Chhath Puja 2026 on November 15: Complete Puja Vidhi from Nahay Khay to Usha Arghya

Chhath Puja is one of the most sacred Hindu festivals dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Celebrated with immense devotion, this festival represents purity, discipline, gratitude towards nature and prayers for the well-being of family members.

Devotees observe this festival to seek good health, prosperity, happiness and long life for their children and families.

One of the most unique features of Chhath Puja is that devotees worship both the setting Sun and the rising Sun. This tradition represents gratitude towards nature and respect for every stage of life.

In 2026, Chhath Mahaparv will be celebrated from November 13 to November 16. The four important stages are Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya.

Chhath Puja 2026: Important Dates

The festival is observed on Kartik Shukla Shashthi, the sixth day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Kartik.

The four-day schedule for 2026 is:

1. November 13, Friday – Nahay Khay

2. November 14, Saturday – Kharna

3. November 15, Sunday – Sandhya Arghya

4. November 16, Monday – Usha Arghya and Parana

Each day has its own spiritual importance and traditional rituals.

1. Nahay Khay – November 13, 2026

Nahay Khay marks the beginning of Chhath Puja. On this day, devotees wake up early, take a holy bath and clean their homes and kitchens.

The main purpose of this ritual is to begin the festival with physical and spiritual purity.

Traditionally, devotees prepare a simple and pure meal consisting of bottle gourd curry, chana dal and rice. Food is prepared with special care, following traditional cleanliness practices.

Important rituals of Nahay Khay:

• Clean the house and kitchen thoroughly.

• Take a bath and wear clean clothes.

• Prepare a simple and sattvic meal.

• Avoid onion and garlic according to family traditions.

• Begin the fasting observance with devotion and discipline.

2. Kharna – November 14, 2026

Kharna, also known as Lohanda, is the second day of Chhath Puja.

On this day, devotees observe a fast throughout the day. In the evening, they prepare traditional offerings such as jaggery kheer and wheat-based roti.

After worshipping Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev, the prasad is offered and then consumed by the devotee.

Following Kharna, the traditional approximately 36-hour waterless fast begins and continues until the completion of Usha Arghya and Parana.

Kharna Puja Vidhi:

1. Wake up early and take a bath.

2. Observe the fast throughout the day.

3. Prepare jaggery kheer and roti in a clean kitchen.

4. Arrange the offerings at the worship area.

5. Light a diya and offer prayers to Chhathi Maiya.

6. Offer the prepared prasad.

7. Consume the prasad after completing the evening worship.

3. Sandhya Arghya – November 15, 2026

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

On this day, devotees gather near rivers, ponds and other clean water bodies to offer prayers to the setting Sun.

Traditional offerings are arranged in bamboo baskets known as soop and daura. These baskets contain thekua, fruits, sugarcane, coconut and other seasonal offerings.

At sunset, devotees stand in the water and offer Arghya to Surya Dev with water and milk, according to their family traditions.

Sandhya Arghya Puja Vidhi:

1. Prepare the puja offerings in the morning.

2. Arrange fruits, thekua, coconut and sugarcane in bamboo baskets.

3. Visit a clean riverbank, pond or designated ghat.

4. Stand in the water at sunset.

5. Offer Arghya to the setting Sun.

6. Pray to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya for family happiness and prosperity.

7. Sing traditional Chhath songs and complete the evening worship.

Why Do Devotees Worship the Setting Sun?

Chhath Puja is unique because devotees offer prayers to the setting Sun as well as the rising Sun.

Worshipping the setting Sun represents gratitude, humility and respect for every phase of life. It reminds people that every stage has its own importance and that change is a natural part of existence.

4. Usha Arghya and Parana – November 16, 2026

Usha Arghya is the final and concluding ritual of Chhath Puja.

On the fourth day, devotees wake up early and gather at the ghats before sunrise. They carry their traditional offerings and wait for the first rays of the Sun.

As the Sun rises, devotees offer Arghya to Surya Dev and pray for good health, prosperity, happiness and the well-being of their children.

After completing the morning worship, devotees conclude their fast through a ritual known as Parana.

Usha Arghya Puja Vidhi:

1. Wake up early in the morning.

2. Take a bath and wear clean traditional clothes.

3. Arrange the puja baskets with fruits and traditional offerings.

4. Reach the ghat before sunrise.

5. Offer Arghya to the rising Sun.

6. Worship Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.

7. Pray for the happiness and prosperity of the family.

8. Complete the fast through Parana after the morning rituals.

Usha Arghya marks the completion of the four-day Chhath Mahaparv.

Chhath Puja Samagri: Complete List

Traditional items used during Chhath Puja include:

• Bamboo baskets (Soop and Daura)

• Thekua and rice laddoos

• Coconut

• Bananas and seasonal fruits

• Sugarcane

• Sweet potatoes

• Ginger and turmeric

• Betel leaves and betel nuts

• Diya and cotton wicks

• Ghee and incense sticks

• Milk and water

• Flowers and rice grains

• Clean traditional clothes

The exact list may vary according to regional and family traditions.

Religious Significance of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya

In Hindu tradition, Surya Dev is considered a visible deity who provides light, warmth and energy to the Earth.

The Sun plays an essential role in sustaining life, and its worship has been an important part of Indian spiritual traditions since ancient times.

Chhathi Maiya is worshipped alongside Surya Dev. According to popular religious beliefs, she protects children and blesses families with happiness, health and prosperity.

Devotees offer prayers for the long life of their children, family well-being and a prosperous future.

Scientific and Environmental Importance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja also reflects the deep relationship between human life and nature.

The festival highlights the importance of the Sun, water and the natural environment. Sunlight is an essential source of energy, while water is necessary for the survival of all living beings.

The tradition of gathering near rivers and ponds also encourages community participation and collective responsibility.

Devotees should maintain cleanliness at the ghats, avoid plastic waste and never throw non-biodegradable पूजा materials into water bodies.

Important Things to Remember During Chhath Puja

• Maintain cleanliness throughout the festival.

• Prepare prasad using clean utensils and ingredients.

• Follow traditional fasting practices according to your health and capacity.

• Keep the riverbanks and ghats clean.

• Follow local safety instructions near water bodies.

• Avoid entering deep water.

• People who are pregnant, elderly, unwell or taking medication should consult a healthcare professional before observing a strict waterless fast.

Conclusion

Chhath Puja is much more than a religious festival. It is a celebration of devotion, discipline, gratitude, family unity and respect for nature.

From Nahay Khay and Kharna to Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya, every ritual teaches the importance of purity, patience and gratitude.

In 2026, devotees will offer prayers to the setting Sun on November 15 and to the rising Sun on November 16, marking the completion of Chhath Mahaparv.

May Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya bless everyone with good health, happiness, peace and prosperity.

Jai Chhathi Maiya!