Chhath Puja 2026: 4-Day Calendar, Dates & Puja Timings
When does Chhath Puja begin and end in 2026? Find all four days' rituals, important dates and Arghya timings.
Chhath Puja 2026 will be observed from November 13 to 16. Get the full calendar for all 4 days of this ritualistic festival including dates and timings for Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya. Learn about this holy ritualistic festival that is performed in honor of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya in Hindu tradition.
When Is Chhath Puja 2026?
Chhath Puja 2026 will begin on Friday, November 13, and conclude on Monday, November 16. The main Chhath Puja day, featuring Sandhya Arghya to the setting Sun, will be observed on Sunday, November 15.
According to Drik Panchang, Kartik Shukla Shashthi Tithi will begin at 11:24 PM on November 14 and end at 2:01 AM on November 16. The festival is especially celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Chhath Mahaparv is dedicated to Surya Dev, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees express gratitude to the Sun for sustaining life and pray for happiness, good health and prosperity for their families.
Chhath Puja 2026: Four-Day Calendar
There are four significant days when the Chhath Puja takes place. Here are the details of the Chhath Puja 2026 calendar
Day 1 – Nahay Khay: November 13, 2026 (Friday)
Day 2 – Lohanda and Kharna: November 14, 2026 (Saturday)
Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya: November 15, 2026 (Sunday)
Day 4 – Usha Arghya and Parana: November 16, 2026 (Monday)
Day 1: Nahay Khay (Friday, November 13)
Nahay Khay is the first day of the Chhath Puja which denotes rituals related to purity and sanctity. On this day, devotees bathe in the holy river or any other sacred water body and make traditional food in a pure environment.
A person undertaking the fast takes one meal on this day. Food is made with utmost sanctity in this ritual which marks the start of this spiritual festival journey.
Nahay Khay signifies the importance of purity of body, mind, and environment in worship.
Day 2: Lohanda and Kharna (Saturday, November 14)
The third day is known as Lohanda and Kharna. The devotees fast all through the day and break their fasting post sunset after offering prayers and prasad to the Lord Surya Dev.
The prasad offered traditionally includes kheer and chapatis among others according to family tradition.
The devotees after having the prasad, begin the tough 36 hours of Nirjala Vrat when food and water intake is prohibited. The fast denotes faith and devotion in the devotees for the God they worship。
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Sunday, November 15)
Sandhya Arghya is the most crucial day of Chhath Puja and also one of the emotional rituals of the same festival.
Devotees gather near rivers, ponds and other water bodies to offer Arghya to the setting Sun. Traditional offerings include thekua, fruits, sugarcane, coconut and other prasad arranged in bamboo baskets.
For New Delhi, the sunset time on November 15 is approximately 5:28 PM. However, the exact Sandhya Arghya timing varies according to the location.
Chhath Puja is unique because of the worship of the setting Sun showing gratitude for the day's blessing.
Day 4: Usha Arghya and Parana (Monday, November 16)
The final day starts in the morning with prayers to the rising Sun.
Devotees visit the water body and perform Usha Arghya to Lord Surya Dev. This ritual signifies the end of the four-day festival, as well as the completion of the fasting period.
Sunrise for New Delhi on November 16 will be around 6:44 AM.
Devotees need to find the exact time of the sunrise in their locality before performing the ritual.
After offering Arghya and finishing the prayer rituals, devotees break the fast with Parana.
Why Is Chhath Puja Celebrated?
The festival is celebrated in honor of Lord Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. The Sun God is regarded as the source of energy and life; Chhathi Maiya on the other hand, has been worshipped for the prosperity of children and families.
Chhath festival is dear to the hearts of many people especially in Bihar and eastern part of Uttar Pradesh. It is associated with discipline, reverence for nature and strong faith in the divinity of the sun god and his consort.
The essence of Chhath festival brings out the significance of giving thanks to nature and its creator.
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Chhath Puja 2026 marks the celebration of faith, devotion and gratefulness to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. Each day from Nahay Khay to Usha Arghya brings about purity and discipline.
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