Desk: Chhath Puja, the great festival of folk faith, has started from today i.e. 13th November with Nahay-Khay. In this festival which lasts for four days, special worship is done to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya. In many parts of the country including Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh, enthusiasm is being seen among the devotees regarding Chhath festival. This great festival will conclude on 16th November with offering Arghya to the rising sun and Parana.
Every day in Chhath Puja has its own religious significance. In this festival starting from Nahay-Khay, the tradition of Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya is performed. Let us know about the four dates of Chhath Puja 2026 and the traditions associated with them.
Starting with Nahay-Khay on 13th November
The first day of Chhath Mahaparva is celebrated as Nahay-Khay. On this day, fasting people take bath and clean the house and place of worship. After this, satvik food is prepared. Traditionally, food of gourd, gram dal and rice is prepared on this day. With this the four-day Chhath festival begins.
Kharna will be held on 14th November
The second day of Chhath Puja is called Kharna. On this day, devotees observe fast throughout the day and take Prasad after worship in the evening. Kharna's offerings include jaggery kheer, roti and fruits. After this day, the difficult Nirjala fast of Chhath begins, which continues even after the evening Arghya the next day.
Arghya will be offered to the setting sun on 15th November
The third day of Chhath festival is considered one of the most important rituals. This is called Sandhya Arghya. On this day, devotees along with family members reach the banks of rivers, ponds and other water bodies. There, by offering Arghya to the setting sun, wishes for the happiness, prosperity and well-being of the family are made.
During this time, various puja items including thekua, fruits, sugarcane, coconut are decorated in bamboo basket and soup.
Arghya to the rising sun on 16th November, then Parana
Arghya will be offered to the rising sun in the morning on the last day of Chhath Mahaparva. This is called Usha Arghya. The devotees reach the ghats before sunrise and worship Lord Sun. After this, the tradition of Paran is performed, with which the four-day Chhath festival comes to an end.
Complete dates of Chhath Puja 2026
| date | Day | Festivals and Rituals |
|---|---|---|
| 13 November | Friday | Bathing and eating |
| 14 November | Saturday | Kharna |
| Nov 15 | sunday | evening prayer |
| 16 November | monday | Usha Arghya and Parana |