Lucknow Chhath Puja 2026: Laxman Mela Ghat, Timings & Performances

Uttar Pradesh’s capital city, Lucknow, transforms into a tapestry of devotion, communal solidarity, and folk music as the November chill arrives with Chhath Puja 2026. Though it is celebrated across over 110 designated ghats and community water bodies throughout the city, the grandest celebrations take place along the sprawling riverfront of Laxman Mela Ground. It is hosted annually by the Akhil Bhartiya Bhojpuri Samaj; this year’s edition is set to mark the 43rd Chhath Mahaparv celebrations at this riverside venue. From timings to performances, here’s everything you need to know about Lucknow Chhath Puja 2026. 

Laxman Mela Ghat Chhath Puja 2026

The Laxman Mela Ghat in Lucknow serves as the epicenter of the city’s Chhath celebrations. It is known to attract tens of thousands of fasting devotees or vratis, cultural enthusiasts, families, and dignitaries during Chhath Puja. Ahead of this important festival, the Akhil Bhartiya Bhojpuri Samaj and the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (NMC) executed an extensive beautification across the ghat complex. 

Visitors arriving here are greeted by a striking open-air gallery of Indian folk heritage. The retaining walls and ghat steps have all been freshly painted with Pichwai, Madhubani, Gondwana, and Kalamkari motifs. The main ceremonial platform also boasts intricate floral rangoli along with halogen lamps and decorative LED installations. 

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is scheduled to inaugurate the 44th Chhath Mahaparv at Laxmi Mela Ground on November 15. He will inaugurate the festival by offering Sandhya Arghya in the evening alongside Lucknow mayor Sushma Kharkwal, other state ministers and civic officials. 

Also Read: How To Reach Chhath Puja Ghats In Patna? Routes, Transport, And Visitor Tips

Laxman Mela Ghat Chhath Puja 2026 Timings

Unlike other festivals that are connected to temple idols, Chhath Puja is known to be a nirankar, or formless, worship of the visible cosmic energy, which is the Sun God or Surya Devta, along with Chhati Maiya. 

Every ritual is strictly governed by the solar transitions and based on the exact sunset and sunrise timings in that particular city. The festival will run for four days, starting from November 13, 2026, to November 16, 2026

Nahay Khay

November 13, 2026, Friday

Sunrise: 6:24 AM

Devotees take a ritual bath in the Gomti River or at home. They clean their kitchen and eat a single satvik meal of lauki-bhat (bottle gourd and rice) and chana dal. 

Lohanda & Kharna

November 14, 2026, Saturday

Sunset: 5:16 PM

Vratis observe a strict fast until sunset. After this, they break their fast with a sacred meal of gur ki kheer with roti, which is prepared on earthen stoves. After this, they begin their waterless fast, which lasts for 36 hours. 

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Sandhya Arghya

November 15, 2026, Sunday

Sunset: 5:15 PM

Families proceed to Laxman Mela Ghat with bamboo baskets or soops and dauras.  These baskets are filled with sugarcane, seasonal fruits, and homemade Thekua. Thekua is basically a traditional deep-fried wheat and jaggery sweet. They stand waist-deep in the Gomti River and offer arghya, or water, to Surya Devta.

Usha Arghya & Paran

November 16, 2026, Monday

Sunrise: 6:26 AM

After an overnight vigil filled with folk songs, vratis offer final arghya to the first rays of the sun. Hence, they reach the ghat before dawn and break their 36-hour fast with ginger, jaggery, and prasad. 

Make sure that you reach an hour or two before sunrise or sunset to secure space for puja observance on the ghats. 

Also Read: Chhath Puja 2026 In Patna: Dates And Arghya Timings

Lucknow Chhath Puja: Arrangements & Performances

To ensure a safe and comfortable experience for the massive turnout the authorities have put down some important measures to place. 

Regular river-surface cleaning and anti-larval fogging have been conducted along the Gomti River. There will be green-net barricading to mark safe standing depth in the water, with patrols by Jal Police in place. There will also be dedicated changing rooms for women, potable water stations, and mobile toilets. A lost-and-found counter will be operating round-the-clock. 

What distinguishes Laxman Mela Ground from other Chhath Puja venues is the cultural extravaganza it hosts. Thousands of families remain on the grounds overnight after the evening arghya. This is why the riverfront turns into an open-air mehfil of Awadhi and Purvanchali folklore. 

There will be a special live recital by the acclaimed folk exponent Padma Shri Malini Awasthi. She is renowned for her deep command over Awadhi, Purbi, and Bhojpuri musical traditions. Her performances will include renditions of classic Chhath Geet such as “Kelwe ka Paat Par” and “Kaanch Hi Baans Ke Bahangiya,” and more. 

Along with this, there will be dozens of regional Awadhi and Bhojpuri troupes performing traditional folk dances and devotional hymns throughout the evening and pre-dawn hours. During the ceremony, the organizing committee will also felicitate individuals who have made notable contributions to community service and social welfare in Lucknow. 

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Summing Up

The Laxman Mela Ground on the banks of the Gomti River is being readied for Chhath Puja. The four-day festival is set to begin on November 13 and conclude on November 16, 2026. The ghat has undergone major beautification work and a makeover, especially for the festival.