Chhath Puja, one of the most significant Hindu festivals dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya, is approaching. Celebrated with immense devotion, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, the four-day festival involves fasting, prayers and offerings to the setting and rising Sun.
In 2026, Chhath Puja will be celebrated from November 13 to November 16. The main festivities will take place on November 15, when devotees will offer Sandhya Arghya to the setting Sun. The festival will conclude on November 16 with Usha Arghya.
Here is the complete four-day calendar of Chhath Puja 2026.
Chhath Puja 2026: Complete Calendar
The four-day festival will begin on Friday, November 13, with Nahay-Khaay and conclude on Monday, November 16, with Usha Arghya and Parana.
* November 13, 2026 (Friday) – Nahay-Khaay
* November 14, 2026 (Saturday) – Kharna (Lohanda)
* November 15, 2026 (Sunday) – Sandhya Arghya
* November 16, 2026 (Monday) – Usha Arghya and Parana
Day 1: Nahay-Khaay – November 13
Nahay-Khaay marks the beginning of Chhath Puja. On this day, devotees clean their homes, take a holy bath and prepare for the four-day festival. Many devotees take a dip in rivers or other sacred water bodies.
A special satvik meal is prepared, traditionally consisting of rice, chana dal and pumpkin curry. The food is cooked under strict cleanliness rules, and the person observing the fast eats before other family members.
Day 2: Kharna – November 14
The second day is known as Kharna or Lohanda. Devotees observe a fast throughout the day without consuming food or water. In the evening, after offering prayers, they break their fast.
Traditional Kharna prasad includes jaggery-based kheer, chapati and fruits. The prasad is distributed among family members and relatives.
After completing Kharna, devotees begin a rigorous 36-hour Nirjala fast, during which they abstain from both food and water. This fast continues until the morning rituals on the final day.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya – November 15
Sandhya Arghya is one of the most important rituals of Chhath Puja. On this day, devotees gather at riverbanks, ponds and designated Chhath ghats to offer prayers to the setting Sun.
They carry bamboo baskets filled with traditional offerings, including thekua, fruits, sugarcane and coconuts. Standing in the water, devotees offer Arghya to Surya Dev as the Sun sets.
In Kolkata, sunset on November 15 is expected at approximately 4:53 PM. The actual Arghya ritual is performed around sunset.
Day 4: Usha Arghya – November 16
The final day begins before sunrise, when devotees return to the ghats to offer prayers to the rising Sun.
This ritual is known as Usha Arghya. Devotees offer water and milk to Surya Dev and seek blessings for the health, happiness, prosperity and long life of their family members.
After completing the morning prayers, devotees break their 36-hour fast through Parana and distribute Chhath prasad among family members, friends and neighbours.
In Kolkata, sunrise on November 16 is expected at approximately 5:50 AM.
Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is dedicated to Surya Dev, the source of energy and life, and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees observe the festival to express gratitude to the Sun God and pray for the well-being, prosperity and longevity of their families.
Unlike many other Hindu festivals, Chhath Puja involves worshipping both the setting and rising Sun. The festival is also known for its strict fasting practices, traditional folk songs and community celebrations at riverbanks and water bodies.
Important Note: The sunrise and sunset timings mentioned above are for Kolkata and may vary depending on the location. Devotees should check their local Panchang for precise Arghya timings.
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