Chhath Puja 2026 Date: November 15 or 16? Check 4-Day Calendar, Nahay Khay, Kharna and Arghya Timings

Chhath Puja is observed on Kartik Shukla Shashthi, the sixth day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Kartik. The festival begins two days before the main puja and concludes the morning after Sandhya Arghya.

Here are the important dates for Chhath Puja 2026:

Chhath Puja Ritual	Date	Day
Nahay Khay	November 13, 2026	Friday
Kharna (Lohanda)	November 14, 2026	Saturday
Sandhya Arghya	November 15, 2026	Sunday
Usha Arghya and Parana	November 16, 2026	Monday

The main Chhath Puja falls on November 15, while the final morning offering and breaking of the fast take place on November 16.


Chhath Puja 2026 Tithi: Kartik Shukla Shashthi begins at approximately 11:24 PM on November 14 and ends at approximately 2:01 AM on November 16, according to the New Delhi Panchang. The main evening offering is performed on November 15.

Chhath Puja 2026: Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya Timings

The two most important rituals of Chhath Puja are Sandhya Arghya, offered to the setting Sun, and Usha Arghya, offered to the rising Sun the following morning.

For New Delhi, the approximate timings are:

Ritual	Date	Timing
Sandhya Arghya	November 15, 2026	5:28 PM
Usha Arghya	November 16, 2026	6:44 AM

These are New Delhi sunrise and sunset timings. The actual time for offering Arghya depends on the local sunrise or sunset at the place of observance.

Why Is Chhath Puja Celebrated After Diwali?

Chhath Puja is observed on Kartik Shukla Shashthi, six days after Diwali. The festival follows the Hindu lunar calendar, which is why its Gregorian date changes every year.

In 2026, Diwali falls on November 8, while the main Chhath Puja observance takes place on November 15.

Chhath is dedicated to Surya Dev, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya, also known as Shashthi Devi. Devotees express gratitude to the Sun for sustaining life and seek blessings for the health, longevity and well-being of their families.

The festival is particularly significant in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of Nepal. It is also widely celebrated in Delhi, Mumbai and other cities with large communities from these regions.

Also Read: Chhath Puja and Ramayana Connection: Did Lord Rama and Goddess Sita Begin This Sacred Sun Worship Tradition

Chhath Puja 2026: Four Days of Rituals

Chhath Puja is observed over four days. Each day has a specific ritual and significance, beginning with purification and a simple meal, followed by fasting and offerings to the setting and rising Sun.

Day 1: Nahay Khay – November 13, 2026

Nahay Khay marks the beginning of Chhath Puja. Devotees observing the vrat take a ritual bath, clean their homes and prepare for the festival.

The person observing the fast, known as the vratin, generally eats a simple sattvik meal. Traditional preparations include rice, chana dal and bottle gourd, commonly known as kaddu.

Food is prepared with care, often using a separate cooking area and utensils. Onion and garlic are generally avoided.

Nahay Khay signifies purification and the beginning of the spiritual discipline associated with Chhath.

Day 2: Kharna – November 14, 2026

Kharna, also known as Lohanda, is the second day of Chhath Puja.

The vratin observes a fast throughout the day and performs the evening rituals before consuming the prepared prasad. Traditional offerings include jaggery-based kheer, roti and fruits.

After the Kharna puja, the prasad is shared with family members and other devotees.

The vratin then begins the more rigorous nirjala fast, which continues until the Usha Arghya ritual on the following morning.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya – November 15, 2026

Sandhya Arghya is the main day of Chhath Puja.

Devotees prepare traditional offerings, arrange them in bamboo baskets or soop, and visit rivers, ponds or designated Chhath ghats in the evening.

At sunset, the vratin stands in the water and offers Arghya to Surya Dev. The offerings generally include fruits, sugarcane, thekua, coconut and other traditional prasad.

Families gather at the ghats to participate in the rituals, sing Chhath songs and offer prayers to Chhathi Maiya.

Some families also observe Kosi Bharai, a ritual involving sugarcane structures, earthen lamps and offerings. Its specific practices vary across communities.

Sandhya Arghya expresses gratitude to the setting Sun and acknowledges its role in sustaining life.

Day 4: Usha Arghya and Parana – November 16, 2026

Usha Arghya marks the conclusion of Chhath Puja.

Devotees gather at the ghats before sunrise and offer Arghya to the rising Sun. The vratin performs the final prayers and seeks blessings for health, prosperity and family well-being.

After Usha Arghya, the fast is concluded through Parana. The vratin consumes prasad and other permitted food or drink according to family tradition.

Thekua and other offerings are distributed among family members, neighbours and devotees.

Chhath Puja 2026: Puja Samagri List

Chhath Puja preparations involve collecting traditional offerings and materials required for the four-day observance.

The commonly used Chhath Puja samagri includes:

• Bamboo soop and daura (baskets)
• Sugarcane
• Coconut
• Bananas and seasonal fruits
• Thekua
• Rice and jaggery
• Wheat flour and ghee
• Milk
• Earthen lamps (diyas)
• Cotton wicks
• Incense sticks
• Flowers
• Betel leaves and betel nuts
• Ginger and turmeric
• A kalash or vessel for water
• A clean cloth for arranging the offerings

Chhath Puja Fasting Rules and Traditions

Chhath Puja is known for its strict fasting practices and emphasis on purity, discipline and devotion.

The vrat is generally observed by the vratin over the four days, with the most rigorous phase beginning after the Kharna ritual.

The commonly followed practices include:

• Maintaining cleanliness while preparing food and puja offerings.
• Consuming a simple sattvik meal on Nahay Khay.
• Observing a day-long fast on Kharna and consuming the prepared prasad in the evening.
• Beginning the nirjala fast after Kharna, according to the vrat tradition.
• Offering Arghya to the setting Sun on the third day.
• Offering Arghya to the rising Sun on the fourth day.
• Concluding the fast after Usha Arghya through Parana.

The strict nirjala vrat involves abstaining from food and water for approximately 36 hours. However, fasting practices vary across families and communities.

People with medical conditions, those taking regular medication, pregnant individuals and anyone who may be at risk from prolonged fasting should seek appropriate medical guidance before observing a strict fast.

What Is the Significance of Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja is a festival of gratitude, devotion and respect for nature.

Surya Dev is worshipped as the source of light, energy and life. Chhathi Maiya, also associated with Shashthi Devi, is revered as a protective maternal deity.

The festival is distinctive because devotees offer prayers to both the setting and rising Sun. The evening ritual expresses gratitude for the Sun's contribution to life, while the morning ritual welcomes its return.

Chhath also reflects the importance of family, community participation and traditional practices. The preparation of prasad, cleaning of homes and ghats, fasting and collective prayers bring families and communities together.

Unlike many other Hindu festivals, Chhath Puja does not centre on the worship of an idol. The rituals are performed in the presence of the Sun, often at rivers, ponds and other natural or designated water bodies.

Read Next: Diwali 2026 Date, Lakshmi Puja Muhurat, Dhanteras, Govardhan Puja And Bhai Dooj - Check Complete 5-Day Festival Calendar

Chhath Puja 2026: Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is Chhath Puja in 2026?
   Chhath Puja 2026 will be observed from November 13 to November 16. The main Sandhya Arghya ritual falls on Sunday, November 15, while Usha Arghya takes place on Monday, November 16.
2. When is Nahay Khay in 2026?
   Nahay Khay will be observed on Friday, November 13, 2026. It marks the first day of the four-day Chhath festival.
3. When is Kharna in 2026?
   Kharna, also known as Lohanda, falls on Saturday, November 14, 2026. Devotees observe a day-long fast and consume the traditional prasad in the evening.
4. Is Chhath Puja on November 15 or 16, 2026?
   The main Chhath Puja and Sandhya Arghya will take place on November 15, 2026. The festival concludes with Usha Arghya and Parana on November 16.
5. What is offered during Chhath Puja?
   Traditional offerings include thekua, fruits, sugarcane, coconut, rice-based preparations and other prasad. The offerings are arranged in bamboo baskets and presented during Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya.
6. How long is the Chhath Puja fast?
   The strict nirjala fast generally lasts approximately 36 hours, beginning after the Kharna meal and concluding after Usha Arghya the following morning. Fasting practices can vary according to family and regional traditions.
7. Which Sun God is worshipped during Chhath Puja?
   Devotees worship Surya Dev, the Sun God, along with Chhathi Maiya, also known as Shashthi Devi. The festival is dedicated to gratitude, well-being and family prosperity.