Chhath Puja 2026 is one of the most powerful and emotionally significant Hindu festivals dedicated to Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. It is deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual traditions of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Nepal. Every year, millions of devotees gather at river ghats to offer prayers with pure devotion, strict fasting, and disciplined rituals.
This festival is not just a religious event; it is a symbol of purity, discipline, family well-being, and gratitude toward nature. In regions like Bihar, Chhath Puja Bihar is considered the most important festival of the year, even more emotionally powerful than Diwali.
What is the Date of Chhath Puja 2026?
Chhath Puja 2026 will be observed from 13 November to 16 November 2026.
Key Dates:
- Nahay Khay: 13 November 2026 (Friday)
- Kharna: 14 November 2026 (Saturday)
- Sandhya Arghya: 15 November 2026 (Sunday)
- Usha Arghya: 16 November 2026 (Monday)
Chhath Puja 2026 happens after Diwali.
Chhath Puja 2026 Full Calendar Table
| Day | Date | Ritual Name | Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 13 November 2026 | Nahay Khay | Purification and first meal |
| Day 2 | 14 November 2026 | Kharna | 36-hour fasting begins |
| Day 3 | 15 November 2026 | Sandhya Arghya | Evening offering to Sun God |
| Day 4 | 16 November 2026 | Usha Arghya | Morning offering and fast breaking |
Important Notes:
- Chhath Puja 2026 November festival is the main edition
- Kartik Chhath Puja 2026 refers to this November celebration
- Confusion about March 2026 is due to Chaiti Chhath Puja
Kharna 2026 Date
Kharna will be observed on 14 November 2026.
What is Kharna?
Kharna is the second day of Chhath Puja when devotees observe:
- Full day fasting without water
- Evening puja after sunset
- Offering of prasad to Sun God
Traditional Food in Kharna
Devotees prepare:
- Gur ki kheer (jaggery rice pudding)
- Roti made from wheat flour
- Fruits and sacred offerings
After offering food to Sun God, the entire family consumes prasad. From this moment, a strict 36-hour nirjala fast begins.
Chaiti Chhath Puja 2026 (Spring Edition)
Chhath Puja is celebrated twice a year:
1. Kartik Chhath (Main Festival)
- November 2026
- Most widely celebrated
- Observed across Bihar and India
Chhath Puja Story (Chhath Puja Story English)
The origin of Chhath Puja is linked to ancient Hindu mythology.
King Priyavrat and Queen Malini Story
King Priyavrat and Queen Malini had no children. They performed a sacred yajna under the guidance of sages. After blessings from divine powers, they were blessed with a son.
However, the child was born lifeless. The queen, in deep sorrow, prayed to Goddess Chhathi Maiya, who is believed to be the sixth form of Goddess nature energy.
The goddess blessed the child with life. Since then, people began worshipping Chhathi Maiya and Sun God for health, prosperity, and family happiness.
Surya Dev Connection
Sun God (Surya Dev) is considered the source:
- Life energy
- Health
- Prosperity
Chhath Puja is believed to strengthen this divine connection.
Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is unique because:
Spiritual Importance
- Worship of Surya Dev at sunrise and sunset
- Connection between human life and nature
Physical Discipline
- 36-hour strict fasting
- No water consumption
Purity Rituals
- Clean river bathing
- Natural offerings like fruits and sugarcane
Family Blessings
- Good health of children
- Peace and prosperity in home
Chhath Puja Rituals Step by Step
1. Nahay Khay
- First day of purification
- Devotees bathe in river
- Eat simple vegetarian food
2. Kharna
- Nirjala fast all day
- Evening prasad offering
- Start of long fasting
3. Sandhya Arghya
- Evening offering to setting sun
- Conducted at river ghats
- Most crowded and emotional ritual
4. Usha Arghya
- Morning offering to rising sun
- Final ritual
- Fast is broken after prayers
Chhath Puja in Bihar
Chhath Puja Bihar is the heart of the festival.
Major locations:
- Patna Ganga Ghats
- Bhagalpur river banks
- Darbhanga ponds and lakes
- Kosi and Gandak river regions
Entire Bihar transforms into a spiritual zone filled with:
- Devotional songs
- Clean ghats
- Massive crowds
Chhath Puja Songs (Chhath Puja Song)
Music plays a huge role in this festival.
Popular types:
- Bhojpuri Chhath songs
- Devotional folk songs
- Emotional prayer songs
Songs describe:
- Motherhood
- Sun worship
- Family devotion
Chhath Puja Essay
Chhath Puja is one of the most important Hindu festivals dedicated to the worship of Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Chhath Puja 2026 holds special significance for devotees, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, where it is celebrated with great devotion and grandeur.
This sacred festival lasts for four days and involves strict rituals, discipline, and purity. Devotees, including both men and women, observe a rigorous fast and offer Arghya (holy water offering) to the rising and setting sun. The rituals of Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya form the core of Chhath Puja.
The main purpose of Chhath Puja is to seek blessings from the Sun God for health, prosperity, and the well-being of family members. Devotees pray for happiness, long life, and success.
Chhath Puja is not just a religious festival but a beautiful blend of nature and devotion. It highlights the deep connection between human life and natural elements like the sun, water, and earth. That is why Chhath Puja is considered one of the purest and most powerful festivals in Hindu culture.
Chhath Puja 2026 Diwali Connection
Chhath Puja always comes after Diwali.
Gap between festivals:
- Diwali: October–November 2026
- Chhath Puja 2026: Mid November 2026
Importance of Surya Arghya
Sandhya Arghya (Evening)
- Offered to setting sun
- Symbol of gratitude
Usha Arghya (Morning)
- Offered to rising sun
- Symbol of new life and hope
Both are essential for completing the ritual.
Common Mistakes During Chhath Puja
Avoid these mistakes:
- Incorrect timing of Arghya
- Breaking fast before sunrise
- Using unclean utensils
- Ignoring purity rules
- Standing away from river during Arghya
Chhath Puja 2026 is not just a festival; it is a deep spiritual journey of faith, discipline, and gratitude. From Nahay Khay to Usha Arghya, every ritual connects human life with nature and divine energy.
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FAQs – Chhath Puja 2026
13–16 November 2026.
14 November 2026.
It is the story of King Priyavrat and blessings of Chhathi Maiya.
Mid November 2026, after Diwali.