The four days of Chhath Puja
- Day 1, Nahay Khay (13 November): a holy bath and a simple vegetarian meal cooked in a clean kitchen
- Day 2, Kharna (14 November): a day-long fast broken after sunset with kheer and roti, then a 36-hour nirjala vrat begins
- Day 3, Sandhya Arghya (15 November): offerings of fruit, thekua and other prasad to the setting sun at a river, pond or ghat
- Day 4, Usha Arghya (16 November): arghya to the rising sun and parana, the breaking of the fast
Who is worshipped on Chhath?
Chhath is dedicated to Surya Dev, the source of life and energy, and his sister Chhathi Maiya, who is believed to protect children and families. The festival is widely observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Nepal, and by the diaspora worldwide.
How a Pandit Ji helps with Chhath
Chhath is a family vrat performed by the vratti, so a Pandit Ji supports with the sankalp, the correct vidhi, mantras and samagri guidance and the right arghya sequence rather than replacing the vratti's own observance.
Chhath Puja 2026 puja vidhi (step by step)
- Day 1: bathe, clean the home and cook the satvik Nahay Khay meal without onion or garlic.
- Day 2: observe the fast until sunset, offer kheer and roti as Kharna prasad, and begin the nirjala vrat.
- Day 3: prepare the soop and daura with fruit and thekua, and go to the water body before sunset.
- Stand in the water and offer Sandhya Arghya to the setting sun with the Chhath songs and mantras.
- Day 4: return before sunrise, offer Usha Arghya to the rising sun, and break the fast with prasad.
Book a Pandit Ji for Chhath Puja
Book a verified Pandit Ji on Live Sharma Ji and the puja is performed with authentic Vedic mantras, in person at your home or live-streamed for family abroad. Booking is confirmed on WhatsApp, and the pandit explains the vidhi and the samagri (items) you need beforehand.
Frequently asked questions
When is Chhath Puja in 2026?
The main Chhath day with Sandhya Arghya is Sunday, 15 November 2026. Nahay Khay is on 13 November, Kharna on 14 November and Usha Arghya with parana on 16 November.
What is Sandhya Arghya?
Sandhya Arghya is the evening offering of water, fruit and prasad to the setting sun on the third day of Chhath, followed by Usha Arghya to the rising sun on the fourth morning.
Is Chhath Puja a nirjala vrat?
Yes. After Kharna, devotees keep a strict fast without food or water for about 36 hours until Usha Arghya. People with health concerns should follow medical advice.
How do I find the right muhurat for Chhath arghya?
The exact muhurat depends on your city's sunrise, sunset and tithi timings. Check a local panchang, or book a Pandit Ji on Live Sharma Ji, who will confirm the correct muhurat for your location before the puja.
Festival dates follow the lunar calendar (tithi) and can differ by a day between cities and panchangs. Confirm the exact muhurat for your city with your Pandit Ji when you book.
