Chhath Puja 2026: Date, Arghya Timings & Puja Vidhi

Chhath Puja is one of the most significant Hindu festivals dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Celebrated with great devotion, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of Madhya Pradesh, this four-day festival focuses on gratitude, discipline, purity and prayers for family well-being. Chhath Puja 2026 will be observed from November 13 to November 16, with Sandhya Arghya on November 15 and Usha Arghya on November 16.

From a Vedic astrology perspective, the festival holds special importance because the Sun represents vitality, confidence, leadership, health and spiritual energy. The rituals of Chhath also encourage self-discipline, gratitude towards nature and a balanced approach to life.

Chhath Puja 2026: Date and Four-Day Schedule

Chhath Puja is observed on Kartik Shukla Shashthi, the sixth day of the bright fortnight of Kartik month. The festival involves four important stages, each having its own religious significance.

Ritual	Date	Day
Nahay Khay	November 13, 2026	Friday
Lohanda and Kharna	November 14, 2026	Saturday
Sandhya Arghya	November 15, 2026	Sunday
Usha Arghya and Parana	November 16, 2026	Monday

Chhath Puja 2026 Tithi

• Shukla Shashthi Begins: November 14 at approximately 11:24 PM IST.
• Shukla Shashthi Ends: November 16 at approximately 2:01 AM IST.

These are approximate New Delhi Panchang timings. Local Panchang calculations may differ slightly.

Chhath Puja 2026 Arghya Timings

The two most important rituals are Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya. Devotees offer water, fruits and traditional prasad to the setting and rising Sun.

1. Sandhya Arghya – November 15, 2026

Sandhya Arghya is offered to the setting Sun on Kartik Shukla Shashthi. Devotees gather near rivers, ponds and other water bodies with bamboo baskets containing fruits, thekua and other traditional offerings.

2. Usha Arghya – November 16, 2026

Usha Arghya is offered to the rising Sun on the following morning. This ritual marks the conclusion of the main fasting observance.

Important city-wise timings (IST):

City	Sandhya Arghya (Nov 15)	Usha Arghya (Nov 16)
Patna	5:01 PM	6:07 AM
Delhi	5:28 PM	6:44 AM
Bhopal	5:35 PM	6:35 AM
Varanasi	5:10 PM	6:16 AM
Mumbai	6:00 PM	6:46 AM
Kolkata	4:53 PM	5:50 AM

Timings are approximate local sunset and sunrise times. Actual Arghya should be offered according to the local horizon and Panchang. Reach the ghat early.

Chhath Puja 2026: Four Days of Rituals and Puja Vidhi

Day 1: Nahay Khay – November 13

Nahay Khay marks the beginning of Chhath Mahaparv. Devotees take a ritual bath, clean their homes and prepare for the upcoming fasting period.

Traditionally, food is prepared in a clean environment using simple ingredients. Common dishes include rice, chana dal and bottle gourd (lauki).

Important practices:

• Maintain cleanliness in the kitchen and puja area.
• Prepare food according to family traditions.
• Avoid non-vegetarian food and intoxicants during the observance.

Day 2: Lohanda and Kharna – November 14

Kharna is an important stage of Chhath Puja. Devotees observe a fast throughout the day and break it after sunset following prayers.

Traditional Kharna prasad generally includes jaggery-based kheer, roti and fruits. After Kharna, devotees begin the rigorous nirjala fast, which continues until the next morning’s Usha Arghya.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya – November 15

The third day is the main Chhath Puja observance. Devotees visit rivers, ponds or designated ghats to offer Arghya to the setting Sun.

Traditional offerings include:

• Thekua and seasonal fruits.
• Sugarcane and coconut.
• Rice laddoos and other traditional prasad.
• A decorated bamboo basket or soop.

The ritual expresses gratitude towards the Sun for supporting life and sustaining nature.

Day 4: Usha Arghya – November 16

On the final day, devotees gather before sunrise and offer Arghya to the rising Sun. After prayers to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, they complete the rituals and perform Parana, traditionally breaking the fast with prasad.

This day symbolises renewal, hope, gratitude and the beginning of a fresh cycle.

Astrological Significance of Chhath Puja

In Vedic astrology, Surya Dev is considered one of the most influential Navagrahas. The Sun represents the soul, authority, confidence, fatherly relationships, health and leadership qualities.

Chhath Puja provides an opportunity to understand the traditional astrological symbolism of the Sun and its relationship with everyday life.

1. Importance of the Sun in Kundli

The position of the Sun in a birth chart is traditionally examined to understand confidence, individuality, authority and professional recognition.

A well-placed Sun is associated with leadership and self-confidence, while challenging placements may indicate areas where an individual needs to develop patience, consistency and self-awareness.

2. Connection Between the Sun and Zodiac Signs

The Sun rules Leo (Simha Rashi) in Vedic astrology. Leo is traditionally associated with leadership, creativity, dignity and confidence.

However, the Sun influences every zodiac sign differently depending on its house placement, planetary conjunctions, aspects and overall chart strength.

3. Significance of the First and Tenth Houses

• First House (Lagna): Represents personality, vitality, physical constitution and self-expression.
• Tenth House (Karma Bhava): Represents profession, responsibilities, reputation and public standing.

Astrologers examine the Sun’s relationship with these houses when interpreting confidence, career direction and leadership potential.

Simple Surya Remedies During Chhath Puja

Devotees can follow these traditional practices during the festival:

• Offer Arghya to the Sun: Offer clean water to Surya Dev during sunrise while maintaining a respectful and safe position.
• Chant Surya Mantra: Recite “Om Suryaya Namah” with devotion.
• Practise Surya Namaskar: Perform gentle Surya Namaskar according to your physical ability.
• Donate food: Offer fruits, grains or food to people in need.
• Respect elders: Show gratitude towards parents, teachers and family members.
• Maintain discipline: Follow a balanced routine and practise honesty, patience and self-control.

These practices are traditional spiritual observances, not guaranteed remedies for planetary problems.

Important: Chhath fasting can be physically demanding, particularly the extended waterless fast. Pregnant women, older adults and people with diabetes, kidney disease or other medical conditions should seek medical advice before attempting fasting. Rituals can be adapted according to individual health and family tradition.

Why Is Chhath Puja Important in Daily Life?

Beyond religious observance, Chhath Puja teaches several values that remain relevant in modern life:

• Gratitude towards nature: Worship of the Sun highlights the importance of natural resources.
• Self-discipline: The four-day observance encourages commitment and personal discipline.
• Family bonding: Families work together to prepare offerings and perform rituals.
• Environmental awareness: Traditional celebrations encourage respect for rivers, ponds and public spaces.
• Mental strength: Prayer, routine and reflection can provide a sense of purpose and emotional balance.

Conclusion

Chhath Puja 2026 will be celebrated from November 13 to November 16, with Sandhya Arghya on November 15 and Usha Arghya on November 16. Dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, this four-day festival represents faith, purity, gratitude and discipline.

From a Vedic astrology perspective, the festival highlights the importance of the Sun, which symbolises vitality, confidence, leadership and positive energy. The traditional rituals also remind devotees to respect nature and maintain harmony in their personal lives.

Celebrate Chhath Puja with devotion, follow the local Panchang for accurate timings and remember that the festival’s deepest message lies in gratitude, simplicity and respect for all forms of life.

FAQs About Chhath Puja 2026

1. When is Chhath Puja in 2026?

Chhath Puja 2026 will be observed from November 13 to November 16.

The main Chhath Puja and Sandhya Arghya will take place on Sunday, November 15. The festival concludes with Usha Arghya on Monday, November 16.

Important dates:

• November 13: Nahay Khay
• November 14: Kharna
• November 15: Sandhya Arghya
• November 16: Usha Arghya and Parana

2. What is the Sandhya Arghya timing for Chhath Puja 2026?

Sandhya Arghya will be performed around sunset on November 15, 2026, with the exact timing depending on the city.

For example, sunset is approximately 5:01 PM in Patna, 5:28 PM in Delhi and 5:35 PM in Bhopal.

Devotees offer water and traditional prasad to the setting Sun.

Tip: Check your local sunset time and reach the Chhath ghat early.

3. What is the Usha Arghya timing in 2026?

Usha Arghya will be offered at sunrise on November 16, 2026.

The approximate sunrise timings are 6:07 AM in Patna, 6:44 AM in Delhi and 6:35 AM in Bhopal.

This ritual concludes the main Chhath fasting observance.

Tip: Prepare the puja basket and offerings the previous evening.

4. What is the significance of Nahay Khay and Kharna?

Nahay Khay and Kharna are the first two stages of the four-day Chhath festival.

Nahay Khay focuses on ritual purification and preparing the home, while Kharna involves daytime fasting followed by an evening meal offered as prasad.

• Maintain cleanliness.
• Prepare traditional food.
• Follow family customs during the rituals.

5. Which God is worshipped during Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja is primarily dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.

Surya Dev represents energy, vitality and the life-sustaining power of nature. Chhathi Maiya is worshipped as a divine maternal figure associated with protection, family well-being and blessings.

Tip: Offer Arghya during sunrise and sunset with devotion.

6. What is the astrological significance of Chhath Puja?

In Vedic astrology, the Sun represents confidence, authority, vitality, leadership and the soul.

Its placement in the birth chart is examined to understand these areas of life. Chhath Puja provides an occasion for devotees to express gratitude to Surya Dev.

Traditional practices:

• Offer water to the rising Sun.
• Chant “Om Suryaya Namah”.
• Practise Surya Namaskar according to your ability.

7. Can people perform Chhath Puja without observing a strict fast?

Yes, people can participate in Chhath Puja rituals without undertaking the rigorous nirjala fast.

They can offer Arghya, prepare traditional prasad, participate in prayers and follow their family’s customs according to their health and circumstances.

Fasting should never compromise health, and people with medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before observing a strict fast.

Tip: Devotion, gratitude and participation are important aspects of the festival.