Chhath Puja 2026 will be celebrated in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, 15 November 2026, with the four-day festival beginning on Friday, 13 November, and concluding on Monday, 16 November. The main evening ritual, Sandhya Arghya, will take place on 15 November, followed by Usha Arghya on the morning of 16 November.
Chhath Puja is one of the most significant Hindu festivals dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. It is celebrated with immense devotion across Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Through this guide, Sadhana brings you the important dates, rituals, timings, and significance of Chhath Puja 2026 in Uttar Pradesh.
Whether you are preparing for the traditional four-day fast or planning to visit a nearby riverbank or ghat, knowing the festival schedule will help you make the necessary arrangements.
When Is Chhath Puja 2026 in Uttar Pradesh?
Chhath Puja 2026 will be observed on Sunday, 15 November, across Uttar Pradesh. The festival begins with Nahay Khay on 13 November and concludes with Usha Arghya and Parana on 16 November.
The main worship takes place on Kartik Shukla Shashthi, the sixth day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Kartik. Devotees offer prayers to the setting and rising Sun while observing traditional rituals and fasting.
The Uttar Pradesh government's 2026 holiday calendar also lists Chhath Puja on 15 November.
What Are the Four Days of Chhath Puja 2026?
Chhath Puja is observed over four days, and each day has a special religious significance. Here is the complete schedule for Chhath Puja 2026:
- Nahay Khay – Friday, 13 November 2026
The first day is known as Nahay Khay. Devotees take a holy bath, clean their homes, and prepare traditional food using fresh and carefully selected ingredients. This day marks the beginning of the festival and the preparations for the upcoming fast.
- Lohanda and Kharna – Saturday, 14 November 2026
The second day is called Lohanda and Kharna. Devotees observe a fast throughout the day and break it after sunset following prayers. Traditional offerings generally include jaggery-based kheer, roti, and other homemade preparations.
- Sandhya Arghya – Sunday, 15 November 2026
The third day is the main Chhath Puja day. Devotees gather at riverbanks, ponds, and ghats to offer Arghya to the setting Sun. They prepare bamboo baskets filled with fruits, thekua, and other traditional offerings.
- Usha Arghya and Parana – Monday, 16 November 2026
The fourth and final day begins early in the morning. Devotees gather near water bodies before sunrise and offer Arghya to the rising Sun. After completing the prayers, they break their fast, marking the conclusion of Chhath Puja.
What Is the Significance of Chhath Puja in Uttar Pradesh?
Chhath Puja holds deep religious and cultural importance in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in the eastern districts of the state. The festival is dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, who are worshipped for health, prosperity, happiness, and the well-being of family members.
Devotees express gratitude to the Sun God, who is considered the source of life, energy, and nourishment on Earth.
Why Do Devotees Worship the Setting and Rising Sun?
Chhath Puja is unique because devotees offer prayers to both the setting and rising Sun.
The evening offering, known as Sandhya Arghya, represents gratitude and devotion towards the setting Sun. The following morning, Usha Arghya is offered to the rising Sun, symbolising new beginnings, hope, and positive energy.
What Is the Importance of Fasting During Chhath Puja?
Fasting is one of the most important traditions of Chhath Puja. Devotees, commonly known as Vratis, observe strict fasting rituals as an expression of faith, discipline, and devotion.
The main fasting period traditionally begins after Kharna and continues until the morning Arghya is completed. Many devotees observe a waterless fast during this period.
How Is Chhath Puja Celebrated in Uttar Pradesh?
Chhath Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout Uttar Pradesh. Families prepare traditional offerings, decorate their homes, and visit nearby water bodies to participate in the rituals.
The festival brings communities together through prayers, traditional songs, fasting, and cultural celebrations.
Which Traditional Offerings Are Prepared for Chhath Puja?
Traditional Chhath Puja offerings are prepared with cleanliness and devotion. Common offerings include:
- Thekua: A traditional sweet made using wheat flour and jaggery or sugar.
- Fruits: Bananas, coconuts, apples, and seasonal fruits are offered to Surya Dev.
- Sugarcane: Sugarcane is an important traditional offering during the festival.
- Rice Kheer: Prepared as part of the Kharna rituals.
- Coconut: Considered an important element of the traditional Chhath Puja basket.
Where Do People Celebrate Chhath Puja in Uttar Pradesh?
Chhath Puja is celebrated in numerous cities and districts across Uttar Pradesh. Some of the important locations include:
- Varanasi: Devotees gather along the Ganga ghats to offer prayers to the setting and rising Sun.
- Gorakhpur: Families and local communities celebrate the festival near ponds, rivers, and designated ghats.
- Prayagraj: Devotees perform Chhath rituals along the banks of the Ganga and Yamuna.
- Lucknow: Various ghats and community water bodies become gathering places for devotees.
- Ballia and Ghazipur: Chhath Puja is particularly popular in these eastern Uttar Pradesh districts.
How Can You Prepare for Chhath Puja 2026?
Proper preparation is an important part of celebrating Chhath Puja. Since the festival involves several rituals, devotees generally begin arranging the required puja materials before the first day.
Here are some helpful preparation steps:
- Clean Your Home: Thoroughly clean your home and the area where you will prepare traditional offerings.
- Arrange Puja Samagri: Collect fruits, coconuts, sugarcane, bamboo baskets, diyas, and other essential materials.
- Prepare Traditional Prasad: Make arrangements for thekua, kheer, and other traditional offerings.
- Choose a Suitable Ghat: Identify a safe and convenient place near a river, pond, or designated water body.
- Follow the Ritual Schedule: Keep the four-day festival calendar handy to complete each ritual on time.
Sadhana encourages devotees to plan their festival preparations in advance so they can celebrate Chhath Puja with devotion and peace of mind.
What Makes Chhath Puja 2026 Special for Families?
Chhath Puja is more than a religious festival. It represents family unity, gratitude, discipline, and respect for nature.
During the celebration, family members come together to prepare prasad, arrange puja materials, and participate in the traditional rituals. The festival also helps younger generations understand the importance of cultural traditions and religious values.
How Does Chhath Puja Bring Communities Together?
Chhath Puja creates a strong sense of togetherness. People from different backgrounds participate in ghat preparations, help maintain cleanliness, and support devotees during the celebrations.
Traditional Chhath songs, devotional prayers, and community gatherings make the festival a memorable experience for families.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja 2026 in Uttar Pradesh will be celebrated on Sunday, 15 November 2026, with the four-day festival running from 13 to 16 November. The celebration concludes with Usha Arghya on Monday morning, 16 November. It is a beautiful occasion to express gratitude to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya while celebrating faith, family, and tradition.
As you prepare for this auspicious festival, let Sadhana be part of your festive journey. Explore Sadhana and make your Chhath Puja preparations with devotion, positivity, and happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When Is Chhath Puja 2026 in Uttar Pradesh?
Chhath Puja 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, 15 November, in Uttar Pradesh. The four-day celebration begins with Nahay Khay on 13 November and ends with Usha Arghya and Parana on 16 November. Devotees will offer prayers to the setting Sun on 15 November.
2. What Is the Date of Sandhya Arghya in 2026?
Sandhya Arghya will be observed on Sunday, 15 November 2026. On this day, devotees gather near rivers, ponds, and ghats to offer water and traditional prasad to the setting Sun. The exact sunset time varies according to the location.
3. When Will Usha Arghya Be Observed in 2026?
Usha Arghya will be observed on Monday, 16 November 2026. Devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun during the early morning hours. In Lucknow, sunrise is approximately 6:26 AM. Devotees complete their morning rituals and then break their fast.
4. How Does Sadhana Help With Chhath Puja Preparations?
Sadhana aims to make festive preparations more convenient by helping readers discover relevant information and explore its brand offerings. Devotees can use this Chhath Puja guide to understand the festival dates, traditional rituals, and important preparations before celebrating with their families.
5. Why Is Chhath Puja Celebrated for Four Days?
Chhath Puja is celebrated over four days because each day represents a different stage of religious observance. The festival begins with purification through Nahay Khay, continues with Kharna, followed by evening prayers to the setting Sun, and concludes with morning prayers to the rising Sun.
About the Author
Sadhana Editorial Team creates informative content about Indian festivals, cultural traditions, celebrations, and seasonal occasions. The team aims to help readers understand important festival dates, rituals, and traditions through accessible and useful guides.
