Chhath Puja 2026: From Nahay Khay, Kharna to Sandhya Arghya, 5 devotional songs dedicated to Chhathi Maiya for your playlist

Chhath Puja 2026 is being celebrated from November 13 to 16, with devotees observing the four-day festival dedicated to Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. One of the most significant festivals in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of Nepal, Chhath Puja is marked by rigorous fasting, traditional rituals, prayers and offerings to the setting and rising Sun.

The festival is observed with great devotion, with devotees gathering at rivers, ponds and other water bodies to offer Arghya to the Sun God. Along with the rituals, traditional Bhojpuri and Maithili devotional songs dedicated to Chhathi Maiya add to the festive atmosphere.

From Sharda Sinha’s evergreen folk songs to newer Bollywood devotional tracks, here are five songs to add to your Chhath Puja playlist.

Chhath Puja 2026: Four-day rituals and significance

Chhath Puja is observed over four days, with each day having a specific ritual and religious significance.

1. Nahay Khay – November 13, 2026

The first day of Chhath Puja is known as Nahay Khay. Devotees take a holy bath, clean their homes and prepare for the festival. They consume a traditional satvik meal, usually consisting of rice, chana dal and bottle gourd (kaddu). The food is prepared with utmost cleanliness, marking the beginning of the Chhath fast.

2. Kharna – November 14, 2026

The second day is known as Kharna or Lohanda. Devotees observe a day-long fast and break it after sunset following prayers. Traditional prasad, including jaggery kheer, chapatis and fruits, is prepared and offered to Chhathi Maiya before being distributed among family members and others.

After Kharna, devotees begin a rigorous 36-hour nirjala fast, during which they refrain from consuming both food and water.

3. Sandhya Arghya – November 15, 2026

The third day is considered one of the most important parts of Chhath Puja. Devotees prepare traditional offerings in bamboo baskets and soops, including fruits, thekua, coconut and sugarcane.

In the evening, devotees gather at riverbanks, ponds and other water bodies, stand in the water and offer Arghya to the setting Sun. Families and communities come together to perform the rituals and sing traditional Chhath songs dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.

4. Usha Arghya and Parana – November 16, 2026

The final day begins early in the morning when devotees gather at water bodies before sunrise. They offer Arghya to the rising Sun and pray for the health, happiness and prosperity of their families.

Following the morning prayers, devotees break their 36-hour fast through a ritual known as Parana, marking the conclusion of Chhath Puja.

Chhath Puja 2026: 5 devotional songs dedicated to Chhathi Maiya

Music is an integral part of Chhath Puja celebrations. Traditional Bhojpuri folk songs, especially those sung by the late Padma Shri awardee Sharda Sinha, are played in homes and at ghats during the festival.

Here are five devotional songs that can make your Chhath Puja playlist special.

1. Kelwa Ke Paat Par – Sharda Sinha

One of the most popular Chhath songs, On the foot of Kelwa by Sharda Sinha is almost synonymous with the festival. The traditional Bhojpuri folk song beautifully captures the rituals and offerings associated with Chhath Puja. It remains a favourite among devotees and is played in homes and at ghats during the celebrations.

2. Chhathi Maiyya – The Vvan

For those who enjoy Bollywood devotional music, Chhathi Maiyya from the film The Vvan: Force of the Forestfeaturing Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia, is another song to add to the playlist. Sung and composed by Vishal Mishra, the track celebrates the devotion towards Chhathi Maiya.

3. Pahile Pahil Chhathi Maiya – Sharda Sinha

Another evergreen devotional song by Sharda Sinha, Pahile Pahil Chhathi Maiya holds a special place in Chhath celebrations. The song reflects a devotee’s faith and prayers to Chhathi Maiya and is widely heard during the four-day festival.

4. Uga Hai Suraj Dev – Anuradha Paudwal

Dedicated to Surya Dev, Uga Hai Suraj Dev is a popular Chhath devotional song. The track is particularly relevant during the Sandhya and Usha Arghya rituals, when devotees offer prayers to the setting and rising Sun.

5. Bulaye Chhathi Maa – Shreya Ghoshal and Keshav Anand

Adding a contemporary touch to the traditional playlist is Call me Chhathi Maa from the upcoming film Yeh Prem Mol Liyafeaturing Ayushmann Khurrana and Sharvari. Sung by Shreya Ghoshal and Keshav Anand, the song is composed by Himesh Reshammiya, with lyrics by Manoj Muntashir Shukla.

With its devotional theme, the track makes for a fitting addition to this year’s Chhath Puja playlist.

Chhath Puja is not just a festival but a celebration of faith, discipline, nature and gratitude. From observing the rigorous fast to offering Arghya to the Sun God, every ritual holds deep significance. And as families come together to celebrate, these timeless devotional songs make the festivities even more special.