Chhath Puja is a four-day Hindu festival dedicated to Surya Dev, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya. It is celebrated with deep devotion in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and parts of Nepal. Through fasting, sacred offerings, and prayers at sunrise and sunset, devotees express gratitude for life, energy, and prosperity.
Significance of Chhath Puja Festival
The Chhath Puja festival is deeply connected to gratitude, discipline, and devotion. Devotees thank Surya Dev for energy, light, agriculture, and life itself. Moreover, they seek blessings from Chhathi Maiya for the health and happiness of their children and families.
The festival also underlines the importance of cleanliness and environmental care. Since prayers are offered by rivers, ponds, or lakes, devotees keep these spaces clean and sacred.
Furthermore, Chhath Puja represents equality. People from different backgrounds gather at the same ghat, prepare similar offerings, and pray together. As such, the festival fosters a strong sense of community.
Chhath Puja 2026 Dates
Chhath Puja is observed over four days, beginning with Nahay Khay and ending with Usha Arghya. The expected dates for Chhath Puja 2026 are:
| Day | Ritual | Expected Date |
| Day 1 | Nahay Khay | 13 November 2026 |
| Day 2 | Kharna / Lohanda | 14 November 2026 |
| Day 3 | Sandhya Arghya | 15 November 2026 |
| Day 4 | Usha Arghya / Paran | 16 November 2026 |
However, devotees should confirm the final dates through a trusted local panchang, as timings may vary slightly by region.
Four Days of Chhath Puja
Chhath pooja celebration lasts for four days with devotion:
Day 1: Nahay Khay
The festival begins with Nahay Khay, meaning “bathe and eat”. Devotees take a holy bath in a river, pond, or other water body. Afterward, they prepare a simple satvik meal that usually includes rice, chana dal, and pumpkin curry.
Besides cleaning their homes and kitchens, devotees also begin following purity rules that continue throughout the festival.
Day 2: Kharna
The second day is known as Kharna or Lohanda. Devotees observe a fast throughout the day. In the evening, the fast is broken after offering kheer, roti, and bananas to Chhathi Maiya.
This meal is prepared without salt, onion, or garlic. After consuming the prasad, devotees begin a strict 36-hour fast without even water. Therefore, Day 2 marks the beginning of the most demanding part of the festival.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya
The third day marks the most visually appealing part of the Chhath Puja festival. Devotees prepare thekua, fruits, sugarcane, coconut, and other offerings in bamboo baskets called soop or daliya.
In the evening, families gather at riverbanks, ponds, or lakes to offer Sandhya Arghya to the setting sun. They stand in the water and pray as the sun sets. Afterward, many return home, although several devotees remain near the ghat until the next morning.
Day 4: Usha Arghya
On the fourth and final day, devotees gather before sunrise to offer Usha Arghya to the rising sun. This ritual is considered auspicious because it signifies new beginnings, hope, and gratitude.
After the morning offering, devotees break their fast with prasad and water. This is known as Paran. Finally, families share the remaining offerings with relatives, neighbours, and visitors.
Chhath Puja Fruits and Traditional Offerings
Fruits play an important role in Chhath Puja because they symbolise purity, nature, and abundance. Devotees place fresh fruits in bamboo baskets and offer them to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.
Common Chhath Puja Fruits
- Bananas
- Sugarcane
- Coconut
- Apples
- Oranges
- Pomegranates
- Sweet lime
- Water chestnut or singhara
- Dates
- Grapefruit
- Seasonal local fruits
Other Traditional Offerings
- Thekua: A traditional wheat-flour and jaggery cookie
- Rice, wheat, and lentils
- Jaggery and raw sugar
- Milk and kheer
- Betel leaves and betel nuts
- Turmeric, ginger, and radish
- Diya, incense, and flowers
Thekua is the most iconic offering of Chhath Puja. It is made with wheat flour, jaggery or sugar, ghee, and sometimes cardamom. Since it stays fresh for several days, families prepare it in large quantities.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja rituals are simple, yet highly disciplined. Devotees maintain cleanliness, wear traditional clothes, and prepare food in a separate, purified space.
During the offerings, devotees stand in water facing the sun. They hold bamboo baskets filled with fruits, thekua, and other prasad. Meanwhile, family members sing Chhath songs and offer support.
Importantly, the festival is observed by people. Although women often lead the rituals, many men also observe the fast and participate fully in the offerings.
Where Is Chhath Puja Celebrated?
Chhath Puja is celebrated most widely in:
- Bihar
- Jharkhand
- Eastern Uttar Pradesh
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Kolkata
- Parts of Nepal
In cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, local communities create temporary ghats near lakes, rivers, and ponds. Therefore, people from Bihar and Jharkhand living away from home can also celebrate the festival with their communities.
Best Places to Experience Chhath Puja
For travellers who want to witness the festival closely, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences:
- Patna: The Ganga ghats become filled with devotees, lights, and prayers.
- Varanasi: The ghats of the Ganga offer a beautiful setting for Sandhya Arghya.
- Delhi: The Yamuna ghats host large community celebrations.
- Mumbai: Juhu Beach and other waterfronts witness major gatherings.
- Kolkata: Riverfront locations and community ponds host Chhath rituals.
- Ranchi and Jamshedpur: Local ponds and lakes become important centres of devotion.
However, these places can become extremely crowded during the festival. Therefore, plan travel and accommodation well in advance.
Travel Tips for Chhath Puja
Know the following tips to conveniently celebrate your festival:
- Book early: Trains, buses, and hotels fill quickly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Reach the ghat early: Popular riverbanks become crowded before sunset.
- Wear modest clothing: Traditional and comfortable clothing is appropriate.
- Carry essentials: Bring water, medicines, a power bank, and a small torch.
- Respect rituals: Avoid disturbing devotees during prayers or taking intrusive photographs.
- Keep the area clean: Do not leave plastic, food waste, or flowers near the water.
- Follow local instructions: Police and volunteers may manage crowd movement and route diversions.
Moreover, avoid entering deep water if you are not a confident swimmer. Safety should always come before photographs or closer views of the rituals.
What to Wear During Chhath Puja
Devotees usually wear simple, traditional clothing. Women commonly choose sarees, particularly in yellow, red, orange, or other auspicious colours. Men often wear kurta-pajama or dhoti-kurta.
Since devotees stand in water for long periods, comfortable footwear and warm clothes are useful in November. In addition, carrying a change of clothes can make the experience more convenient.
Foods Prepared During Chhath Puja
Food prepared during the festival is satvik, meaning it is prepared without onion, garlic, or non-vegetarian ingredients. Popular dishes include:
- Thekua
- Kheer
- Rice and chana dal
- Pumpkin curry
- Roti made without salt
- Rasiyaw, a sweet rice dish
- Seasonal fruits and dry fruits
These foods are first offered as prasad. Afterward, families share them with relatives, neighbours, and anyone visiting the home.
FAQs About Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is a four-day Hindu festival dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees fast, offer prayers at water bodies, and express gratitude to the Sun.
Chhath Puja 2026 is expected to be observed from 13 November to 16 November 2026. However, confirm the final dates through a local panchang.
The festival is celebrated to thank the Sun God for life, energy, and prosperity. It also seeks the blessings of Chhathi Maiya for family health and happiness.
Common offerings include bananas, sugarcane, coconut, apples, oranges, pomegranates, sweet lime, dates and water.
No, it began in the Bihar-Jharkhand region; however, it is now celebrated across India and by Indian communities abroad.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja is more than a religious observance; it is a celebration of nature, family, discipline, and gratitude. Through fasting, sacred offerings, and prayers at sunrise and sunset, devotees connect deeply with the Sun and the natural world.
Whether you are observing the festival for the first time or planning to witness it as a traveller, Chhath Puja offers a powerful experience of devotion and community. Therefore, plan early, respect local traditions, and take time to understand the meaning behind every ritual.
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