Chhath Puja 2026 is one of the most significant traditional festivals of Bihar and the eastern regions of India. Dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, this four-day festival represents faith, purity, discipline, gratitude towards nature and devotion to the divine source of energy.

Chhath Puja is celebrated with great devotion in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of Nepal. The festival is also observed by Bihari communities living in different parts of India and across the world.

Unlike many other Hindu festivals, Chhath Puja places special emphasis on the worship of the rising and setting Sun. Devotees observe strict fasting rituals, prepare traditional offerings and gather at rivers, ponds and other water bodies to offer Arghya to the Sun.

In 2026, the main Sandhya Arghya will be observed on 15 November, followed by Usha Arghya on 16 November.

आदित्य हृदयम्: श्रीराम की सूर्य स्तुति

This guide covers the complete Chhath Puja 2026 calendar, four-day rituals, Arghya timings, traditional offerings, puja samagri list, religious significance and Bihar’s ancient tradition of Sun worship.

Chhath Puja 2026 Date and Calendar

Chhath Puja 2026 will be observed over four days, from 13 November to 16 November.

The festival begins with Nahay Khay and concludes after devotees offer Arghya to the rising Sun on the final morning.

Chhath Puja 2026: Sandhya and Usha Arghya Timings in Patna

The timing of Arghya depends on the local sunrise and sunset. For Patna, Bihar, the approximate timings are:

Important: These are approximate timings for Patna. Sunrise and sunset timings may vary slightly across Bihar, including Gaya, Bhojpur, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur and other districts. Devotees should confirm local timings through a regional Panchang or the local administration.

Divine Natural Surya Shankha

The Four Days of Chhath Puja

1. Nahay Khay – 13 November 2026

Nahay Khay marks the beginning of Chhath Puja. On this day, devotees take a ritual bath and thoroughly clean their homes and kitchens.

Purity is an essential part of Chhath observance. Traditional food is prepared in a clean environment using fresh ingredients and separate utensils.

In Bihar, the traditional Nahay Khay meal commonly includes:

• Lauki (bottle gourd)
• Rice
• Chana dal
• Pure ghee
• Freshly prepared vegetarian food

The meal is prepared according to family traditions and consumed after the rituals.

Nahay Khay marks the beginning of the spiritual preparation for the festival.

बिहार की प्राचीन सूर्य मूर्तियाँ: सांस्कृतिक और ऐतिहासिक दृष्टि

2. Kharna or Lohanda – 14 November 2026

Kharna is the second day of Chhath Puja. Devotees observe a fast throughout the day and prepare special offerings in the evening.

Traditional Kharna Prasad commonly includes:

• Jaggery-based kheer
• Roti
• Rice
• Milk

In many households, the kheer is traditionally prepared in an earthen pot over a clay stove using mango wood.

After offering prayers, the devotee consumes the Kharna Prasad. This is followed by the traditional approximately 36-hour fast, during which devotees abstain from food and water.

Ambika Gulabpushp Agarbatti

The exact practices may vary according to family traditions and personal circumstances.

3. Sandhya Arghya – 15 November 2026

Sandhya Arghya is one of the most important rituals of Chhath Puja.

On this day, devotees gather at riverbanks, ponds and designated ghats with their families. Traditional bamboo baskets and winnowing trays, known as Supa and Daura, are filled with fruits, Thekua, sugarcane, coconuts, flowers and other offerings.

As the Sun approaches the horizon, devotees stand in the water and offer Arghya to the setting Sun.

Traditional Chhath songs fill the atmosphere, creating a deeply spiritual and cultural experience.

देव बरुणार्क सूर्य मंदिर: बिहार का ऐतिहासिक धरोहर

The ritual expresses gratitude towards the Sun for sustaining life and providing energy to the natural world.

4. Usha Arghya and Paran – 16 November 2026

The final day of Chhath Puja begins before sunrise.

Devotees return to the ghats and prepare their offerings for the rising Sun. As the first rays of sunlight appear, they offer Usha Arghya to Lord Surya.

Prayers are offered for family well-being, good health, prosperity and the welfare of children.

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After completing the morning rituals, devotees conclude their fast through Paran, according to their family traditions.

With Usha Arghya and Paran, the four-day Chhath Mahaparv comes to an end.

Complete Chhath Puja Samagri List 2026

The materials used during Chhath Puja may vary according to regional customs, family traditions and local availability. However, several traditional items are commonly used in Bihar.

बिहार के 9 प्रसिद्ध शक्तिस्थल: माँ दुर्गा की भक्ति, प्राचीन मंदिरों का इतिहास और लोकआस्था की अनोखी कहानियाँ

1. Main Puja Essentials

• Bamboo Supa (winnowing basket)
• Bamboo Daura (large bamboo basket)
• Brass or copper Lota
• Puja Kalash
• Earthen Diyas
• Cotton wicks
• Pure ghee or oil for lamps
• Incense sticks and Dhoop
• Rice grains (Akshat)
• Roli or Sindoor
• Fresh flowers and garlands
• Clean puja cloth
• Water for rituals

2. Fruits and Natural Offerings

• Coconut
• Sugarcane
• Bananas
• Apples
• Oranges
• Seasonal fruits
• Lemon
• Ginger
• Turmeric
• Radish
• Suthni (a traditional tuber)
• Other locally available seasonal produce

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3. Traditional Chhath Prasad

• Thekua
• Kasar
• Rice laddoos
• Jaggery
• Wheat flour
• Rice
• Pure ghee
• Milk

4. Items for Arghya and Ghat Preparation

• Bamboo Supa and Daura
• Lota for offering Arghya
• Diyas
• Containers for Prasad
• Clean traditional clothes
• Materials for maintaining cleanliness at the ghat

Note: This is a general Chhath Puja Samagri List. Some items may differ depending on regional and family traditions. Devotees should follow their customary practices.

Why Is Arghya Offered to Lord Surya During Chhath Puja?

In Hindu tradition, the Sun represents light, energy, life and vitality. Sunlight is essential for life on Earth and plays a fundamental role in sustaining nature.

During Chhath Puja, devotees offer prayers to both the setting and rising Sun.

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Sandhya Arghya is offered to the setting Sun as an expression of gratitude, while Usha Arghya welcomes the new morning and symbolises hope, renewal and the continuity of life.

The worship of the Sun and water also reflects the close relationship between human life and nature.

Chhath Puja is therefore not only a religious observance but also a celebration of gratitude towards the natural world.

Who Is Chhathi Maiya?

Chhathi Maiya is a revered divine figure worshipped during Chhath Puja, particularly in Bihar and neighbouring regions.

In popular religious traditions, she is associated with the protection of children, motherhood, family welfare and prosperity.

In several Hindu traditions, Chhathi Maiya is associated with Shashthi Devi, a goddess connected with the well-being and protection of children.

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Different regions preserve their own stories and beliefs about her identity and divine significance.

Traditional Chhath folk songs express devotion to Chhathi Maiya and reflect the emotional connection between the festival, family and community.

Chhath Puja and Its Cultural Significance in Bihar

Chhath Puja is deeply connected with the cultural identity of Bihar. It is more than a religious festival; it is an important expression of the region’s traditions, community life and collective devotion.

During the festival, many people living in other parts of India and abroad return to their hometowns and villages to celebrate with their families.

Across Bihar, rivers, ponds and community ghats are cleaned and decorated in preparation for the celebrations.

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Some important cultural features of Chhath Puja include:

• Traditional Bhojpuri, Maithili and Magahi folk songs.
• The use of bamboo Supa and Daura.
• Preparation of traditional offerings such as Thekua and Kasar.
• Community participation in cleaning and decorating ghats.
• Family gatherings and collective prayers.
• Respect for rivers, water bodies and the natural environment.

The festival preserves a living cultural tradition that connects generations of families.

Chhath Puja and the Ancient Tradition of Sun Worship in Bihar

Bihar has a rich religious and historical heritage associated with Sun worship.

Several important temples dedicated to Lord Surya reflect the region’s long-standing religious traditions. Among the best-known examples are:

Deo Sun Temple, Aurangabad

The Deo Sun Temple in Aurangabad district is one of Bihar’s most prominent pilgrimage destinations associated with Sun worship.

Devotees visit the temple throughout the year, with particularly large gatherings during Chhath Puja.

Offer Chadhava At Umga Sun Temple, Umga

Umga Sun Temple, Aurangabad

Umga is another important religious and heritage site in Aurangabad district. Its temple complex and traditional association with Sun worship make it significant in the religious landscape of Bihar.

Ancient Surya Worship and Sculptural Heritage

Bihar’s wider archaeological and cultural heritage includes important examples of Hindu religious sculpture and temple architecture.

The study of ancient Surya images can help researchers understand the artistic styles, religious symbolism and historical development of Sun worship in the region.

Historical evidence, archaeological findings and local religious traditions should be studied separately when establishing the age and origin of particular temples or sculptures.

At Sanatana Bihar, our aim is to document Bihar’s temples, pilgrimage destinations, historical monuments and living religious traditions through accessible and well-researched information.

Environmental Importance of Chhath Puja

Water bodies play a central role in Chhath Puja. Rivers, ponds and other natural water sources become important places of worship during the festival.

Book Puja Seva AT Dev Surya Mandir, Aurangabad

Keeping these places clean is a shared responsibility.

Devotees and visitors can help make the festival more environmentally responsible by following a few practices:

• Avoid plastic bags and disposable plastic materials.
• Prefer bamboo, clay and other natural materials.
• Do not throw waste into rivers or ponds.
• Dispose of flowers and organic offerings at designated locations.
• Avoid using soaps or chemical products in natural water bodies.
• Follow local administration and ghat safety instructions.

Protecting water bodies is an important way to preserve the natural environment associated with the festival.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chhath Puja 2026

1. When is Chhath Puja in 2026?

Chhath Puja 2026 will be celebrated from 13 November to 16 November. Sandhya Arghya will take place on 15 November and Usha Arghya on 16 November.

2. When is Nahay Khay in 2026?

Nahay Khay will be observed on Friday, 13 November 2026.

3. When is Kharna in 2026?

Kharna or Lohanda will be observed on Saturday, 14 November 2026.

4. When is Sandhya Arghya in 2026?

Sandhya Arghya will be offered on Sunday, 15 November 2026.

5. When is Usha Arghya in 2026?

Usha Arghya will be offered on Monday, 16 November 2026, around sunrise.

6. What is the Sandhya Arghya timing in Patna in 2026?

The approximate sunset time in Patna on 15 November 2026 is 5:01 PM. Local timings should be verified before the festival.

7. What is the Usha Arghya timing in Patna in 2026?

The approximate sunrise time in Patna on 16 November 2026 is 6:07 AM.

8. What is the traditional Prasad of Chhath Puja?

Thekua, Kasar, rice laddoos and Jaggery Kheer are among the traditional offerings prepared during Chhath Puja.

9. Why is Chhath Puja celebrated?

Chhath Puja is observed to worship Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees express gratitude towards the Sun and pray for family welfare, health and prosperity.

10. Is Chhath Puja celebrated only in Bihar?

No. Chhath Puja is also celebrated in Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, parts of Nepal and by Bihari communities across India and abroad.

Discover Bihar’s Spiritual and Cultural Heritage with Sanatana Bihar

Bihar is home to an extraordinary heritage of ancient temples, sacred places, traditional festivals and living religious practices.