Chhath Puja 2026: Date, Four-Day Calendar, Puja Vidhi and Arghya Timings

Chhath Puja is one of the most significant festivals dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Observed with devotion, fasting and traditional offerings, the festival brings families and communities together at riverbanks, ponds and other water bodies to offer prayers to the setting and rising Sun.

If you are searching for Chhath Puja 2026 date, the four-day festival will begin on Friday, 13 November and conclude on Monday, 16 November. The main evening offering, known as Sandhya Arghya, will take place on 15 November.

Here is a day-by-day guide to Chhath Puja 2026, including the important dates, traditional rituals, puja vidhi and Arghya timings.

When Is Chhath Puja in 2026?

Chhath Puja 2026 will be observed from 13 November to 16 November. The main Chhath Puja and Sandhya Arghya fall on Sunday, 15 November 2026. The festival concludes with Usha Arghya on Monday morning, 16 November.

The festival is observed during Kartik Shukla Paksha, with the main worship taking place on the sixth lunar day (Shashthi).

Chhath Puja 2026: Four-Day Calendar

Chhath Puja is traditionally observed over four days. Each day has its own rituals and significance.

Let's understand what happens on each day.

1. Nahay Khay – 13 November 2026

Nahay Khay marks the beginning of Chhath Puja. On this day, devotees take a ritual bath, clean their homes and prepare for the days ahead.

A simple and traditionally prepared meal is eaten after the preparations. Lauki (bottle gourd), rice and chana dal are commonly associated with the meal, although practices can vary between families and regions.

The day is about cleanliness, discipline and preparing oneself for the observance.

2. Kharna – 14 November 2026

The second day is known as Kharna or Lohanda. Devotees observe a fast during the day and prepare an offering in the evening.

Gur ki kheer (jaggery-based rice pudding), roti and other traditional preparations are commonly made as prasad. After offering prayers, the vrat is broken with the prasad.

Following Kharna, devotees traditionally begin a longer period of fasting, often described as an approximately 36-hour nirjala vrat. The exact observance may differ according to family tradition and individual circumstances.

3. Sandhya Arghya – 15 November 2026

Sandhya Arghya is one of the central rituals of Chhath Puja. On the third day, devotees gather near rivers, ponds or designated water bodies to offer Arghya to the setting Sun.

Traditional offerings are arranged in bamboo baskets or soops. These may include thekua, seasonal fruits, sugarcane, coconut and other items prepared for the festival.

Devotees stand in the water and offer prayers as the Sun sets. The ritual expresses gratitude to Surya Dev for sustaining life and is an important part of Chhath observance.

Sandhya Arghya timing in 2026

For Delhi, sunset on 15 November 2026 is approximately 5:27–5:28 PM IST, depending on the precise location and calculation source.

This is a city-specific reference, not a universal Chhath Puja timing. Sunset varies across India, so devotees should check the local Panchang for their location.

4. Usha Arghya – 16 November 2026

The final day begins early in the morning, when devotees gather before sunrise to offer Arghya to the rising Sun. This ritual is called Usha Arghya or Pratah Arghya.

After the morning offering and prayers, devotees conclude the fast through Parana, according to their family customs.

For Delhi, sunrise on 16 November 2026 is approximately 6:44 AM IST.

With Usha Arghya, the four-day Chhath observance comes to an end.

Chhath Puja 2026: Delhi Arghya Timings

Here are the approximate solar timings for Delhi:

These timings are based on Delhi's local sunset and sunrise. They should not be used for other cities without checking their local calculations.

For daily Tithi, Nakshatra, sunrise, sunset and other Panchang details, visit Astroly Panchang. You can also check the Delhi Panchang for location-specific daily information.

What Is the Significance of Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja is dedicated to Surya Dev, who is traditionally worshipped as the source of light, energy and life. Chhathi Maiya is also revered during the festival.

Unlike festivals where worship is primarily performed inside temples or homes, Chhath is especially associated with offerings made near natural water bodies. Devotees gather at sunrise and sunset, observe fasting and follow traditional practices passed down through generations.

For many families, Chhath is also a time of community participation, gratitude and family traditions. Its observance is particularly prominent in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of Nepal, though it is now celebrated in many other regions as well.

Common Questions About Chhath Puja 2026

1. Chhath Puja 2026 kab hai?

Chhath Puja 2026 will be observed from 13 November to 16 November. The main Sandhya Arghya is on 15 November.

2. When is Nahay Khay in 2026?

Nahay Khay will be observed on Friday, 13 November 2026.

3. When is Kharna in 2026?

Kharna, also known as Lohanda, falls on Saturday, 14 November 2026.

4. When is Sandhya Arghya in 2026?

Sandhya Arghya will take place on Sunday, 15 November 2026, around sunset. The exact time depends on the location.

5. When is Usha Arghya in 2026?

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

6. What are the four days of Chhath Puja?

The four days are Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya.

7. Why is Arghya offered to both the setting and rising Sun?

Offering Arghya to the setting and rising Sun is a distinctive part of Chhath tradition. It represents gratitude and devotion to Surya Dev through both evening and morning worship.

Check Your Local Panchang Before Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is deeply connected with sunrise, sunset and the lunar calendar. While the festival dates are the same across the country, the exact solar timings differ from one city to another.

Before planning your rituals, check the Tithi, sunrise and sunset for your location. Visit Astroly's Panchang to explore daily Panchang details and keep track of important Hindu calendar dates.

Disclaimer: This article explains traditional religious observances for general information. Ritual practices may vary by region and family. Sunrise, sunset and Panchang timings are location-dependent; confirm the timings for your city with a trusted local Panchang or religious authority.