What Is Chhath Puja 2026 Date According to the Hindu Calendar?

Chhath Puja is one of the most sacred Hindu festivals dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. According to the Hindu calendar, Chhath Puja 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, November 15, 2026, during Kartik Shukla Shashthi. The four-day celebration will begin on November 13 and conclude on November 16 with Usha Arghya and Parana.

For devotees living in India and abroad, knowing the correct chhath puja 2026 date is essential for preparing traditional offerings, observing the fast and participating in the rituals. At Sadhana, we understand the importance of preserving Hindu traditions and celebrating festivals with devotion, cultural pride and meaningful preparation.

Whether you are celebrating Chhath Puja with your family in India or observing it from the USA, this guide covers the Hindu calendar date, four-day festival schedule, religious significance, traditional rituals and frequently asked questions.

What Is the Chhath Puja 2026 Date According to the Hindu Calendar?

Chhath Puja 2026 falls on Sunday, November 15, 2026 , corresponding to Kartik Shukla Shashthi, the sixth day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik.

The festival is observed over four days, beginning with Nahay Khay on November 13 and ending with Usha Arghya and Parana on November 16. Devotees worship the setting and rising Sun as expressions of gratitude, devotion and respect for nature.

Chhath Puja is especially significant in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and among Hindu communities across the world.

The 2026 date is also listed in the Government of India's 2026 holiday calendar as Pratihar Shashthi or Surya Shashthi.

Why Is Chhath Puja Celebrated on Kartik Shukla Shashthi?

Chhath Puja is celebrated on the sixth lunar day (Shashthi) of the Shukla Paksha during the Hindu month of Kartik.

The festival holds special religious importance because devotees offer prayers to Surya Dev, who represents energy, life, health and prosperity. They also worship Chhathi Maiya, seeking blessings for their family's happiness, children's well-being and overall prosperity.

The timing is connected to the Hindu lunar calendar rather than a fixed Gregorian date. Therefore, the English calendar date changes every year.

Chhath Puja 2026 vs. Other Kartik Hindu Festivals

Kartik is considered an especially sacred month in Hindu tradition, with several important festivals and religious observances.

Chhath Puja is distinct because its central rituals involve offering Arghya (water offerings) to both the setting and rising Sun.

While Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness, and Govardhan Puja honours Lord Krishna, Chhath Puja focuses on Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya through fasting, prayer and nature-centred rituals.

What Is the Religious Significance of Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja represents gratitude, discipline, purity and devotion.

Its central religious practices include:

1. Sun worship: Devotees offer prayers to the setting and rising Sun.
2. Fasting: Vratis observe strict fasting as an expression of faith and self-discipline.
3. Purification: Maintaining cleanliness in food preparation, surroundings and personal practices is essential.
4. Family well-being: Devotees pray for the health, happiness and prosperity of their loved ones.
5. Gratitude towards nature: The festival honours the Sun, water and natural elements that sustain life.

What Is the Complete Chhath Puja 2026 Four-Day Schedule?

The four-day Chhath Puja celebration in 2026 will take place from November 13 to November 16. Each day has a specific name, religious significance and traditional ritual.

Here is the complete chhath puja 2026 calendar:

Day 1: Nahay Khay – November 13, 2026 (Friday)

Nahay Khay marks the beginning of Chhath Puja. On this day, devotees take a ritual bath and prepare themselves for the upcoming religious observances.

Vrat devotees traditionally prepare a simple, pure vegetarian meal in a clean environment. Food preparation follows traditional purity practices, and the meal is consumed before beginning the more demanding stages of the fast.

Important activities include:

• Taking a holy bath.
• Cleaning the home and cooking area.
• Preparing traditional vegetarian food.
• Beginning the festival with prayers and devotion.

Day 2: Lohanda and Kharna – November 14, 2026 (Saturday)

Kharna is the second day of Chhath Puja. Devotees observe a fast throughout the day and traditionally break it after sunset following prayers.

Special prasad is prepared, commonly including gur ki kheer, roti and seasonal fruits. After the Kharna ritual, devotees begin the traditional 36-hour nirjala fast, which continues until the final morning offering.

Important activities include:

• Observing a daytime fast.
• Preparing traditional Kharna prasad.
• Offering prayers to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.
• Beginning the extended fast after the evening ritual.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya – November 15, 2026 (Sunday)

Sandhya Arghya is the main day of Chhath Puja 2026 and one of the most significant moments of the festival.

Devotees gather near rivers, ponds, lakes and other water bodies to offer Arghya to the setting Sun. Families bring traditional bamboo baskets called soop and daura, filled with fruits, sugarcane, thekua and other sacred offerings.

The atmosphere becomes deeply spiritual as devotees sing traditional Chhath songs and pray together.

Important activities include:

• Preparing traditional Chhath offerings.
• Visiting the riverbank or designated water body.
• Offering Arghya to the setting Sun.
• Singing devotional songs.
• Praying for family happiness and prosperity.

Day 4: Usha Arghya and Parana – November 16, 2026 (Monday)

Usha Arghya marks the final day of Chhath Puja. Devotees gather early in the morning to offer prayers to the rising Sun.

This ritual represents gratitude, new beginnings and hope. After offering Usha Arghya, devotees conclude their fast through Parana according to their family traditions.

Important activities include:

• Gathering before sunrise.
• Offering Arghya to the rising Sun.
• Performing final prayers to Chhathi Maiya.
• Completing the traditional fast.
• Sharing prasad with family members and relatives.

How Do Chhath Puja Rituals Work?

Chhath Puja follows a carefully structured sequence of rituals that combines fasting, purification, traditional food preparation and Sun worship.

Each ritual carries a specific religious meaning and contributes to the spiritual importance of the festival.

What Is Arghya and Why Is It Important?

Arghya is a traditional Hindu offering of water to a deity. During Chhath Puja, devotees offer water to the setting and rising Sun as a symbol of gratitude, respect and devotion.

There are two major Arghya ceremonies:

1. Sandhya Arghya: The evening offering made to the setting Sun on November 15, 2026.
2. Usha Arghya: The morning offering made to the rising Sun on November 16, 2026.

These two ceremonies form the spiritual centre of the Chhath celebration.

What Is Chhath Puja Prasad?

Chhath Puja prasad consists of traditional food items prepared with devotion and purity.

Some of the most popular offerings include:

• Thekua: A traditional sweet made with wheat flour and jaggery.
• Kasaar: A traditional offering prepared using rice flour and jaggery.
• Fruits: Bananas, coconuts, apples and seasonal fruits.
• Sugarcane: An important traditional offering associated with Chhath Puja.
• Gur Ki Kheer: A sweet rice preparation traditionally served during Kharna.
• Coconut: A significant offering included in traditional Chhath baskets.

What Is the Importance of Traditional Chhath Puja Samagri?

Chhath Puja samagri includes the essential items required for performing traditional rituals.

Preparing these items in advance helps families organise the celebrations while maintaining their religious customs.

At Sadhana, celebrating Hindu festivals means recognising the value of traditional practices and helping families stay connected with their cultural roots.

A traditional Chhath preparation checklist includes:

1. Bamboo baskets (soop and daura).
2. Fruits and seasonal offerings.
3. Sugarcane and coconuts.
4. Thekua and other traditional prasad.
5. Diyas and puja essentials.
6. Clean clothes and other personal ritual items.

How to Prepare for Chhath Puja 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing for Chhath Puja requires advance planning because the festival involves multiple days of rituals, fasting and family participation.

Here are six practical steps to organise your celebration.

1. Confirm the festival dates: Mark November 13–16, 2026, on your calendar and check your local Panchang for the correct timings.
2. Arrange puja samagri: Prepare bamboo baskets, fruits, sugarcane, coconuts, thekua ingredients and other traditional offerings.
3. Clean your surroundings: Maintain cleanliness in your home and the area where you will perform the rituals.
4. Prepare traditional prasad: Arrange ingredients and prepare food according to your family's religious customs.
5. Plan the Arghya ceremonies: Identify a suitable riverbank, pond or designated community location for the evening and morning offerings.
6. Coordinate with family members: Organise transportation, offerings and responsibilities so everyone can participate comfortably.

Sadhana encourages families to celebrate Hindu festivals while keeping traditional practices, cultural values and meaningful rituals at the centre of their preparations.

How Are Families Celebrating Chhath Puja 2026 in the USA?

Chhath Puja is no longer limited to its traditional regions in India. Hindu communities across the United States also celebrate the festival with devotion and enthusiasm.

For Indian families living abroad, Chhath Puja provides an opportunity to reconnect with their heritage and introduce younger generations to important Hindu traditions.

How Do Indian Families Maintain Chhath Traditions Abroad?

Families living in the USA often adapt their celebrations according to local facilities while maintaining the essential religious practices.

Common approaches include:

• Organising community Chhath celebrations.
• Preparing thekua and other traditional prasad at home.
• Arranging suitable water bodies for Arghya ceremonies.
• Wearing traditional Indian clothing.
• Teaching children the significance of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.
• Connecting with relatives in India through video calls.

How Does Chhath Puja Strengthen Cultural Identity?

Chhath Puja creates a strong connection between generations through shared rituals, traditional food, devotional songs and family participation.

For children growing up outside India, participating in the festival can help them understand their family's cultural background and religious traditions.

Sadhana recognises the importance of keeping these cultural connections alive, especially for families celebrating Hindu festivals far from their ancestral homes.

How Can You Follow Chhath Puja Traditions While Living Abroad?

Families celebrating Chhath Puja outside India should plan according to their local sunrise and sunset timings.

Here are some useful considerations:

• Check a reliable local Hindu Panchang.
• Confirm the availability of an appropriate water body.
• Follow community guidelines for outdoor rituals.
• Prepare traditional offerings using locally available ingredients.
• Maintain family customs while adapting to local circumstances.

Important: The festival's Gregorian dates are listed for India. Devotees in the USA should consult a location-specific Panchang because sunrise, sunset and lunar tithi timings can vary by location.

The Future of Chhath Puja: Preserving Hindu Traditions Across Generations

Chhath Puja continues to bring families and communities together, even as lifestyles and geographical boundaries change.

Digital communication, community celebrations and greater cultural awareness are helping younger generations remain connected to traditional Hindu festivals.

How Will Digital Communities Help Preserve Chhath Puja Traditions?

Digital communities make it easier for families living in different countries to share festival preparations, devotional songs, traditional recipes and religious knowledge.

Families can also use online resources to learn about the correct dates, rituals and significance of Chhath Puja.

For Sadhana, the preservation of Hindu traditions and cultural connections remains an important part of celebrating meaningful occasions.

Conclusion: Celebrate Chhath Puja 2026 with Faith and Devotion

The Chhath Puja 2026 date is November 15, 2026, according to the Hindu calendar, with the four-day celebration running from November 13 to November 16. The festival honours Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya through fasting, traditional offerings and prayers to the setting and rising Sun.

Whether celebrating in India or the USA, Chhath Puja offers an opportunity to preserve family traditions, strengthen cultural identity and express gratitude for nature and life.

At Sadhana, we believe that every Hindu festival is an opportunity to celebrate heritage, spirituality and togetherness. Explore Sadhana and make your festive preparations meaningful by keeping your cherished traditions alive.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chhath Puja 2026

1. When Is Chhath Puja in 2026?

Chhath Puja will be celebrated on Sunday, November 15, 2026. The four-day festival begins on November 13 with Nahay Khay and concludes on November 16 with Usha Arghya and Parana. The main evening offering to the setting Sun takes place on November 15.

2. What Is the Tithi of Chhath Puja 2026?

Chhath Puja falls on Kartik Shukla Shashthi, the sixth lunar day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Kartik. The main Sandhya Arghya is observed on November 15, 2026. Exact tithi timings depend on the location and local Panchang.

3. When Is Kharna in Chhath Puja 2026?

Kharna will be observed on Saturday, November 14, 2026. Devotees traditionally observe a daytime fast and prepare special prasad, including gur ki kheer and roti. After evening prayers, they break the day's fast and begin the traditional extended fast.

4. When Is Sandhya Arghya in Chhath Puja 2026?

Sandhya Arghya will take place on Sunday, November 15, 2026. Devotees gather near water bodies during sunset and offer water, fruits and traditional offerings to Surya Dev as part of the main Chhath Puja ritual.

5. When Is Usha Arghya in Chhath Puja 2026?

Usha Arghya will be observed on Monday, November 16, 2026. Devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun early in the morning. This ceremony marks the conclusion of the main Chhath rituals, followed by Parana and the completion of the fast.

6. Why Is Chhath Puja Celebrated for Four Days?

Chhath Puja is celebrated over four days because each day represents a different stage of spiritual preparation and worship. The sequence includes Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya. Together, these rituals represent purification, discipline, gratitude and devotion.

7. Can Chhath Puja 2026 Be Celebrated in the USA?

Yes. Hindu families in the USA can celebrate Chhath Puja by following traditional rituals according to their local sunrise and sunset timings. Many communities organise group celebrations, prepare traditional prasad and offer Arghya at suitable water bodies.

8. How Does Sadhana Help Families Celebrate Hindu Festivals?

Sadhana celebrates the importance of Hindu heritage, spirituality and cultural traditions. Families looking to stay connected with their religious roots can explore Sadhana as part of their festive journey and discover meaningful ways to celebrate important Hindu occasions.

9. What Are the Main Offerings for Chhath Puja?

The main offerings include thekua, kasaar, bananas, coconuts, sugarcane and other seasonal fruits. These items are traditionally arranged in bamboo baskets and offered during Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya as expressions of devotion to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.

About the Author

Sadhana Editorial Team creates informative content covering Hindu festivals, Indian traditions, spirituality and cultural celebrations. The team focuses on helping readers understand the significance of important Hindu occasions and maintain meaningful connections with their heritage.

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