Chhath Puja, also known as Surya Shashthi, is an ancient Vedic festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and his consort, Chhathi Maiya. It is a four-day mahaparv (great festival) primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Unique in its traditions, Chhath Puja involves no idol worship; it is a direct tribute to the life-sustaining forces of nature—Light and Water.
Chhath Puja 2026: Four-Day Calendar
In 2026, Chhath Puja will be observed in mid-November. Since the rituals are tied to the movement of the sun, the following dates are critical for devotees (Vratis):
| Day | Ritual Name | Date (2026) | Significance |
| Day 1 | Nahay-Khay | Nov 13, 2026 (Friday) | The day of purification and a single sattvic meal. |
| Day 2 | Kharna | Nov 14, 2026 (Saturday) | A day-long fast broken in the evening with kheer and roti. |
| Day 3 | Sandhya Arghya | Nov 15, 2026 (Sunday) | The main ritual of offering prayers to the Setting Sun. |
| Day 4 | Usha Arghya | Nov 16, 2026 (Monday) | The final ritual offering prayers to the Rising Sun. |
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Sandhya Arghya Sunset (Nov 15): Approximately 05:27 PM
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Usha Arghya Sunrise (Nov 16): Approximately 06:44 AM
The Four Pillars of the Mahaparv
The beauty of Chhath Puja lies in its simplicity and the rigorous discipline of the devotees.
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Nahay-Khay: The festival begins with a holy dip in a river or pond. Devotees clean their homes and prepare a simple meal of rice, dal, and bottle gourd (Kaddu-Bhat) in earthen pots.
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Kharna: On this day, devotees observe a total fast without water from sunrise to sunset. In the evening, after the moon rises, they offer prayers and eat a meal of jaggery-based kheer and roti. This is the last meal before the 36-hour nirjala (without water) fast begins.
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Sandhya Arghya: On the third evening, the entire community gathers at the riverbanks (Ghats). Devotees stand knee-deep in water and offer 'Arghya' to the setting sun, carrying bamboo baskets (Soops) filled with seasonal fruits and homemade Thekua.
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Usha Arghya: The fast concludes the next morning when devotees return to the riverbank before dawn to welcome the rising sun. After the morning Arghya, the Vratis break their fast with ginger and water.
The Spiritual and Scientific Significance
Chhath Puja is considered one of the most scientific festivals in Indian culture:
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Solar Energy Absorption: Standing in water and facing the sun during sunrise and sunset is believed to facilitate the absorption of solar energy, which balances the hormones and improves the immunity of the human body.
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Worship of the Setting Sun: Chhath is unique because it honors the setting sun first. This teaches the philosophy that the end of a cycle is essential for a new beginning.
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Environmental Harmony: The festival uses natural, biodegradable items—bamboo baskets, clay lamps, sugarcane, and seasonal fruits. It is a celebration that promotes the conservation of water bodies and nature.
Traditional Chhath Prasad: Thekua and More
The 'Prasad' of Chhath is considered extremely sacred and is prepared with high standards of cleanliness.
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Thekua: A deep-fried biscuit made of whole wheat flour, ghee, and jaggery. It is the most famous offering of the festival.
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Dabh Lemon: A large variety of pomelo/grapefruit offered in the Soop.
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Sugarcane: Symbolizing growth and the sweetness of life, stalks of sugarcane are used to create a canopy (Mandap) for the offerings.
Chhath Puja 2026: Planning Your Visit
As the main Arghya falls on a Sunday (November 15) in 2026, the riverbanks in major cities like Patna, Varanasi, and Delhi will be exceptionally crowded. If you are participating:
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Plan Ahead: Reach the Ghats at least 2-3 hours before sunset to ensure a safe and peaceful experience.
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Eco-Conscious: Avoid using plastic bags for carrying Prasad and ensure that no non-biodegradable waste is left at the riverbanks.
छठ पूजा की विधि, भजन, कथा हिंदी में जानने के लिये यहां क्लिक करें