Chhath Puja 2026

Chhath Puja 2026: Date, Four-Day Vrat Vidhi, Puja Samagri & Significance

Chhath Puja is one of the most meaningful festivals dedicated to the Sun God, Surya Dev, and Chhathi Maiya. Observed with great devotion across Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and many other parts of India, this festival celebrates gratitude towards nature and the life-giving energy of the Sun.

Unlike many other festivals, Chhath Puja includes prayers to both the setting and rising Sun. Devotees observe a four-day ritual involving fasting, traditional food preparations, offerings of fruits and thekua, and prayers at rivers, ponds or other clean water bodies.

Whether you observe Chhath every year or are preparing for it for the first time, understanding its dates, rituals and puja essentials can help you plan the celebrations with care.

When Is Chhath Puja in 2026?

Chhath Puja 2026 will be observed from Friday, 13 November to Monday, 16 November 2026.

The main evening offering to the setting Sun will take place on 15 November, followed by the morning offering to the rising Sun on 16 November. Exact sunrise, sunset and puja timings vary by location, so check your local panchang before planning the rituals.

Why Is Chhath Puja Celebrated?

Chhath Puja is dedicated to Surya Dev, who is worshipped as the source of light, energy and life. Devotees also offer prayers to Chhathi Maiya, seeking blessings for the well-being, health and prosperity of their families.

The festival reflects gratitude towards the natural elements that sustain life. The Sun provides energy for crops, supports the environment and plays an essential role in everyday life. Through fasting, prayer and offerings made near water bodies, devotees express respect for nature and the divine.

Chhath Puja is also known for its simplicity and discipline. The rituals are traditionally performed with cleanliness, devotion and carefully prepared offerings.

Chhath Puja 2026: Four Days of Rituals Explained

Day 1 – Nahay Khay (13 November 2026)

The first day marks the beginning of Chhath preparations. Devotees clean their homes and prepare for the upcoming rituals. Many take a holy bath before preparing a simple, traditional meal.

Kaddu bhaat, usually prepared with pumpkin and rice, is a popular meal associated with Nahay Khay. Food is prepared with special attention to cleanliness and traditional practices.

Day 2 – Lohanda and Kharna (14 November 2026)

Kharna is an important day of the Chhath vrat. Devotees observe a fast during the day and perform prayers in the evening.

After the evening worship, the fast is traditionally broken with prasad such as jaggery kheer, roti and fruits. This prasad is also shared with family members and others.

After Kharna, devotees begin the more rigorous period of fasting, according to their family and regional traditions.

Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya (15 November 2026)

Sandhya Arghya is one of the most significant moments of Chhath Puja. Devotees gather near rivers, ponds or other water bodies to offer arghya to the setting Sun.

The offerings are arranged in traditional baskets or soop and may include thekua, seasonal fruits, sugarcane and other festive items. Devotees stand in the water and offer prayers as the Sun sets.

The atmosphere becomes especially beautiful with folk songs, traditional offerings and rows of devotees gathered along the water.

Day 4 – Usha Arghya and Parana (16 November 2026)

The final day begins early in the morning, when devotees gather again near the water to offer arghya to the rising Sun.

This offering is known as Usha Arghya. It marks the completion of the four-day Chhath observance. After the morning prayers, devotees conclude their fast through parana, following their family tradition.

The festival ends with the distribution of prasad among family, friends and the community.

Chhath Puja Samagri List: What Do You Need?

Preparing the puja samagri in advance makes it easier to organise the rituals without last-minute arrangements. The exact list may differ by region and family tradition, but some commonly used items include:

• Soop and daura: Traditional baskets used to arrange and carry offerings.

• Thekua: A traditional sweet prepared especially for Chhath Puja.

• Seasonal fruits: Bananas, coconuts, apples, oranges and other locally available fruits.

• Sugarcane: An important traditional offering in many Chhath celebrations.

• Coconut: Offered as part of the festive prasad.

• Diya and cotton wicks: Used for lighting during prayers and arrangements.

• Kumkum and roli: Commonly used for religious rituals and tilak.

• Chawal and haldi: Used in traditional puja preparations.

• Flowers and leaves: Arranged according to the family's puja customs.

• Clean water and other offerings: Prepared as required for the arghya ritual.

Some households also prepare additional offerings according to their regional customs. It is best to confirm the complete list with elders or follow the traditions observed in your family.

Prepare Your Chhath Puja Essentials with SATVIK

From arranging the home puja space to preparing for festive rituals, having commonly used puja essentials ready can make preparations more convenient.

SATVIK brings together everyday puja samagri, including kumkum, roli, chandan, haldi, akshat, camphor, Gangajal, loban and other essentials used in Hindu worship.

Explore the collection here: Shop Daily Pooja Needs & Puja Essentials at SATVIK

You can review the available products and select the items that match your household's puja requirements.

Traditional Foods and Prasad Prepared During Chhath

Food plays an important role in Chhath Puja. The prasad is generally prepared with care, following the cleanliness and cooking practices observed by the household.

Some popular preparations include:

• Thekua: A traditional sweet made with wheat flour and jaggery or sugar, often flavoured with ghee.

• Rasiyaw or jaggery kheer: A rice pudding commonly prepared for Kharna.

• Kaddu bhaat: A simple pumpkin and rice meal associated with Nahay Khay.

• Seasonal fruits: Fruits are arranged in the offering baskets and offered during arghya.

• Roti: Traditionally prepared and served with Kharna prasad in many households.

The recipes and ingredients can vary across regions, but the spirit of the offerings remains the same: devotion, simplicity and gratitude.

Why Are Both the Rising and Setting Sun Worshipped During Chhath?

One of the most distinctive aspects of Chhath Puja is that devotees offer prayers to both the setting and rising Sun.

Sandhya Arghya expresses gratitude to the setting Sun, while Usha Arghya welcomes the rising Sun and the beginning of a new day. Together, these rituals represent respect for the complete cycle of nature.

This tradition also makes Chhath Puja a festival of gratitude, patience and discipline. It reminds devotees to appreciate the natural forces that support life.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. When is Chhath Puja in 2026?

Chhath Puja will be observed from 13 November to 16 November 2026. Sandhya Arghya is on 15 November, and Usha Arghya is on 16 November.

2. Why is Chhath Puja celebrated?

Chhath Puja is dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees offer prayers for the well-being of their families and express gratitude for the Sun's life-sustaining energy.

3. How many days is Chhath Puja celebrated?

Chhath Puja is traditionally observed over four days: Nahay Khay, Lohanda and Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya.

4. What is offered to the Sun God during Chhath Puja?

Common offerings include thekua, seasonal fruits, coconut, sugarcane and other traditional prasad arranged in soop or daura.

5. What is the difference between Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya?

Sandhya Arghya is offered to the setting Sun on the third day, while Usha Arghya is offered to the rising Sun on the fourth and final day.

6. Which puja items are needed for Chhath Puja?

Common items include soop, daura, fruits, thekua, sugarcane, coconut, flowers, diya, cotton wicks, kumkum, haldi and other offerings followed in the family's tradition.

7. Can I buy daily puja samagri online for Chhath Puja?

Yes. You can explore commonly used puja essentials online and prepare your shopping list in advance. SATVIK offers a collection of daily puja items, including kumkum, roli, chandan, haldi, camphor and other worship essentials.

Celebrate Chhath Puja with Faith, Gratitude and Tradition

Chhath Puja is more than a festival; it is a beautiful expression of devotion, discipline and gratitude towards nature. From the first preparations of Nahay Khay to the final morning prayers of Usha Arghya, every ritual carries a special meaning.

As you prepare for Chhath Puja 2026, organise your offerings, follow your family traditions and make time for the prayers that bring everyone together.

Explore SATVIK's Daily Pooja Essentials to find commonly used puja samagri for your festive and everyday worship.