The Ancient Vedic Festival of Nature and Devotion
Chhath Puja, also known as Dala Chhath, Surya Shashthi, or Chhathi, is a four-day spiritual journey. It is a celebration of life, gratitude, and purity, dedicated to thanking the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth and requesting his blessings for prosperity.
Why is Chhath Puja Unique?
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Direct Worship: It is one of the few festivals where devotees worship a visible deity (Pratyaksh Devta).
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The Setting Sun: Uniquely, the rituals begin by worshipping the setting sun (Sandhya Arghya) before the rising sun, symbolizing the cycle of birth and death.
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No Priesthood: There is no requirement for a priest. The devotee (Vrati) connects directly with the Divine.
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Eco-Friendly: The offerings (Prasad) are entirely organic, and the rituals take place in natural water bodies, promoting environmental consciousness.
The Four Days of Chhath: A Spiritual Timeline
Day 1: Nahay-Khay (The Act of Purification)
The festival begins with a ritual bath in a holy river. Devotees clean their homes and eat a simple, sattvic meal of bottled gourd (kaddu), dal, and rice cooked in earthen pots using mango wood as fuel. This marks the beginning of the period of "purity."
Day 2: Kharna (The Day of Penance)
Devotees observe a day-long fast without water. In the evening, after sunset, they prepare Rasiao-Kheer (rice pudding made with jaggery) and Roti. After offering this to the deities, the Vratis break their fast. From this point, a 36-hour rigorous fast begins.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offerings)
The most vibrant day of the festival. Devotees, accompanied by family, carry bamboo baskets (Soop) filled with Thekua, seasonal fruits like pomelo (daabh lemon), and sugarcane to the riverbanks (Ghats). As the sun begins to set, devotees stand knee-deep in water to offer Arghya.
Day 4: Usha Arghya (Morning Offerings)
On the final day, devotees return to the riverbank before dawn. They offer prayers to the rising sun (Usha). Once the Arghya is offered, the Vratis break their fast with ginger and water, concluding the Mahaparv.
The Traditional Values & Symbolism
1. The Power of "Thekua"
No Chhath is complete without Thekua—a delicious deep-fried biscuit made of whole wheat flour, jaggery, and dry fruits. It represents the essence of Indian tradition: simple, nutritious, and rooted in the soil.
2. Chhathi Maiya: The Protector of Children
Chhathi Maiya, the goddess of the festival, is known as the sixth form of Devi Prakriti. She is worshipped as the protector of children and the granter of offspring. The soulful folk songs (Chhath Geet) sung by women are often dedicated to her.
3. Social Equality
At the riverbank, there is no distinction between the rich and the poor. Everyone stands side-by-side in the water, offering the same fruits and grains. It is a powerful display of social harmony and community bonding.
For the year 2026, Chhath Puja will be celebrated in the month of November. Below is the breakdown of the 4-day festival with the corresponding Tithis and dates.
Chhath Puja 2026: Important Dates & Tithi
| Day | Ritual Name | Date (2026) | Hindu Tithi | Significance |
| Day 1 | Nahay-Khay | Nov 13 (Friday) | Kartik Shukla Chaturthi | The purification day; eating a sattvic meal. |
| Day 2 | Kharna | Nov 14 (Saturday) | Kartik Shukla Panchami | The day of fasting; Prasad is offered after sunset. |
| Day 3 | Sandhya Arghya | Nov 15 (Sunday) | Kartik Shukla Shashthi | The main day; offerings to the Setting Sun. |
| Day 4 | Usha Arghya | Nov 16 (Monday) | Kartik Shukla Saptami | Offerings to the Rising Sun and breaking the fast. |
Timings (Muhurat) for Chhath Puja Day
The most critical moment is the Shashthi Tithi, which is when the main puja takes place.
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Shashthi Tithi Begins: 11:23 PM on Nov 14, 2026
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Shashthi Tithi Ends: 09:12 PM on Nov 15, 2026
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Sunset (Sandhya Arghya): Approx. 05:27 PM (May vary by city)
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Sunrise (Usha Arghya): Approx. 06:44 AM (Nov 16th)
Traditional Tips for 2026
Since Sandhya Arghya falls on a Sunday this year, expect riverbanks (Ghats) to be exceptionally crowded. If you are planning to visit or participate:
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Arrive Early: Reach the water body at least 2 hours before sunset to find a spot.
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Thekua Preparation: Start making the Prasad on the morning of the 15th to ensure it's fresh for the evening basket.
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Eco-Check: Many communities now use "artificial ponds" in parks to prevent river pollution—check your local guidelines!
Are you planning to observe the fast (Vrat) this year, or will you be helping a family member with the preparations?
Interactive Section: How Much Do You Know?
Q: Why do we offer Arghya to the setting sun first? Answer: It teaches us that the end is just a precursor to a new beginning. Just as the sun sets to rise again, our life follows a cycle of renewal.
Q: What is the significance of the Bamboo Soop? Answer: Bamboo is considered a symbol of growth and flexibility. Using handmade bamboo baskets supports local artisans and ensures that the festival remains plastic-free.
छठ पूजा की विधि, भजन, कथा हिंदी में जानने के लिये यहां क्लिक करें