Chhath Puja is a festival of faith, gratitude, discipline, and devotion.
As the sun rises and sets over the water, devotees come together to offer Arghya to Surya Dev and seek blessings for the well-being and prosperity of their families. The atmosphere is simple yet deeply spiritual, with traditional offerings, clean surroundings, bamboo baskets, diyas, fruits, Thekua, and the gentle glow of lamps coming together.
For those preparing for Chhath Puja 2026, this guide covers the Chhath Puja date, the four days of the festival, its significance, essential Chhath Puja items, how to celebrate, and thoughtful festive gifting ideas.
Chhath Puja 2026: Date & Calendar
Chhath Puja 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, November 15, 2026. The complete four-day Chhath observance begins on Friday, November 13 and concludes on Monday, November 16.
Chhath Puja 2026 at a Glance
|
Day |
Date |
Ritual |
|
Day 1 |
Friday, November 13 |
Nahay Khay |
|
Day 2 |
Saturday, November 14 |
Lohanda & Kharna |
|
Day 3 |
Sunday, November 15 |
Chhath Puja & Sandhya Arghya |
|
Day 4 |
Monday, November 16 |
Usha Arghya & Parana |
The exact sunrise and sunset timings vary by city, so devotees should check the local Panchang when planning the Arghya rituals. In Patna, for example, sunset on Chhath Puja day is listed at approximately 5:01 PM.
Why Chhath Puja Is Celebrated
Why Chhath Puja is celebrated is closely connected with gratitude towards Surya Dev, the Sun God, who is traditionally worshipped as the source of energy and life.
The festival is also associated with Chhathi Maiya, who is revered during the observance.
Devotees offer prayers for health, prosperity, well-being, and the happiness of their families. The rituals are marked by discipline, purity, fasting, and offerings made to both the setting and rising sun.
Unlike many festivals where the focus is primarily on elaborate decorations, Chhath is deeply connected to nature.
The sun.
The water.
The earth.
Fresh fruits and traditional offerings.
And the simple act of standing in devotion as the sun rises or sets.
Who Is Chhathi Maiya?
Chhathi Maiya is traditionally worshipped during Chhath Puja and is regarded as a benevolent divine figure associated with the protection and well-being of families and children.
The devotion towards Chhathi Maiya is one of the defining elements of Chhath celebrations, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal.
For devotees, the festival is a time to express gratitude and seek blessings for the family's health, happiness, and prosperity.
The Four Days of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is not a one-day celebration. The observance takes place over four days, with each day carrying its own ritual and significance.
Day 1: Nahay Khay
The first day is known as Nahay Khay.
Devotees traditionally begin the festival by taking a ritual bath and preparing a simple, pure meal.
The day sets the tone for the days that follow, with cleanliness, discipline, and preparation becoming an important part of the observance.
In 2026, Nahay Khay falls on Friday, November 13.
Day 2: Lohanda and Kharna
The second day is known as Lohanda and Kharna.
Devotees observe a fast during the day and traditionally break it after sunset following the preparation and offering of Prasad.
The food prepared for Kharna is made with care and offered as part of the ritual before being shared.
In 2026, Kharna falls on Saturday, November 14.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya
The third day is the main Chhath Puja day.
Devotees prepare their offerings and make their way to a river, pond, ghat, or other water body for Sandhya Arghya, the offering made to the setting sun.
This is one of the most recognisable moments of Chhath.
As the sun begins to set, devotees stand in the water and offer Arghya with traditional items.
In 2026, Sandhya Arghya will be observed on Sunday, November 15.
Day 4: Usha Arghya
The final day begins early.
Devotees return to the water before sunrise to offer Usha Arghya to the rising sun.
After the ritual, the fast is traditionally concluded with Parana.
In 2026, Usha Arghya and Parana fall on Monday, November 16.
Chhath Puja Items: What Do You Need?
Preparing the right Chhath Puja items is an important part of getting ready for the festival.
The exact list can vary between families and regions, but traditional preparations commonly include:
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Bamboo soop or baskets
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Bamboo daura
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Fruits
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Sugarcane
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Coconut
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Thekua
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Rice
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Wheat
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Jaggery
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Diyas
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Flowers
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Prasad ingredients
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Kalash
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Milk
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Water
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Traditional puja accessories
The emphasis is generally on natural, fresh, and traditionally prepared offerings.
Aromatics in Chhath Puja Preparations
While the offerings and Arghya remain at the heart of Chhath, fragrance and light can also play a subtle role in creating a peaceful devotional atmosphere at home.
Diyas and candles can bring warmth to the space where Prasad is prepared, family members gather, or the day's rituals are remembered.
When choosing aromatics for your home during Chhath, simple, elegant pieces can complement the festival's connection with natural elements without overpowering the space.
This is where traditional-inspired candle décor can make a thoughtful addition.
Traditional-Inspired Aromatics for Chhath Puja
Urli Elegance Aroma Box
Inspired by the traditional Indian urli, the Urli Elegance Aroma Box brings together handcrafted metal candle décor, natural botanicals, fragrance, and warm candlelight.
The box includes:
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2 × Urli Candles, 65 gm each
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Clean-burning soy wax
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Natural essential oils
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Natural botanical detailing
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Handcrafted metal urli-inspired design
The traditional inspiration of the urli makes it particularly suited to Indian festive décor.
Place the candles in a clean corner of your home, on a festive console, or as part of a simple devotional setting.
And unlike single-use festive décor, the candles can continue to be enjoyed at home long after Chhath.
Why Choose the Urli Elegance Aroma Box?
It brings together three elements that work beautifully for festive gifting:
Tradition: Inspired by the classic Indian urli.
Nature: Finished with natural botanical details.
Warmth: Candlelight and fragrance create a calm atmosphere.
It can also make a thoughtful festive gift for family members, hosts, or loved ones during the season.
Himalayan Light Soy Wax Candle Gift Set
If you prefer a more versatile candle gift, the Himalayan Light Soy Wax Candle Gift Box is another beautiful choice.
This premium candle gift set features four handcrafted soy wax candles, thoughtfully curated to bring calm, comfort, and warmth to everyday moments.
It makes a particularly lovely gift for someone who enjoys creating a peaceful atmosphere at home.
What's Inside?
4 × Handcrafted Soy Wax Candles
Each candle is designed to bring warmth and fragrance into everyday spaces while complementing a festive home.
The gift box can be used as part of your festive gifting or simply enjoyed at home after the celebrations.
Why Make It a Chhath Gift?
Chhath is a festival where simplicity carries meaning.
A candle gift reflects that beautifully.
It brings light into the home without being overly elaborate and can continue to be used long after the festival.
How to Celebrate Chhath Puja
If you are wondering how to celebrate Chhath Puja, the most important thing is to follow your family's traditions and local customs.
Here is a simple overview of the four-day observance.
1. Begin With Nahay Khay
Start the festival with ritual cleansing and prepare the traditional meal according to your family's customs.
2. Observe Kharna
Prepare the traditional Kharna Prasad and follow the fasting and offering rituals observed by your family.
3. Prepare for Sandhya Arghya
On the third day, prepare the Chhath Puja offerings and arrange the traditional baskets and Prasad.
Head to the chosen ghat or water body for the evening Arghya.
4. Return for Usha Arghya
On the final morning, return before sunrise to offer Arghya to the rising sun.
5. Complete Parana
After Usha Arghya, complete the fast according to your family's tradition.
How to Create a Peaceful Chhath Puja Space at Home
Even when the main rituals take place at a ghat, your home remains an important part of the celebration.
Keep the space clean and uncluttered.
Use fresh flowers and traditional elements.
Arrange Prasad neatly.
Use diyas or subtle candlelight to add warmth.
Choose natural and reusable décor wherever possible.
A few thoughtful details can create a festive environment without taking away from the simplicity of the occasion.
Chhath Puja Gifting: Thoughtful Gifts for the Festival
Chhath Puja is also a time to visit family, meet loved ones, share Prasad, and exchange good wishes.
If you are looking for a meaningful festive gift, consider something that brings warmth into the recipient's home.
Candles and traditional-inspired décor can be particularly fitting because they symbolise light, warmth, and positivity.
The Urli Elegance Aroma Box and Himalayan Light Soy Wax Candle Gift Box are two options for festive gifting.
Chhath Puja Wishes
Looking for Chhath Puja wishes to send to your family and friends?
Here are a few simple messages:
May Chhathi Maiya bless your home with happiness, health, peace, and prosperity. Happy Chhath Puja!
May the blessings of Surya Dev bring light, strength, and positivity into your life. Happy Chhath Puja!
Wishing you and your family a blessed Chhath Puja filled with faith, gratitude, and togetherness.
May Chhathi Maiya fulfil your wishes and bless your family with happiness and well-being. Happy Chhath Puja!
Happy Chhath Puja From JiViSa
Chhath reminds us of something beautifully simple: sometimes the most meaningful celebrations are rooted in nature, gratitude, and devotion.
The rising sun.
The setting sun.
The flowing water.
The glow of a diya.
The fragrance of a candle in a quiet home.
This Chhath Puja, celebrate with faith, honour tradition, and share a little light with the people who matter.
Happy Chhath Puja from JiViSa.
[SHOP FESTIVE GIFTS]
Frequently Asked Questions About Chhath Puja
When is Chhath Puja 2026?
Chhath Puja 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, November 15, 2026. The four-day observance begins on November 13 with Nahay Khay and concludes on November 16 with Usha Arghya and Parana.
What is the Chhath Puja date in 2026?
The main Chhath Puja date is November 15, 2026, which falls on a Sunday.
What are the four days of Chhath Puja?
The four days are Nahay Khay, Lohanda and Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya. In 2026, they fall on November 13, 14, 15, and 16 respectively.
Why is Chhath Puja celebrated?
Chhath Puja is celebrated to worship Surya Dev and seek blessings for health, prosperity, well-being, and family happiness. Chhathi Maiya is also worshipped during the festival.
Who is Chhathi Maiya?
Chhathi Maiya is a revered divine figure worshipped during Chhath Puja. Devotees seek her blessings for the well-being and happiness of their families.
What are important Chhath Puja items?
Common Chhath Puja items include bamboo baskets and soop, fruits, sugarcane, coconut, Thekua, rice, wheat, jaggery, flowers, diyas, milk, water, and other traditional Prasad and puja materials.
How to celebrate Chhath Puja?
To understand how to celebrate Chhath Puja, begin with Nahay Khay, observe Kharna, prepare the traditional offerings for Sandhya Arghya, offer prayers to the setting sun, and return the next morning for Usha Arghya and Parana. Specific rituals can vary by family and region.
What can I gift someone for Chhath Puja?
Thoughtful festive gifts can include traditional-inspired home décor, candles, sweets, wellness gifts, or other items that bring warmth and positivity into the home.
Are candles suitable for Chhath Puja gifting?
Candles can make thoughtful festive gifts and can be used to create a warm atmosphere at home. The Urli Elegance Aroma Box and Himalayan Light Soy Wax Candle Gift Box are two options for those looking for elegant, reusable festive gifts.
What is a good Chhath Puja gift?
A good Chhath Puja gift should feel thoughtful and useful beyond the festival. A handcrafted candle set or traditional-inspired aroma gift can be a meaningful choice for family and loved ones.
