Chhath Puja, the four-day festival dedicated to Surya and Chhathi Maiya, is celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Nepal’s Terai, and by migrant communities across India. In 2026 it is expected from Friday, November 13 to Monday, November 16, as per panchang listings.
Chhath Puja 2026: day-by-day
- Day 1, November 13: Nahay Khay. Devotees bathe, often in a river, and eat a simple meal of rice, chana dal and lauki.
- Day 2, November 14: Kharna. A day-long fast ends in the evening with kheer made with jaggery, after which a 36-hour waterless fast begins.
- Day 3, November 15: Sandhya Arghya. Offerings to the setting sun at a river or pond.
- Day 4, November 16: Usha Arghya. Offerings to the rising sun; the fast ends after this.
Only one detailed listing was available at the time of writing, so confirm the dates and sunrise and sunset times with a local panchang. Bank holiday lists also mark Chhath on November 15 or 16 in Bihar and Jharkhand.
Travel and crowds
Trains to Bihar and eastern UP are heavily booked around Chhath, and Indian Railways usually runs special trains. If you are travelling, book early and check special train announcements.
Quick answers
Chhath Puja 2026 kab hai? November 13 se 16 tak; sandhya arghya November 15 ko.
When is the Chhath Sandhya Arghya in 2026? Sunday, November 15.
Is Chhath a bank holiday? In Bihar and Jharkhand, on November 15 or 16 depending on the state list.
Questions to think about
- How can cities keep ghats clean and safe during Chhath crowds?
- Should more festival special trains run, given how many people travel home?
Sources: panchang listings (Mangalmay) and RBI-based holiday calendars. Confirm locally.
