Delhi traffic police Chhath Puja advisory: Check restrictions, routes to avoid, diversions

Delhi Traffic Police has released a traffic advisory ahead of Chhath Puja celebrations, announcing restrictions and diversions on several roads and stretches in East, North-East and Shahdara districts of the national capital.

In a post on X, Delhi Traffic Police said a large number of devotees are expected to visit various ponds and Yamuna ghats in these districts to offer prayers and perform religious rituals during the festival.

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Delhi Traffic Police issues advisory for Chhath Puja

To ensure smooth traffic movement and public safety during Chhath Puja celebrations, the Delhi Traffic Police has announced restrictions and diversions across several routes. Commuters have been advised to avoid certain stretches, follow designated diversions and use alternative routes to minimise congestion.

Delhi traffic restrictions: Routes to avoid and traffic restrictions

Commuters have been advised to avoid the following roads and stretches during the celebrations:

• Pusta Road from Shastri Park to Khajuri Chowk and vice versa.
• Nanaksar T-Point to Sonia Vihar Toll Tax.
• Shanti Van to Shamshan Ghat.

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Delhi traffic: Alternative routes for commuters

Those travelling towards North Delhi, Central Delhi, East Delhi and New Delhi have been advised to use the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway and GT Road.

Commuters travelling from Nanaksar T-Point towards Sonia Vihar can take the route via Khajuri Chowk, RTC Pusta Road, Sabhapur Village and Sonia Vihar Chauhan Patti. Residents can also use Road No. 66.

Motorists have further been advised to take a diversion via the SDM Office U-turn and proceed towards the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, following instructions issued by traffic personnel.

Designated parking locations for Chhath Puja devotees

The traffic police has identified several designated parking locations for visitors attending the celebrations. These include:

• Yamuna Khadar near DND
• Open DDA Ground
• Open ground at West Vinod Nagar in I.P. Extension
• Area beside Khajuri Metro Station
• Nanaksar Gurudwara Parking
• Vacant land near the Yamuna riverbank
• Open ground near Gaushala at the Old Iron Bridge
• Chhath Park in B1 and B2 blocks of Nand Nagri
• Chhath Ghat at Mandoli Teela
• Pusta Road NHAI Parking
• MCD parking near Sai Bhawan

For residents of Sonia Vihar, vacant land beside the 2nd, 3.5 and 4.5 Pusta has also been identified for parking.

Delhi Traffic Police issues guidelines for commuters

The Delhi Traffic Police has urged motorists to avoid roadside parking and refrain from parking at restricted locations to ensure smooth traffic movement and emergency access.

In its advisory, the traffic police requested commuters to remain patient, follow traffic rules and cooperate with personnel deployed in the area. Motorists have also been advised to follow diversion signs and traffic directions to avoid congestion.

Commuters should avoid affected routes as far as possible, use alternative roads, park only at designated locations and plan their journeys accordingly.

Chhath Puja 2026: Four-day festival begins on November 13

The four-day Hindu festival of Chhath Puja begins with Nahay Khay on November 13. The festival is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, Surya, and Chhathi Maiya, with devotees observing rituals and fasting to seek blessings for the health, prosperity and well-being of their families.

During Nahay Khay, the first ritual of the festival, devotees take a holy bath and prepare a traditional meal comprising Arwa rice, chana dal and lauki (bottle gourd). The ritual marks the auspicious beginning of the celebrations.

Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya: Rituals explained

On the second day, November 14, devotees observe Kharna, fasting from sunrise to sunset without food or water. The fast is broken after sunset following prayers and offerings of traditional prasad, usually comprising jaggery-based kheer and roti. Thereafter, devotees begin a rigorous fast lasting approximately 36 hours without food or water.

On November 15, the third day of the festival, devotees gather at riverbanks and other water bodies to offer Arghya to the setting Sun. This ritual is known as Sandhya Arghya.

The celebrations conclude on November 16 with Usha Arghya, when devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun at dawn. The ritual is followed by Parana, marking the end of the fast.

Chhath Puja 2026: Date-wise festival schedule

Date	Ritual	Significance
November 13	Nahay Khay	Holy bath and preparation of traditional food
November 14	Kharna	Fasting and evening prayers
November 15	Sandhya Arghya	Offerings to the setting Sun
November 16	Usha Arghya	Prayers to the rising Sun and conclusion of the fast