By Satyam, BlueStone Editorial
Planning family travel and ritual preparations begins with confirming the exact chhath puja 2026 date across lunisolar calendars and regional almanacs. Coordinating travel to ancestral homes in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, procuring woven bamboo baskets, and cleansing the household kitchen requires verified dates rather than guesswork.
Chhath Puja 2026 is celebrated across four days from Friday, 13 November to Monday, 16 November 2026. The primary evening ritual, Sandhya Arghya, takes place on Sunday, 15 November 2026, when Kartik Shukla Shashthi tithi is active at sunset across India (5:01 PM in Patna, 5:28 PM in New Delhi). The festival concludes with morning Usha Arghya and Parana at sunrise on Monday, 16 November 2026. Official ephemeris calculations from Drik Panchang confirm these planetary transitions across all major Indian cities.
TL;DR: Chhath Puja 2026 spans four days from Friday, 13 November to Monday, 16 November 2026, with the main Sandhya Arghya observed on Sunday, 15 November 2026.
Last updated: November 2026
When is Chhath Puja 2026? Complete 4-Day Calendar from Nahay Khay to Parana
Understanding the full chhath puja date 2026 requires following the progression of purification, fasting, and solar devotion. Unlike single-evening celebrations, Chhath spans four consecutive tithis during the waxing lunar fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the sacred Hindu month of Kartika. Tracking the exact chhath date 2026 ensures families coordinate rituals across all four stages.
The festival begins on Friday, 13 November 2026 with Nahay Khay on Chaturthi tithi. Saturday, 14 November 2026 brings Kharna on Panchami, initiating the 36-hour waterless fast. Sunday, 15 November 2026 marks the core evening Sandhya Arghya on Shashthi tithi. The celebrations conclude on Monday, 16 November 2026 with morning Usha Arghya and Parana on Saptami.
This verified timetable establishes the chhath puja 2026 start date and end date for millions of devotees globally. Following this structured chhath puja 2026 schedule requires strict ritual purity, where fasting devotees (Vrattis) uphold continuous physical and spiritual dedication.
Why Sunday 15 November 2026 is Sandhya Arghya: Shashthi Tithi Explained
The Chhath Puja date often causes confusion because Kartik Shukla Shashthi begins late on Saturday night. Shashthi tithi commences at 11:23 PM IST on Saturday, 14 November 2026 and concludes at 02:00 AM IST on Monday, 16 November 2026.
When clarifying chhath kitne tarikh ko hai for family gatherings, Vedic rules require Sandhya Arghya to align strictly with the tithi prevailing during local sunset. At sunset on Saturday, 14 November, Panchami tithi is active, making it the proper time for Kharna. Shashthi tithi is current at sunset exclusively on Sunday, 15 November 2026 across every Indian city. By Monday sunset, Saptami tithi has already begun.
Sunday, 15 November 2026 is therefore the only valid evening for offering Sandhya Arghya throughout India. For devotees living abroad in the United States and Canada, local timezone differences mean Shashthi may conclude before local Sunday sunset, requiring verification against local city panchangs.
City-Wise Chhath Puja 2026 Arghya Timings: Sunset and Sunrise Schedules
Checking the exact chhath puja 2026 date and time is vital because arghya has no separate clock muhurat; offerings occur precisely as the Sun touches the horizon. Because sunset and sunrise timings vary across Indian longitudes, local horizon times dictate ghat arrival schedules.
For families tracking the chhath puja 2026 date in bihar, Patna observes sunset at 5:01 PM IST on Sunday, 15 November 2026 and sunrise at 6:07 AM IST on Monday, 16 November 2026. Nearby in Gaya, sunset falls at 5:03 PM IST and sunrise at 6:07 AM IST, while Muzaffarpur records sunset at 4:59 PM IST and sunrise at 6:07 AM IST. In Ranchi, sunset is at 5:04 PM IST and sunrise at 6:03 AM IST.
Those verifying the chhath puja 2026 date kolkata schedule will find sunset at 4:53 PM IST on Sunday and sunrise at 5:50 AM IST on Monday. In Varanasi, sunset occurs at 5:10 PM IST and sunrise at 6:16 AM IST. In New Delhi, sunset takes place at 5:28 PM IST and sunrise at 6:44 AM IST. In Mumbai, devotees observe sunset at 6:00 PM IST and morning arghya at 6:46 AM IST.
Step-by-Step 4-Day Chhath Ritual Vidhi: Sacred Offerings and Traditions
Each ritual follows the traditional four-day sequence, and upholding ritual purity defines every stage. Whether you are travelling home or preparing offerings in your own kitchen, the four days proceed through specific culinary rules, and discipline and cleanliness remain paramount throughout.
On Day 1, Nahay Khay (Friday, 13 November 2026), the Vratti takes a purifying bath and cleanses the home. The family prepares a satvik meal of Kadua-Bhaat: unpolished arwa rice, chana dal, and bottle gourd (lauki) cooked without onion or garlic, using rock salt (sendha namak).
On Day 2, Kharna (Saturday, 14 November 2026), the Vratti observes a daytime waterless fast. After sunset, the Vratti cooks Rasia (jaggery and arwa rice kheer) and whole wheat rotis over a mud stove with mango wood. After offering this bhog to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, the Vratti eats in silence, after which prasad is distributed. This meal begins the continuous 36-hour waterless fast.
On Day 3, Sandhya Arghya (Sunday, 15 November 2026), family members prepare thekua (sweet wheat cakes with ghee and jaggery) and kasar laddus under strict hygiene. Offerings are arranged in woven bamboo winnows (soop) and baskets (daura). At sunset, the Vratti stands waist-deep in water facing west while family members pour milk and water arghya into the stream.
On Day 4, Usha Arghya and Parana (Monday, 16 November 2026), the family returns to the ghat before dawn. The Vratti stands facing east to offer arghya as the morning Sun rises. Devotees then conclude the festival with Parana, breaking the 36-hour fast with water, raw ginger, and prasad.
Kosi Bharai: The Sacred Night Vigil, Sugarcane Mandap, and 24 Diyas
On Sunday night, 15 November 2026, families fulfilling a special vow (mannat) perform Kosi Bharai at home or by the riverbank. This night vigil expresses gratitude for significant family blessings, such as the recovery of a loved one or the birth of a child.
Devotees construct a mandap canopy by tying together 5 to 7 sugarcane stalks with green leaves, draping a sacred red cloth over the top. Under this canopy, an earthen pot filled with sprouted sathi rice, kasar sweets, and fruits rests upon a hollow clay elephant (mitti ka hathi).
Devotees illuminate 12 to 24 clay diyas filled with ghee or mustard oil around the structure. Family members keep vigil through the night, singing traditional Chhath songs before departing for the morning ghat.
Cultural Significance & Legends: Surya Dev, Chhathi Maiya, and Auspicious Festive Adornments
Chhath Puja is an egalitarian Vedic celebration honoring Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya without temple idols or officiating priests. According to the Prakriti Khanda of the Brahmavaivarta Purana, Shashthi Devi is the cosmic protector of infants, who restored life to King Priyavrat’s son. Folklore also links the festival to Karna in ancient Anga, Draupadi during the Mahabharata exile, and Mata Sita offering prayers at Munger.
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Curated Design Highlights
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How to Observe Chhath Puja at Home: Balcony and Rooftop Ghat Setup (Manokamna Jal)
For apartment dwellers in urban centers or diaspora devotees abroad, visiting a natural riverbank is not always possible. Vedic tradition accommodates these circumstances through Manokamna Jal, allowing families to construct a consecrated artificial ghat at home.
Select a clean terrace, balcony, or courtyard with an open view of the sky. Set up a wide inflatable tub or brass container filled with clean water, adding a few sacred drops of Gangajal. Devotees stand in this consecrated water facing west at sunset on Sunday and east at sunrise on Monday to present their offerings.
Elderly devotees, expectant mothers, or individuals managing health concerns should always consult a physician before fasting. Tradition allows a fruit-and-water fast or having family members perform the water-based arghya on their behalf.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja celebrates discipline, natural harmony, and family gratitude. By following the verified 2026 schedule and tithi timings, devotees can observe every ritual with complete confidence and peace of mind.
As you prepare your family offerings and festive attire, explore our collection of fine gold jewellery to discover classic designs that honor your seasonal celebrations.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chhath Puja 2026
When is Chhath Puja in 2026?
Chhath Puja in 2026 begins on Friday, 13 November 2026 and concludes on Monday, 16 November 2026. The most prominent evening ritual, Sandhya Arghya, takes place on Sunday, 15 November 2026, when Kartik Shukla Shashthi tithi is active at sunset across India. The morning offering, Usha Arghya, follows at sunrise on Monday, 16 November 2026, marking the completion of the festival.
When is Chhath celebrated after Diwali?
Chhath Puja begins five days after Diwali with the purifying ritual of Nahay Khay, while the primary Sandhya Arghya takes place exactly six days after Diwali. In 2026, Lakshmi Puja (Diwali) falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Consequently, Nahay Khay commences on Friday, 13 November 2026, and Sandhya Arghya is observed on Sunday, 15 November 2026.
What are the four-day dates for Chhath Puja 2026?
The four-day schedule for Chhath Puja 2026 begins with Nahay Khay on Friday, 13 November 2026. Day two, Kharna, takes place on Saturday, 14 November 2026. The third day, Sandhya Arghya, is observed on Sunday, 15 November 2026. The festival concludes on day four with Usha Arghya and Parana on Monday, 16 November 2026.
What is the date of Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya in 2026?
Sandhya Arghya falls on Sunday, 15 November 2026, and Usha Arghya falls on Monday, 16 November 2026. Evening offerings are made to the setting Sun at approximately 5:01 PM in Patna and 5:28 PM in New Delhi. Morning offerings take place at dawn at approximately 6:07 AM in Patna and 6:44 AM in New Delhi.
What are the exact sunset and sunrise arghya timings for Chhath Puja 2026?
Arghya timings depend entirely on local sunset and sunrise on 15 and 16 November 2026. In Patna, sunset arghya is at 5:01 PM IST and sunrise arghya is at 6:07 AM IST. In New Delhi, sunset is at 5:28 PM IST and sunrise is at 6:44 AM IST. In Kolkata, sunset is at 4:53 PM IST and sunrise is at 5:50 AM IST.
Why is Sandhya Arghya held on Sunday 15 November if Shashthi starts Saturday night?
Sandhya Arghya is held on Sunday, 15 November 2026 because the ritual requires Shashthi tithi to be active during sunset. Although Kartik Shukla Shashthi begins late on Saturday, 14 November 2026 at 11:23 PM IST, Saturday sunset falls under Panchami. Shashthi is current at sunset exclusively on Sunday across India, making Sunday evening the only valid time.
How long is the Chhath nirjala fast, and how is it broken during Parana?
The Chhath nirjala fast lasts approximately 36 continuous hours without food or water. It begins immediately after the Vratti finishes the Kharna evening meal on Saturday, 14 November 2026. The waterless fast ends after Usha Arghya on Monday, 16 November 2026, when devotees break their fast with clean water, raw ginger, and sacred prasad.
Can devotees celebrate Chhath Puja at home without going to a river ghat?
Yes, devotees can observe Chhath Puja at home by establishing an artificial water body, known traditionally as Manokamna Jal. Devotees place a clean inflatable pool, metal tub, or water container on a rooftop, terrace, or courtyard facing the open sky. Adding a few drops of sacred Gangajal sanctifies the water so devotees can offer arghya with full spiritual devotion.
Can men observe the Chhath Puja fast and perform arghya?
Yes, men can observe the Chhath Puja fast and perform every ritual alongside female devotees. While women predominantly undertake the vrat as Parvaitins, many men also observe the rigorous 36-hour waterless fast and stand in the water to offer arghya. Chhath is an egalitarian Vedic celebration focused on family welfare, making it open to all willing devotees.
