India is a land of festivals, and Chhath Puja is among the most significant festivals, especially in states like eastern Uttar Pradesh (Purvanchal), Jharkhand, and Bihar. This particular festival is dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, and centers around a continuous 36-hour waterless fast (nirjala vrat) alongside sacred riverfront offerings. Every year, millions of people travel back home to the aforementioned states to observe the rituals of this festival. This year, Chhath Puja takes place from Friday, November 13 to Monday, November 16, 2026. If you, too, are planning to travel back home but need some help in planning your journey, this unstumbled guide has found you at the right time.
The Four-Day Chhath Puja 2026 Calendar And Schedule
Here is a detailed guide on the rituals for each day of Chhath Puja.
First Day: Nahay Khay (Friday, Nov 13, 2026)
On the very first day of Chhath, devotees, also called vratins, take a holy dip in a river or any natural water body. Then, they thoroughly sanitize their entire household. After the cleaning, people generally have a traditional meal of bottle gourd or lauki, chana dal, and rock-salt cooked rice. This meal is prepared in rock-salt brass or earthen utensils.
Second Day: Kharna (Saturday, Nov 14, 2026)
The second day sees devotees fast without water throughout the day. Once the evening prayers to the Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya are done, a special prasad of jaggery kheer known as rasiaw is cooked over a clay stove or chulha with mango wood. It is then distributed and is consumed. Once this meal ends, the strict 36-hour nirjala fast begins for those observing it.
Third Day: Sandhya Arghya (Sunday, Nov 15, 2026)
On the third day, the main event of Chhath happens. Scores of families carry heavy woven bamboo baskets known as daura loaded with homemade Thekua, which are wheat-jaggery biscuits, fresh sugarcane stalks, coconuts, and seasonal fruits to the ghats. Vratins stand waist-deep in water to make sunset offerings, after which they go back to their homes.
Fourth Day: Usha Arghya (Monday, Nov 16, 2026)
On the final day of Chhath, crowds gather back at the riverbanks long before dawn. Then, as the first rays of the morning sun emerge on the horizon, devotees present the final offering known as the Bhor ka Arghya. The Bhor ka Arghya is poured into the water, thus breaking the fast of those observing it. After the Parana, devotees also distribute the prasad among family and neighbors while also relishing it themselves.
Also Read: Chhath Puja In Patna: How The City Comes Together Along The Ganga
Top Destinations To Experience Chhath Puja
If you’re looking for some prime locations from where you can experience Chhath Puja, they are as follows:
Patna And Gaya, Bihar
One of the best places to witness the festivities of Chhath is on the banks of the Ganga River in Patna. Areas such as Collectorate Ghat, Digha Ghat, and NIT Ghat are particularly good for viewing. You can see millions of glowing oil lamps or diyas and floating altars at these ghats. This makes it the geographical and cultural heartland of Chhath celebrations.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
This is another excellent place for observing Chhath festivities, especially the Sandhya and Usha Arghya. You can view these rituals from a boat on the Ganga River at Dashashwamedh or Assi Ghat, which will offer you an unforgettable visual experience and views framed by ancient stone steps and chants.
Janakpur And Birgunj, Nepal
If you’re willing to cross the border and head to the neighboring countries, you’ll get unique and mesmerizing Chhath experiences. For instance, the sacred ponds of Janakpur such as the Ganga Sagar and the Dhanush Sagar light up with elaborate floral arches and lights during the festival. It is truly an experience worth having.
Also Read: Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026: Best Ghats And Places To Watch The Celebrations
Summing Up
Traveling around the time of Chhath Puja can be tricky. However, if you plan your travel well in advance, you’ll have plenty of affordable options to choose from. Chhath Puja, for many North Indians, is the most important festival of the year. It begins around six days after Diwali, and the main evening Arghya aarti happens on the sixth day, known as the Shashthi. One of the most anticipated treats of Chhath Puja is the Thekua, which is a traditional deep-fried biscuit that is made from wheat flour, jaggery (gur), ghee, and dry fruits. These biscuits are cooked in specialized wooden molds and are widely loved by all.
