Chhath Puja 2026: Date, Significance, Worship Method, Story

📋 Table of Contents

Chhath Puja – Introduction and Significance
Mythology
Puja Ritual 2026
Prasad and Special Dishes
How it is celebrated in India
Preparation and Decoration
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion

Chhath Puja – Introduction and Significance

Chhath Puja is celebrated on the sixth day of the Shukla Paksha of Kartik month. In 2026, Chhath Puja will be celebrated on November 18. This festival is dedicated to the worship of Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, in which devotees observe fast for progeny and family's happiness and prosperity.

Chhath Puja has a very deep religious and spiritual significance. In Hinduism, it is the only festival in which the setting sun is also worshiped, which gives the message of accepting the ultimate truth of life. It shows the unbreakable relationship between nature and human.

This festival is special from other festivals in that special attention is paid to cleanliness and purity. Strict rules are followed in Chhath Puja, which includes a 36-hour fast without water, which makes it unique.

Mythology

The mythological origin of Chhath Puja is found in Brahmavaivarta Purana. According to this story, King Priyavrata worshiped Chhath Maiya to get a child, as a result of which he received a son. Since then the tradition of celebrating this festival started.

In the story, King Priyavrata and his wife Malini were childless. On the advice of Maharishi Kashyap, they performed a Yagya and by the grace of Chhathi Maiya, they had a son, but he was born dead. Then Chhathi Maiya appeared and revived the child. This incident established the importance of Chhath Puja, which is a festival to express gratitude towards life and nature.

The message of this story in present life is that one should not give up hope even in despair. Worship done with true faith and devotion is fruitful and gives us the strength to fight the difficulties of life.

Puja Ritual 2026

In the Puja ritual of Chhath Puja, first of all, the body and mind are purified by taking a bath. After this, new clothes are worn and Puja material is prepared. This festival lasts for four days, in which various types of rituals are performed.

Time	Puja/Ritual	Specialty
November 15, 2026	Nahay-Khay	On this day, people who are fasting take a bath and eat pure food, which consists of bottle gourd vegetable and chana dal.
November 16, 2026	Kharna	On this day, a fast is observed throughout the day and in the evening, jaggery kheer is made and eaten, which is distributed as Prasad.
November 17, 2026	Sandhya Arghya	On this day, Arghya is offered to the setting sun. Standing on the banks of a river or pond, water and milk are offered to the Sun God.
November 18, 2026	Usha Arghya	On this day, Arghya is offered to the rising sun and the fast is broken.

In Chhath Puja, mantras of Sun God are chanted, such as "Om Suryaya Namah". Along with this, the Aarti of Chhathi Maiya is also sung, which is as follows: "Jai Chhathi Maiya..."

Prasad and Special Dishes

Thekua – Thekua is the main Prasad of Chhath Puja. It is made from wheat flour, jaggery and ghee. This Prasad is offered to the Sun God and those who are fasting consume it.
Pumpkin Vegetable – Pumpkin vegetable is made on the day of Nahay-Khay. It is made with purity and those who are fasting consume it.
Rice Laddoo – Rice Laddoos are specially made in Chhath Puja. This Prasad is offered to Lord Sun and distributed among the devotees.

Those who fast on Chhath Puja do not consume salt, onion and garlic. They only consume sattvic food.

How it is celebrated in India

Chhath Puja is celebrated with great pomp in North India. This festival has special significance in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. People gather on the banks of river and pond and worship the Sun God.

There are different traditions of celebrating Chhath Puja in West, South and East India. It is celebrated with less fanfare in the West, while in East India this festival is celebrated with the same enthusiasm as in North India. In South India, the Sun God is worshiped in other forms.

Rangoli and lamps are used in the decoration of the house on Chhath Puja. Women wear traditional clothes and sing folk songs. This festival is a symbol of cultural unity and brotherhood.

Preparation and Decoration

Special care is taken to clean the house before Chhath Puja. This preparation is started many days before the festival begins. People buy new clothes and Puja material.

Rangoli, lamps and flowers are used in traditional decoration. Electric garlands and artificial flowers are also used in modern decoration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Chhath Puja in 2026?

Chhath Puja in 2026 is on Tuesday, November 18. On this day, the time of sunrise is 06:40 am, which is the auspicious time of Usha Arghya.

What should be donated on Chhath Puja?

It is considered auspicious to donate grains, clothes and fruits on Chhath Puja. One gets virtue by donating to the poor and needy.

Who can observe the fast of Chhath Puja?

Anyone who is physically and mentally healthy can observe the fast of Chhath Puja. Both women and men can observe this fast, but pregnant women should take special precautions.

Conclusion

Chhath Puja holds deep spiritual significance in modern Hindu life. It strengthens family bonds, preserves cultural heritage, and deepens devotion. This festival inspires us to be grateful to nature and worship the Sun God, which transmits positive energy.

Heartfelt wishes to all the devotees celebrating Chhath Puja. May the grace of Chhathi Maiya and Sun God always be upon you. Happy Chhath Puja!