Chhath Puja is one of the most significant Hindu festivals dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Celebrated with devotion across Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and several other parts of India, this four-day festival represents gratitude, discipline, purity and respect for nature.
In Vedic astrology, the Sun (Surya) holds an important position as it represents confidence, vitality, leadership, self-respect and authority. Worshipping Surya Dev during Chhath Puja is traditionally associated with seeking good health, prosperity and positive energy.
Chhath Puja 2026 will be celebrated from 13 November to 16 November 2026. The main Sandhya Arghya will take place on 15 November, followed by Usha Arghya on 16 November. Since sunrise and sunset differ by location, devotees should follow their city’s local timings.
Chhath Puja 2026: Important Dates and Rituals
The festival is observed over four days during Kartik Shukla Paksha. Each day has a specific ritual and spiritual significance.
| Ritual | Date | Significance |
| Nahay Khay | 13 November 2026, Friday | Purification and preparation |
| Kharna | 14 November 2026, Saturday | Fasting and prasad |
| Sandhya Arghya | 15 November 2026, Sunday | Offering prayers to the setting Sun |
| Usha Arghya | 16 November 2026, Monday | Offering prayers to the rising Sun |
1. Nahay Khay – 13 November
The first day begins with a holy bath and cleaning of the home. Devotees prepare a traditional vegetarian meal and begin the festival with purity and discipline.
2. Kharna – 14 November
Devotees observe a fast throughout the day and perform evening prayers. Traditional prasad, including jaggery-based kheer and roti, is prepared and shared.
3. Sandhya Arghya – 15 November
This is one of the most important rituals of Chhath Puja. Devotees gather near rivers, ponds and other water bodies to offer Arghya to the setting Sun.
4. Usha Arghya – 16 November
On the final morning, devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun. After completing the ritual, the fast is concluded according to family traditions.
Chhath Puja 2026: City-Wise Sunrise and Sunset Timings
The correct Arghya timing depends on the geographical location of the devotee. The following table provides the expected sunset and sunrise timings for major Indian cities.
Sandhya Arghya – 15 November 2026
Usha Arghya – 16 November 2026
| City | Sunset / Evening Arghya | Sunrise / Morning Arghya |
| Patna | 5:01 PM | 6:07 AM |
| Delhi | 5:28 PM | 6:44 AM |
| Mumbai | 6:00 PM | 6:46 AM |
| Kolkata | 4:53 PM | 5:50 AM |
| Varanasi | 5:10 PM | 6:16 AM |
| Lucknow | 5:16 PM | 6:26 AM |
| Ranchi | 5:04 PM | 6:03 AM |
| Gaya | 5:03 PM | 6:07 AM |
| Bengaluru | 5:50 PM | 6:19 AM |
| Jaipur | 5:36 PM | 6:47 AM |
| Bhopal | 5:35 PM | 6:34 AM |
| Pune | 5:57 PM | 6:42 AM |
All timings are in Indian Standard Time (IST) and are approximate city-level sunrise and sunset calculations. Actual visibility may vary depending on the local horizon, weather and ghat location. Reach the ghat early and confirm local arrangements.
Astrological Significance of Chhath Puja 2026
Importance of Surya Dev in Vedic Astrology
In Vedic astrology, Surya is considered the king of the nine planets (Navagraha). It represents the soul, confidence, determination, father, government authority and professional recognition.
A strong and well-placed Sun in an individual’s birth chart is traditionally associated with:
- Leadership qualities and confidence.
- Strong decision-making abilities.
- Recognition and professional growth.
- Self-discipline and personal identity.
- Positive relationships with authority figures.
Chhath Puja provides an opportunity to express gratitude towards the Sun, which is regarded as the primary source of life and energy.
Which Zodiac Signs Benefit from Sun Worship?
According to traditional Jyotish interpretations, Sun worship is particularly meaningful for individuals seeking to improve confidence, discipline and leadership.
- Aries (Mesh): Sun is exalted in Aries, and its worship is traditionally associated with courage and determination.
- Leo (Singh): The Sun rules Leo, making solar worship especially significant for this zodiac sign.
- Sagittarius (Dhanu): Sun worship can symbolically support discipline, clarity and purposeful action.
- Capricorn (Makar): It may encourage confidence and balanced professional decision-making.
However, the actual strength and influence of the Sun depend on its placement, aspects and conjunctions in an individual’s birth chart. Zodiac signs alone cannot determine planetary results.
Role of the Sun in Different Houses
The Sun’s placement in a birth chart also carries different traditional interpretations:
- First House: Identity, personality and confidence.
- Fifth House: Intelligence, creativity and leadership.
- Ninth House: Dharma, fortune and spiritual values.
- Tenth House: Career, reputation and professional authority.
These interpretations are general and should be assessed alongside the complete Kundli.
Simple Astrological Remedies to Follow During Chhath Puja
Devotees can follow these traditional practices with sincerity:
- Offer Arghya to Surya Dev: Offer clean water to the rising Sun using a copper vessel, following your family tradition.
- Chant Surya Mantra: Recite “ॐ घृणिः सूर्याय नमः” with devotion.
- Recite Gayatri Mantra: It is traditionally associated with wisdom, clarity and spiritual awareness.
- Practise Charity: Donate food, fruits or essential items to people in need.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Keep the puja area and surrounding water bodies clean.
These practices are rooted in religious tradition and should not be considered guaranteed solutions to planetary problems.
Important: Chhath fasting can be physically demanding. Pregnant women, elderly people and individuals with medical conditions should seek medical advice before observing strict or waterless fasting.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja 2026 is an occasion to celebrate faith, gratitude and the importance of nature in everyday life. The worship of Surya Dev holds special significance in Vedic astrology, where the Sun represents vitality, confidence, leadership and self-discipline.
Whether you are observing the festival in Patna, Delhi, Mumbai or another Indian city, checking the correct local sunrise and sunset timings will help you prepare for Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya.
Beyond rituals and astrological beliefs, Chhath Puja reminds us to appreciate the natural forces that sustain life. May this Chhath Mahaparv bring peace, good health and happiness to every family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- When is Chhath Puja 2026?
Chhath Puja 2026 will be celebrated from 13 November to 16 November.
The four-day festival begins with Nahay Khay and concludes with Usha Arghya on 16 November.
- What is the Sandhya Arghya timing in Patna in 2026?
The expected Sandhya Arghya timing in Patna is 5:01 PM IST on 15 November 2026.
Devotees should reach the riverbank before sunset to prepare for the evening rituals.
- What is the Usha Arghya timing in Delhi in 2026?
The expected Usha Arghya timing in Delhi is 6:44 AM IST on 16 November 2026.
Devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun and complete the final ritual of Chhath Puja.
- Why is the Sun worshipped during Chhath Puja?
The Sun is worshipped because it represents life, energy, vitality and nourishment in Hindu traditions.
In Vedic astrology, Surya represents confidence, authority, leadership and the soul. Offering Arghya is traditionally considered an expression of gratitude and devotion.
- Which mantra should be chanted during Chhath Puja?
Devotees can chant the Surya mantra: “ॐ घृणिः सूर्याय नमः।”
This traditional mantra is recited as an expression of devotion to Surya Dev and to seek spiritual clarity and positive energy.
- Can people with a weak Sun in their Kundli observe Chhath Puja?
Yes, people with a weak or adversely placed Sun in their Kundli can worship Surya Dev according to their beliefs and family traditions.
Offering water to the rising Sun, chanting Surya mantras and practising charity are traditional remedies. However, the complete birth chart should be considered before suggesting individual astrological remedies.
- Why are both the rising and setting Sun worshipped during Chhath Puja?
Both are worshipped to express gratitude for the Sun’s continuous contribution to life.
Sandhya Arghya honours the setting Sun, while Usha Arghya welcomes the rising Sun, symbolising gratitude, renewal and continuity.
