Chhath Puja in 2026 is observed over 13–16 November, with Sandhya Arghya on Sunday, 15 November. The festival honours Surya and Chhathi Maiya through gratitude, restraint and family participation.
The four days of Chhath Puja 2026
- Friday, 13 November: Nahay Khay. Bathing, cleaning and a simple meal begin the observance.
- Saturday, 14 November: Kharna. The evening offering and meal, often including kheer, follow the family’s tradition.
- Sunday, 15 November: Sandhya Arghya. Offerings are made to the setting sun. New Delhi sunset is 5:28 PM IST; arrive in time for local arrangements.
- Monday, 16 November: Usha Arghya. The rising sun receives the morning offering, followed by completion of the observance and parana according to custom. Check the local sunrise for this specific date.
Shashthi tithi and the main puja day
Shashthi runs from 11:23 PM on 14 November to 2:00 AM on 16 November in the referenced New Delhi calendar. The main evening offering is on 15 November. Do not use a sunrise listed for 15 November as the morning offering time on 16 November.
The traditional story of Chhathi Maiya
A popular story tells of King Priyavrata and Queen Malini, who grieve for their child. The goddess associated with Shashthi appears, restores hope and brings the child back to life. The family honours her and shares the observance with others. This devotional tale expresses protection and gratitude; names and details differ between tellings. It is not a promise of a medical outcome.
Preparing offerings and joining the family
Families commonly prepare seasonal fruit, thekua and other customary food, arranging them in a bamboo basket or soop. Use clean utensils and follow the practices of the observing household. Relatives can help with cooking, transport and cleaning without taking on a fast themselves.
Some traditions include a prolonged waterless fast. Participation should respect personal health needs. At a river or public ghat, use the designated area and follow local crowd and water-safety arrangements.
Common questions
Is Chhath only a sunset ritual?
No. Both the setting sun on the third day and the rising sun on the fourth day receive offerings.
Does every city use New Delhi’s sunset?
No. Choose your own location’s sunrise and sunset and check the arrangements at the ghat you will visit.
Related festival guides
Editorial sources
Dates and timings checked on 19 October 2026 for New Delhi, India, IST. For another city, select that location in the timing source; a time-zone conversion alone is insufficient. Kathas are concise traditional retellings, with regional variations.