AstrologgerChhath Puja
15 November 2026 · Surya
2026 dates are good-faith estimates from standard panchang references — confirm the exact date and muhurat against a current Panchang before planning.
Significance
A four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya, observed with rigorous fasting, standing in river water at sunset (Sandhya Arghya) and sunrise, and offering seasonal fruits. Particularly revered in Bihar, UP, and Jharkhand.
Astrological significance
Chhath Puja is centred on the Sun, with the two principal offerings (arghya) made precisely at sunset and the following sunrise. The four-day sequence runs from Kartik Shukla Chaturthi to Saptami, peaking on Shashthi (Chhath). Because the rituals are keyed to local sunset and sunrise times, the exact timing is drawn from the panchang; being lunar, the Gregorian date shifts within October and November.
Month: Kartik · Paksha: Shukla · The main day is Kartik Shukla Shashthi (sixth day of the waxing moon); the four-day festival begins on Chaturthi.
How Chhath Puja is observed
- Nahay Khay and Kharna on the first two days of the fast
- A rigorous fast, often without water, by the vratis
- Offering Sandhya Arghya to the setting sun in river water
- Offering Usha Arghya to the rising sun the next morning
- Preparing thekua and offering seasonal fruits
Frequently asked questions
When is Chhath Puja in 2026?+
The main day (Sandhya Arghya, Kartik Shukla Shashthi) is 15 November 2026. As the arghya times depend on local sunset and sunrise, check the panchang for your location.
Which deity does Chhath honour?+
It is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and to Chhathi Maiya, thanking them for sustenance and well-being.
Why are the offerings made at sunset and sunrise?+
Chhath is a solar observance, so the two arghya offerings are made to the setting and rising sun, timed by local sunset and sunrise.
How long does Chhath Puja last?+
It is a four-day festival running from Nahay Khay through Kharna, the evening arghya, and the morning arghya.