By
Last Updated:
Dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, Chhath Puja is observed with fasting and prayers for the well-being of children and family prosperity. Here’s the calendar for 2026
Chhath Puja 2026 Dates: Check Full Calendar, Nahay-Khaay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya And Usha Arghya Timings
Chhath Puja, one of the most significant festivals dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, is observed with immense devotion across Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and several other parts of the country. The four-day festival centres on prayers, fasting and offerings to the Sun, with devotees seeking blessings for their children’s long life, their family’s well-being and prosperity.
Chhath Puja is observed during the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar, beginning on the Chaturthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha and concluding on Saptami. In 2026, the festival will begin on Friday, November 13, and conclude on Monday, November 16. Its rituals progress from Nahay Khay and Kharna to Sandhya Arghya and the final morning offering, Usha Arghya.
Why Is Chhath Puja Celebrated?
Chhath Puja is dedicated to Surya Dev, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya. The Sun is worshipped as the source of life, energy and sustenance, while Chhathi Maiya is revered as a protective deity, particularly in connection with children’s well-being. Devotees believe that observing the festival with sincerity and discipline brings blessings for the long life of their children, good health and prosperity. The rituals also place great importance on cleanliness, restraint, gratitude and devotion, making Chhath one of the most distinctive celebrations in the Hindu calendar.
Chhath Puja 2026: Full Date-Wise Calendar
November 13, Friday – Nahay Khay
Nahay Khay marks the beginning of Chhath Puja. Devotees observing the festival start by cleaning their homes and preparing for the days ahead. They take an early morning bath, with many choosing to bathe in a river or another sacred water body. The day’s meal is prepared with care and traditionally includes rice, chana dal and pumpkin curry. Food is often cooked using new or specially cleaned earthen utensils, in keeping with the ritual emphasis on cleanliness and purity.
November 14, Saturday – Kharna
The second day is dedicated to Kharna. Devotees observe a fast through the day and break it after sunset, following prayers and offerings. The traditional Kharna prasad includes jaggery-based kheer and roti, often prepared on an earthen stove. Thekua and other homemade offerings may also be prepared. After the evening puja, devotees consume the prasad and begin the more rigorous fast that continues through the Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya rituals. This period is traditionally observed without food or water.
November 15, Sunday – Sandhya Arghya
The third day is one of the central moments of Chhath Puja. Families gather at riverbanks, ponds and designated Chhath ghats to offer arghya to the setting Sun. Devotees make offerings of water and milk, accompanied by fruits, thekua and other traditional prasad arranged in bamboo baskets or soop. As the Sun sets, prayers are offered to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, seeking blessings for the health and longevity of children and the happiness of the family. The ghats are often filled with devotees observing the rituals together.
November 16, Monday – Usha Arghya
The final day of Chhath Puja begins before sunrise, when devotees return to the ghats to offer arghya to the rising Sun. Known as Usha Arghya, this morning ritual marks the completion of the four-day observance. Once the offerings and prayers are complete, devotees break their fast, traditionally by consuming prasad. With this, Chhath Puja comes to an end.
About the Author
Our life needs a bit of style to get the perfect zing in the daily routine. News18 Lifestyle is one-stop destination for everything you need to know about the world of fashion, food, health, travel, r…Read More
November 09, 2026, 12:33 IST
