When is Chaiti Chhath 2026? Complete Guide from Nahai-Khai to Arghya

Mark your calendar! Chaiti Chhath 2026 falls from 22–25 March. Explore rituals, fasting, spiritual significance, and Vedic shastras from Nahai-Khai to Arghya."

Chaiti Chhath 2026 will be observed from 22 March to 25 March, marking a sacred four-day festival of devotion, Sun worship, and family blessings. Beginning with Nahai-Khai and concluding with Usha Arghya, this festival is celebrated with immense fervour in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and the Mithila regions of Nepal. Chaiti Chhath is not only a ritualistic observance but also a reflection of the sanatangyan wisdom passed down through generations.

Significance of Chaiti Chhath Puja

Chaiti Chhath is celebrated in the spring season, when nature is brimming with energy. The traditional custom of observing the festival of Sanatan Gyan by performing rituals has existed since before time began, with countless generations continuing this custom. The festival (Chhath) is a celebration of thanksgiving to the sun God Surya, and to Chhathi Maiya (Mother) for all the wonderful gifts they provide and is viewed as a way to remove obstacles from one's life and to create peace and happiness for all.

In the words of the Vedic scriptures:

सूर्यस्योपासना परमं पुण्यम्। – Rigveda 1.50.5

“Worship of the Sun is the highest virtue.”  

The festival also promotes the practice of following purity, discipline, and a devoted lifestyle. Devotees are required to live a life of sattvic purity and to keep their bodies and homes clean by meditating and living a mindful lifestyle by following the teachings of the shastras (holy scriptures) with the help of their family or guru/elder who may assist them in following the rituals in the correct manner to maintain the essence of the traditions as a family unit.

The Four Days of Chaiti Chhath 2026

Nahai-Khai – 22 March

Day one (Nahai-Khai) of Chaiti Chhath is when devotees purify themselves by taking a ritual bath, cleaning their homes, and preparing pure vegetarian food. This meal is a symbolic representation of the start of the sacred fast for the rest of the festival and the day establishes the foundation for how the devotee will continue to demonstrate spiritual discipline and devotion during the remainder of the festival while seeking to strengthen their relationship between themselves and the Divine.

Kharna – 23 March

The second day, Kharna, is marked by a full-day fast, broken only in the evening with prasad such as jaggery, rice kheer, and roti. Devotees begin a waterless fast immediately after finishing their evening meal until after they have given Kalash Arghya on the following evening. The practice of fasting from water for this long is demanding and represents a commitment to sanatangyan (self-control) and devotion.

Sandhya Arghya – 24 March

On the third day of the festival, devotees assemble at the riverbanks (ghats) to collectively perform the Sandhya (evening) Arghya ceremony for the setting sun as an expression of their devotion and spiritual thanksgiving, while singing devotional songs and chanting, which creates a unifying atmosphere among all devotees and provides a connection to the Divine.

Usha Arghya – 25 March

The festival concludes with the Usha Arghya (morning offering) to the rising sun on the last day of the festival. Devotees pray for the health, longevity, and prosperity of their families while symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and the perpetual cycle of rebirth, as articulated in Vedic literature.

“अहं कर्मफलप्राप्त्यर्थं सूर्यं प्रार्थये।”

“I offer my devotion to the Sun to attain the fruits of righteous action.”

The presence of a sadhu (holy person) and/or guru will serve to support the practitioners in maintaining the traditional customs associated with these rituals and will also serve to increase the spiritual effect of the rituals.

Difference Between Chaiti and Kartik Chhath

Chaiti and Kartik Chhath festivals both have similarities, such as a 36-hour fast from water and ceremonies involving Arghya offerings, however they differ in other ways as well.

• Goddess Worship: Chaiti Chhath honors Goddess Sita, whereas Kartik Chhath also includes worship of Goddess Parvati.

• Ritual Emphasis: Nahai-Khai is more significant during Kartik Chhath.

• Sun Worship: Chaiti Chhath emphasizes Lord Surya with Chhathi Maiya, while Kartik Chhath includes Usha Devi.

• Timing: The festivals occur in different months but maintain the core rituals of devotion, purity, and community gathering.

Both festivals involve giving away Thekua, sweets, and fruit, while the practitioners follow the sanatangyan principles of ritual cleanliness and spiritual discipline. Sacred bathing in rivers is common to both, reinforcing faith and spiritual health.

Chaiti Chhath 2026, from 22–25 March, beautifully blends devotion, discipline, and sanatangyan wisdom. From Nahai-Khai to Usha Arghya, it honors Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya, guiding devotees with the timeless shastras and guru-led rituals toward purity, gratitude, and family blessings. This festival is a living reflection of Vedic teachings, reminding us that spiritual devotion illuminates life like the rising sun.