Chhath Puja 2026: 4-Day Schedule, Arghya Timings & Puja Vidhi

Chhath Puja 2026 will be celebrated from November 13 to November 16, with the main Chhath Puja on Sunday, November 15. Dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, this four-day festival is observed with great devotion, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh. 

Traditionally, a 36-hour long waterless fast (Nirjala vrat) is performed by the Devotees, which ends at the fourth day, after Arghya to the rising Sun. The festival begins with Nahay Khay and ends with Usha Arghya and Parana. Here is everything you need to know about Chhath Puja 2026 4-day schedule, arghya timings, Puja Vidhi, four-day rituals, significance and Katha.

Chhath Puja 2026 Date and Muhurat

The main Chhath Puja 2026 falls on 15 November 2026 (Sunday). Shashthi Tithi begins at 11:23 PM on November 14 and ends at 2:00 AM on November 16.

Here are the important timings for New Delhi:

Sandhya Arghya is offered around sunset, while Usha Arghya is offered to the rising Sun the next morning. Since sunrise and sunset differ by location, devotees should check the timings for their city.

Chhath Puja 2026: 4-Day Schedule

Chhath Puja lasts four days, and each day has its own rituals and significance.

What Is Chhath Puja and Why Is It Celebrated?

Chhath Puja, also known as Surya Shashthi, is dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees thank the Sun for supporting life and pray for health, prosperity and family well-being. While Chhathi Maiya is believed to be a protector of children, this is the reason why most families worship Chhathi Maiya with all their hearts.

One thing that makes Chhath different from many other Hindu festivals is the worship of both the setting and rising Sun. Cleanliness, discipline and purity are also given great importance throughout the four days.

If you enjoy understanding the spiritual and astrological meaning behind Hindu festivals, you can explore more festival and Vedic astrology insights on Astro Arun Pandit.

Chhath Puja Vidhi: How Are the Four Days Observed?

Day 1 – Nahay Khay: The devotee takes a holy bath, cleans the home and eats a simple Satvik meal. Maintain cleanliness while preparing food and Puja items.

Day 2 – Kharna: The devotee fasts during the day. After sunset, Kharna Prasad, traditionally including jaggery kheer and roti, is offered and then eaten. After Kharna, the strict Nirjala fast begins.

Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya: Just before the sunset, devotees gather at a river, pond or ghat with bamboo baskets filled with fruits, Thekua and other offerings. Then they offer Arghya to the setting Sun.

Day 4 – Usha Arghya: Devotees return to the ghat before sunrise and offer Arghya to the rising Sun—the fast ends with Parana after completing the prayers.

Chhath Puja Samagri List

• Bamboo soop and daura

• Thekua

• Bananas and seasonal fruits

• Coconut

• Sugarcane

• Diyas and cotton wicks

• Flowers

• Milk and clean water for Arghya

• Rice and jaggery

• Clean traditional clothes

The exact Samagri may vary by family and regional tradition. Purity and cleanliness are considered especially important while preparing Chhath Prasad.

Astrological Importance of Chhath Puja 2026

Surya Dev has an important place in Vedic astrology, which also gives Chhath Puja astrological significance.

• Sun and vitality: Surya is traditionally associated with energy, confidence and life force.

• Leadership and authority: A strong Sun is linked with confidence, leadership and recognition in astrology.

• Father and social position: The Sun is also studied in relation to father, authority and status in a birth chart.

• Shashthi Tithi: The main Chhath rituals take place on Kartik Shukla Shashthi.

• Surya worship: Offering Arghya is traditionally associated with gratitude towards the Sun and prayers for strength and well-being.

To understand how Surya is placed in an individual birth chart, readers can explore Kundli and Vedic astrology guidance from Astro Arun Pandit. Those interested in learning how planets such as the Sun are interpreted can also explore astrology courses at Occult Gurukul.

Chhath Puja Vrat Katha

No single Katha is associated with Chhath Puja. Different traditions connect the festival with Draupadi, Karna, Chhathi Maiya, and Lord Rama and Mata Sita.

1. King Priyavrat and Chhathi Maiya

According to a popular Katha, long ago, King Priyavrat and Queen Malini were unable to have a child. They performed a Yagya under the guidance of Maharishi Kashyap, after which the queen became pregnant. However, their child did not survive.

As the king grieved, Goddess Shashthi Devi (Chhathi Maiya) appeared before him. She asked the king to worship her. The king performed her Puja on Kartik Shukla Shashthi and was later blessed with a child. This Katha is traditionally associated with the worship of Chhathi Maiya for children and family well-being.

2. Karna’s Devotion to Surya Dev

According to popular tradition, Chhath Puja is associated with Karna of Mahabharat. In the morning, he used to bathe in a river, pray and offer Arghya to Surya Dev, while standing in the water.

3. Draupadi and Surya Vrat

When Pandavas lost their empire, it is believed that Draupadi observed Chhath Puja, after which the Pandavas regained their empire.

4. Maa Sita’s Surya Puja

After the events of Lanka, Lord Rama and Mata Sita are believed to have worshipped Surya Dev on Kartik Shukla Shashthi. According to tradition, they performed Surya Puja with devotion under Rishi Mudgal's guidance.

This story is also associated with the development of Sun worship that later became part of the Chhath tradition.

Why Are Both the Setting and Rising Sun Worshipped in Chhath Puja?

One of the most beautiful traditions of Chhath is that devotees worship the Sun in two different forms. On the third day, Sandhya Arghya is offered to the setting Sun. The next morning, Usha Arghya is offered to the rising Sun.

The setting Sun is traditionally seen as a time to express gratitude, while sunrise represents hope and a fresh beginning. Together, these rituals remind devotees to respect every stage of life—not only beginnings and success, but also endings and change.

Chhath Puja Do’s and Don’ts

Conclusion

The main day of Chhath Puja 2026 will be observed on November 15, the day of sandhya arghya. The traditions and rituals will start  from November 13 to 16, bringing together four days of fasting, Surya worship and devotion to Chhathi Maiya. From Nahay Khay and Kharna to Sandhya and Usha Arghya, each ritual reflects discipline, gratitude and prayers for the family's well-being.

The festival teaches us the importance of nature, health and every phase of life. Whether Chhath is observed through family tradition or a strict Vrat, its central message remains faith, gratitude, and respect for Surya Dev, Chhathi Maiya, and nature.