Chhath Puja is an ancient festival of gratitude to the Sun, the source of life and energy, and to Chhathi Maiya, who is worshipped for the well-being of children and families. It is celebrated on the sixth day (Shashthi) of the Shukla Paksha of Kartik, six days after Diwali. Its beauty lies in its simplicity: no idols or priests are essential, only clean water, the sun, and sincere devotion.
Chhath Puja 2026 Date and Four-Day Schedule
Day | Name | Date (2026) | What happens |
Day 1 | Nahay Khay | 13 November | Holy bath, cleaning of the home, simple satvik meal of rice, dal and lauki |
Day 2 | Kharna | 14 November | Day-long fast, broken after sunset with kheer, roti and fruit; the long fast begins |
Day 3 | Sandhya Arghya | 15 November | Devotees stand in water and offer arghya to the setting sun |
Day 4 | Usha Arghya | 16 November | Arghya to the rising sun, followed by parana (breaking the fast) |
The main day, 15 November 2026, is taken from Drik Panchang. The other dates follow from it. Sunrise and sunset times differ by city, so use your local timings for the arghya.
Rituals and Prasad
Chhath is known for its discipline. Devotees, mostly women but also many men, observe a fast of about 36 hours without water after Kharna. The food is cooked without onion or garlic, usually in a clean kitchen, on a clay or brass stove.
- Thekua: a crisp sweet made of wheat flour, jaggery and ghee
- Kasar laddu: rice-flour laddus
- Fruits and sugarcane: bananas, coconut, oranges and sugarcane stalks
- Soop and daura: bamboo trays and baskets that hold the offerings
Spiritual Meaning of Chhath
Offering arghya at sunset and sunrise reminds us that life moves in cycles. We honour the sun as it goes down and as it rises, and learn to accept both with equanimity. Many devotees also feel that the fast, cleanliness and communal effort of the festival build self-discipline and a sense of community.
Safety and Etiquette at the Ghat
- Choose authorised ghats or designated ponds, and check water depth before entering.
- Go with family or a group and keep children and elders supervised.
- Keep the ghat clean: use baskets for offerings and avoid plastic.
- If you have a medical condition, speak to your doctor before observing a long fast.
Bring the Spirit of Chhath into Daily Life
The sun is also central to many Vedic and Vastu traditions, from morning Surya Namaskar to the placement of east-facing rooms. If you would like guidance on Vastu or a simple daily practice, Agnitra Foundation offers personal consultations with Tantrguru Shree Ganesh Dubey, in person in Delhi, Mumbai and Vrindavan, or online.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Chhath Puja 2026?
The main day of Chhath Puja 2026, with the evening Sandhya Arghya, is Sunday, 15 November. Nahay Khay is on 13 November, Kharna on 14 November and Usha Arghya on 16 November.
Which gods are worshipped on Chhath?
Chhath is dedicated to Surya Dev, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya, who is worshipped for the well-being and protection of children and families.
What are the four days of Chhath Puja?
The four days are Nahay Khay (holy bath and simple meal), Kharna (day-long fast broken at night), Sandhya Arghya (offering to the setting sun) and Usha Arghya (offering to the rising sun).
What is the prasad of Chhath Puja?
Typical Chhath prasad includes thekua, kasar laddu, seasonal fruits, coconut and sugarcane, offered in bamboo soops and baskets. The food is prepared without onion or garlic.
Who can observe Chhath Puja?
Anyone who is willing to follow the discipline can observe Chhath. Many devotees are women, but men also keep the vrat. People with health conditions should consult a doctor before fasting.
Connect with Agnitra Foundation
Agnitra Foundation, The Cosmic Light House, is a spiritual and holistic science-based NGO founded by Tantrguru Shree Ganesh Dubey, who has more than 35 years of experience in Satvik Tantra, paranormal healing and holistic sciences. The foundation has trained over 12,000 students through courses, counselling and workshops.
Make an appointment: https://www.agnitrafoundation.org/register-now/ | Call: +91 98670 71108 (open daily, 10 am to 6 pm)
Head Office, Delhi: 253, 2nd Floor, Shahpur Jat Village, New Delhi 110049 | Mumbai: Lokhandwala, Andheri West, Mumbai 400058 | Vrindavan: Parikrama Marg, Sunrakh Rd, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
