Chaiti Chhath 2026: Date, Rituals And Full Four-Day Puja Calendar From Nahay Khay To Usha Arghya

Chhath Puja 2026: Chhath Puja is one of the most revered festivals dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Known for its deep spiritual discipline and devotion, it is widely considered one of the most rigorous Hindu fasts. Devotees observe a 36-hour strict nirjala fast (without food or water) while offering prayers for prosperity, health and family wellbeing.

While Chhath Puja is most famously celebrated in the Kartika month after Diwali, it is also observed in the Chaitra month, known as Chaiti Chhath. In 2026, the festival will begin on 22 March and continue for four days, concluding with the sacred Usha Arghya offered to the rising sun. Each day of the festival holds deep religious significance and follows a structured sequence of rituals.

Here is the complete four-day Chaiti Chhath 2026 calendar and the meaning behind each ritual.

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Chaiti Chhath 2026 Date And Festival Duration

According to the Hindu Panchang, Chaiti Chhath begins on the Chaturthi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the Chaitra month and continues until Saptami.

In 2026, the festival will be observed from 22 March to 25 March. During these four days, devotees perform sacred rituals, maintain strict purity, and offer prayers to the Sun God while expressing gratitude for life, health and nature’s abundance.

The festival unfolds through four important stages: Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya.

Day 1: Nahay Khay - The Sacred Beginning (22 March 2026)

The first day of Chaiti Chhath is known as Nahay Khay, marking the spiritual beginning of the festival. On this day, devotees begin preparations by cleansing their homes and kitchens to maintain ritual purity.

The fasting devotee takes a holy bath in a river, pond or any sacred water body, symbolising physical and spiritual purification. After the ritual bath, a simple satvik meal is prepared and consumed.

Traditionally, the meal includes pumpkin (kaddu), chana dal and plain rice, commonly referred to as kaddu-bhaat. This meal is believed to purify the body and prepare devotees mentally and physically for the upcoming days of fasting and devotion.

Day 2: Kharna - Beginning Of The 36-Hour Fast (23 March 2026)

The second day of Chaiti Chhath is called Kharna, also known as Lohanda in some regions. On this day, devotees observe a day-long fast and perform a special evening prayer after sunset.

Following the ritual worship, the fast is broken by consuming prasad prepared from jaggery kheer, bananas and roti or puri. This sacred offering is then shared with family members and neighbours.

After completing the Kharna ritual, devotees begin the 36-hour nirjala fast, during which they abstain from both food and water until the final day of the festival.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya - Offering Prayers To The Setting Sun (24 March 2026)

The third day of the festival is one of the most visually striking rituals of Chhath Puja. On this day, devotees gather at riverbanks, ponds or lakes to offer Sandhya Arghya to the setting sun.

Standing in water, devotees offer milk and water to the Sun God while chanting prayers and expressing gratitude for life and prosperity.

Special offerings are arranged in bamboo baskets and traditional soops, including thekua, seasonal fruits, sugarcane, coconut and other sacred prasad items. Families gather at the ghats, creating a deeply spiritual and communal atmosphere filled with devotion, songs and prayers.

Day 4: Usha Arghya - The Final Offering To The Rising Sun (25 March 2026)

The final and most significant ritual of Chaiti Chhath is Usha Arghya, offered at sunrise on the fourth day of the festival.

Before dawn, devotees return to the riverbank or water body to offer prayers to the rising sun. This ritual symbolises hope, renewal and gratitude for life’s blessings.

After offering the sacred Arghya, devotees conclude the festival by breaking their 36-hour nirjala fast, marking the completion of the Chhath Puja with prayers for family wellbeing, prosperity and spiritual harmony.

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