Chhath Puja 2026 will begin on Friday, November 13, and end on Monday, November 16. The four-day festival holds special importance for families in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and other parts of India. During Chhath Puja, devotees worship Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. They offer prayers, prepare traditional food, and observe a strict 36-hour fast during the final stages of the festival. Many families gather near rivers and ponds to offer Arghya to the setting and rising sun.

If you’re planning to celebrate, here are the Chhath Puja 2026 dates, sunrise and sunset timings, important rituals, and bank holiday details.

Chhath Puja 2026 Date: When Does the Festival Begin and End?

Chhath Puja takes place over four days, with a different ritual on each day. The festival starts with Nahay Khay and ends with Usha Arghya. Here is the Chhath Puja 2026 schedule:

The main prayers take place on November 15 and 16. Devotees offer Arghya to the setting sun on Sunday evening and to the rising sun on Monday morning.

Chhath Puja 2026 Sunrise and Sunset Timings: City-Wise List

The Chhath Puja 2026 Arghya timings are different in each city because the sun rises and sets at different times. Here are the sunrise and sunset timings for major Indian cities:

All timings are in Indian Standard Time (IST). The listed times indicate the calculated local sunset and sunrise. Actual visibility may vary slightly depending on the location, surrounding buildings, trees, and the horizon. Check your local panchang and ghat announcements before leaving.

Among the cities listed, Kolkata has the earliest sunset at 4:53 PM, while Mumbai has the latest sunset at 6:00 PM.

What Happens During the Four Days of Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja lasts for four days. Each day has a different ritual, and families follow these traditions with great faith.

Day 1: Nahay Khay – November 13

The festival starts with Nahay Khay. Devotees take a bath, clean their homes, and cook simple vegetarian meals. Rice, chana dal, and bottle gourd are some of the foods prepared on this day.

Day 2: Kharna – November 14

On the second day, devotees fast until the evening. They then prepare prasad, usually made with jaggery-based kheer (rasiya), roti, and fruits. After the evening prayers, they eat the prasad and begin a 36-hour fast without food or water, which continues until Usha Arghya on November 16.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya – November 15

On this day, families head to rivers and ponds before sunset. Devotees stand in the water and offer prayers to the setting sun. They bring bamboo baskets filled with fruits, sugarcane, thekua, and other puja items.

Day 4: Usha Arghya – November 16

The last day begins early in the morning. Devotees gather at the ghats before sunrise and offer prayers to the rising sun. Once the prayers are over, they complete the rituals, break their fast (Parana), and share prasad with family and friends.

Why Are Chhath Puja Arghya Timings Different in Each City?

The sun doesn’t rise or set at the same time across India. Eastern cities generally experience sunrise and sunset earlier by the clock than western cities because of their geographical longitude, even though the whole country follows the same time zone. Latitude and the date also influence the exact sunrise and sunset times.

For example, on November 15, the sun sets in Kolkata at 4:53 PM but in Mumbai at 6:00 PM. That’s why it’s important to follow the Arghya timings for your own city and check the local ghat announcements.

Important Tips for Devotees Visiting Chhath Ghats

Many families visit rivers and ponds during Chhath Puja. A little planning can help make the celebrations safer and more comfortable.

• Reach the ghat at least 30 to 45 minutes before the Arghya time.
• Follow the safety instructions given by local authorities.
• Keep children close, especially near deep water.
• Carry your puja items in advance to avoid a last-minute rush.
• Wear warm clothes during the early morning prayers.
• Choose a meeting point in case family members get separated in the crowd.
• Avoid entering deep or unmarked sections of rivers and ponds. Use designated bathing areas and follow instructions from local authorities.

People taking regular medication should also seek medical advice before observing the fast.

Chhath Puja 2026 will bring families together for four days of prayers and traditions from November 13 to 16. Devotees should check their local Arghya timings and plan their ghat visits early to celebrate safely.

Families traveling to India for the festival can also explore Indian Eagle deals and compare affordable international flights to plan their journey home.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Chhath Puja in 2026?

Chhath Puja begins on November 13, 2026, and ends on November 16, 2026.

When is Sandhya Arghya in 2026?

Sandhya Arghya will be observed on Sunday, November 15, 2026. Devotees offer prayers to the setting sun at their local sunset time.

When is Usha Arghya in 2026?

Usha Arghya will be observed on Monday, November 16, 2026. Devotees offer prayers to the rising sun, after which they complete the rituals and break their fast.

Is November 16, 2026, a bank holiday?

Banks in Bihar and Jharkhand are scheduled to remain closed on Monday, November 16, for Chhath Puja. November 14 falls on the second Saturday of the month, while November 15 is a Sunday. This means banks in these states will remain closed for three consecutive days, from Saturday to Monday. Bank holidays vary by state, so check the RBI’s latest holiday calendar before visiting your branch.

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