through offerings made at sunrise and sunset.

The festival is known for:

• Strict ritual discipline
• Cleanliness and purity
• Traditional Satvik food
• Fasting
• Water-based Arghya rituals
• Family participation
• Devotional songs
• Community gatherings

The worship of both the setting and rising Sun is one of its most distinctive features.

Why Is Chhath Puja Celebrated?

Chhath Puja is traditionally observed to express gratitude toward Surya Dev and seek the blessings of Chhathi Maiya.

Its spiritual significance includes:

1. Gratitude Toward the Sun

The Sun is essential for life on Earth.

Chhath Puja recognizes its importance through sacred offerings.

2. Family Well-Being

Devotees traditionally pray for the health, happiness and prosperity of their families.

3. Spiritual Discipline

The festival involves preparation, fasting and focused devotional practices.

4. Respect for Nature

The use of sunlight, water, fruits and natural offerings reflects a close connection with the environment.

5. Community Participation

Families and communities often come together to prepare offerings and maintain the puja area.

Who Is Chhathi Maiya?

Chhathi Maiya is the central divine figure worshipped alongside Surya Dev during Chhath Puja.

She is revered in regional devotional traditions as a protective and nurturing divine mother.

Devotees seek her blessings for family well-being and the welfare of children.

The exact theological interpretation of Chhathi Maiya varies across regional and family traditions.

Day 1: Nahay Khay – November 13, 2026

Nahay Khay marks the beginning of the four-day Chhath observance.

The name refers to bathing and eating.

On this day, devotees traditionally take a purifying bath and prepare a simple Satvik meal.

In many households, the meal includes:

• Lauki or Kaddu
• Rice
• Chana Dal
• Other foods according to family tradition

The kitchen and cooking utensils are cleaned carefully.

The preparation emphasizes purity, discipline and the beginning of the vrat.

Day 2: Kharna – November 14, 2026

Kharna is the second day of Chhath Puja.

Devotees traditionally observe a fast during the day and prepare a special offering in the evening.

A common Kharna Prasad includes:

• Rice Kheer
• Roti
• Jaggery-based preparations
• Other foods according to household tradition

After the evening offering and prayer, the devotee consumes prasad according to the established custom.

In many traditions, this is followed by a demanding period of fasting until the concluding Usha Arghya.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya – November 15, 2026

Sandhya Arghya is one of the most important rituals of Chhath Puja.

On this day, devotees gather near a river, pond, lake or another appropriate water body to offer Arghya to the setting Sun.

Traditional offerings may include:

• Thekua
• Fruits
• Coconut
• Sugarcane
• Seasonal produce
• Traditional bamboo baskets
• Other prescribed Chhath Samagri

The offerings are arranged carefully and carried to the puja location.

Devotees stand in water according to tradition and offer prayers to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.

Day 4: Usha Arghya – November 16, 2026

Usha Arghya marks the final day of Chhath Puja.

Devotees gather before sunrise and prepare to offer Arghya to the rising Sun.

After the prescribed prayers and offerings, the vrat is concluded according to household tradition.

This final stage symbolizes completion, gratitude and the transition back into everyday life.

Chhath Puja Vidhi: Step-by-Step Guide

A general overview of Chhath Puja Vidhi includes the following.

Step 1: Clean the Home and Puja Area

Prepare a clean environment for cooking and worship.

Step 2: Begin with Nahay Khay

Take the traditional bath and prepare the prescribed Satvik meal.

Step 3: Observe Kharna

Follow the second day's fasting and evening prasad tradition.

Step 4: Prepare Chhath Offerings

Arrange Thekua, fruits, coconut, sugarcane and other materials according to family custom.

Step 5: Prepare for Sandhya Arghya

Visit the designated puja location and arrange the offerings safely.

Step 6: Offer Arghya to the Setting Sun

Perform the evening Surya worship according to the traditional method.

Step 7: Continue the Vrat

Follow the fasting rules observed in your household, adapting where necessary for health.

Step 8: Perform Usha Arghya

Offer prayers to the rising Sun on the final morning.

Step 9: Complete Parana

Conclude the fast according to your family's established practice.

Step 10: Distribute Prasad

Share the prepared prasad respectfully with family and devotees.

Chhath Puja Samagri List

Traditional Chhath Puja materials may include:

• Bamboo Soop
• Daura or bamboo basket
• Thekua
• Coconut
• Sugarcane
• Bananas
• Seasonal fruits
• Rice
• Jaggery
• Wheat flour
• Water vessel
• Diya
• Other customary offerings

The exact list varies by household.

Pure Camphor for Chhath Puja Preparations

Pure Camphor may be used in some households during separate home prayer or Aarti preparations, where this aligns with family tradition.

However, camphor is not a universal requirement for the main Surya Arghya ritual.

If using camphor, follow the product's specific instructions and ensure adequate ventilation.

Do not place burning camphor near flammable puja materials or crowded ritual arrangements.

Pure Ghee Batti for Home Prayer

Pure Ghee Batti can simplify diya preparation during home worship.

Ready-made ghee wicks may be useful for devotees who maintain morning or evening prayer routines.

However, they are not a compulsory part of Chhath Puja.

Use them only in a suitable diya and never leave an open flame unattended.

Silver Kalash for Home Mandir

A Silver Kalash can remain as part of a permanent home-mandir arrangement.

The Kalash is traditionally associated with purity, abundance and auspiciousness.

However, if your Chhath Puja Vidhi requires a specific functional vessel for Arghya, use the material and vessel prescribed by your tradition.

A miniature decorative Silver Kalash should not automatically replace the ritual vessel.

Silver Diya for Puja

A Silver Diya can be used for home prayer if it is designed for actual lamp use.

It may complement a devotional arrangement during the Chhath period.

Keep the diya on a stable, heat-resistant surface and away from loose clothing, bamboo baskets, dry decorations and other flammable materials.

Gomti Chakra During Chhath Puja

Gomti Chakra is a traditional spiritual object popularly associated with Goddess Lakshmi and auspiciousness in certain Hindu folk practices.

It may remain in a permanent home-mandir collection during Chhath.

However, Gomti Chakra is not a prescribed offering for the central Chhath Arghya rituals and should not be presented as a required item.

Sandalwood Attar for Personal Devotional Use

Sandalwood Attar is a fragrance product inspired by the traditional aroma of sandalwood.

Some devotees may use fragrance as part of their personal preparation for prayer.

If using Sandalwood Attar, follow the product instructions and apply it only where suitable.

Do not add attar to Chhath prasad, Arghya water or other ritual offerings unless your specific tradition and the product's intended use explicitly permit it.

Why Is Cleanliness Important During Chhath Puja?

Cleanliness is a central part of Chhath preparations.

Families often take special care with:

• Cooking utensils
• Food preparation
• Puja baskets
• Household spaces
• Personal hygiene
• Ritual areas

The emphasis reflects the festival's strong tradition of discipline and purity.

Why Are Bamboo Baskets Used During Chhath?

Traditional bamboo baskets and Soop are commonly used to arrange and carry Chhath offerings.

They form a recognizable part of the festival's cultural identity.

The exact type and arrangement vary by family and region.

Why Is Thekua Offered During Chhath Puja?

Thekua is one of the most recognizable traditional Chhath offerings.

It is commonly prepared using wheat flour, jaggery or sugar, and other ingredients according to family custom.

Its preparation is closely connected with the festival's emphasis on traditional food and ritual discipline.

Why Are Both the Setting and Rising Sun Worshipped?

One of the most distinctive aspects of Chhath Puja is the worship of both the setting and rising Sun.

The setting Sun represents the completion of the day, while the rising Sun symbolizes renewal and new beginnings.

This dual worship can be interpreted as gratitude for the entire cycle of life rather than only its brightest moments.

Chhath Puja Vrat Rules

Chhath fasting practices can be demanding.

Some devotees observe prolonged fasting without food or water according to tradition.

However, such fasting is not medically appropriate for everyone.

People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, managing diabetes or other medical conditions, taking medication or experiencing dehydration should seek appropriate medical advice and modify or avoid strict fasting where necessary.

Symptoms such as faintness, confusion or severe weakness should never be ignored.

Can Chhath Puja Be Performed at Home?

Some families perform parts of Chhath Puja at home or use an appropriately prepared water arrangement when access to a river or pond is not practical.

The exact method should follow household tradition.

If using a temporary water setup, ensure it is stable, hygienic and safe.

Common Chhath Puja Mistakes

Using Another City's Sunrise or Sunset Time

Astronomical timings vary by location.

Ignoring Health During Fasting

Strict fasting can be unsafe for some individuals.

Treating Decorative Silver Products as Required Arghya Samagri

Use the actual materials prescribed by your family tradition.

Adding Fragrance Products to Ritual Offerings

Do not add attar or other non-food products to prasad or Arghya water without appropriate traditional and product-specific guidance.

Ignoring Water Safety

Avoid unsafe water conditions and overcrowded access points.

Why Explore The Stardust Studio for Chhath Puja & Home Prayer Essentials?

At The Stardust Studio, our spiritual collection brings together traditional symbolism with thoughtfully crafted devotional products.

For your home prayer routine during the Chhath period, explore:

Pure Camphor – for appropriate aromatic or devotional use according to product instructions.

Pure Ghee Batti – ready-to-use wicks for daily diya lighting.

Silver Kalash – a lasting devotional representation of purity and auspiciousness.

Silver Diya – a traditional lamp for home worship where designed for flame use.

Gomti Chakra – a spiritual object associated with auspiciousness in certain devotional traditions.

Sandalwood Attar – a fragrance product for suitable personal devotional use.

These products can complement a home-mandir collection while the primary focus of Chhath Puja remains Surya Dev, Chhathi Maiya and the traditional four-day rituals.

Final Thoughts

Chhath Puja 2026 will be celebrated from November 13 to November 16, with the main Sandhya Arghya on Sunday, November 15, and Usha Arghya on Monday, November 16.

The four-day festival—Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya—beautifully represents devotion, discipline, gratitude and respect for nature.

Through prayers to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, devotees express gratitude for the Sun's life-sustaining presence and seek blessings for the health, happiness and well-being of their families.

For those preparing their home prayer spaces, devotional essentials such as Pure Camphor, Pure Ghee Batti, Silver Kalash, Silver Diya, Gomti Chakra and Sandalwood Attar from The Stardust Studio can complement their regular spiritual practices where appropriate.

As you prepare for Chhath, remember that the festival's deeper meaning extends beyond fasting and ritual preparation. It reminds us to appreciate nature, preserve family traditions and practise gratitude for the resources that sustain life.

The Stardust Studio wishes you and your family a blessed and joyful Chhath Puja 2026!