Chhath Puja is one of the most devout and significant festivals observed in India. This festival is primarily focused on worshipping Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. People pray to Lord Sun to bestow their families with good health and happiness. Chhath Puja is celebrated by observing fasting, cleanliness, preparing Prasad, lighting diyas, and offering Arghya to the ghat.
In the Chhath Puja of 2026, people will gather again and perform all those traditions which have been passed down from generation to generation. If you wish to learn about all those traditions or even want to make a Chhath Puja samagri list or choose the best Chhath Puja gifts for your loved ones, then this guide will provide you with all the necessary information.
Chhath Puja 2026 Date & Calendar
| Day | Date | Main Ritual |
|---|---|---|
| Nahay Khay | Friday, November 13, 2026 | Bath, purification and traditional meal |
| Kharna | Saturday, November 14, 2026 | Vrat and Kharna Prasad |
| Sandhya Arghya | Sunday, November 15, 2026 | Arghya to the Setting Sun |
| Usha Arghya & Parana | Monday, November 16, 2026 | Arghya to the Rising Sun and conclusion of vrat |
As per the Chhath Puja 2026 date, the four-day festival will be observed from November 13 to November 16. The main Sandhya Arghya will be offered on Sunday, November 15.
Day Date Ritual
Nahay Khay Friday, November 13, 2026 Bathing, satvik food and beginning of the fast Kharna Saturday, November 14, 2026 Kharna Prasad and evening fasting. Chhath Puja / Sandhya Arghya Sunday, November 15, 2026 Arghya to Surya Dev at Sundown Usha Arghya and Parana Monday, November 16, 2026 Sunrise Arghya and fasting break
Depending on where you are located, the times for sunrise and sunset may change. For precise timing, it is recommended that you refer to the local Panchang. The following calendar for Chhath Puja 2026 can serve you as well.
What Is the Significance of Chhath Puja?
The significance of Chhath Puja is intimately linked to faith, gratitude, and discipline. Followers of the festival offer prayers to Surya Dev, the God of sunlight and source of life. They pay their gratitude by praying to the Almighty and offering him sacrifices.
The followers also seek blessings from Chhathi Maiya to protect their families and make them healthy, happy, wealthy, and prosperous. This festival signifies faith in nature and living in harmony with nature.
Purity, austerity, fasting, self-restraint, devotion, and simplicity are greatly revered during Chhath Puja. These are some of the reasons why Chhath Puja goes beyond being a religious event.
Who Is Chhathi Maiya?
Chhathi Maiya is the principal deity who is venerated during the Chhath festival. The devotees pray to her and request blessings for the well-being of their family members.
There may be some variations in the beliefs and practices surrounding Chhathi Maiya depending upon different families or regions. Nevertheless, devotion, thanksgiving, and praying for the good fortune of the family continue to form an essential component of the festival.
Four Days of Chhath Puja 2026
Nahay Khay
Nahay Khay is the first day of the Chhath Puja. In Nahay Khay, devotees take a bath and pay particular attention to the cleanliness of their house and kitchen. They also cook Satvik food and start preparing for the next rituals.
Kharna
The day of Kharna is the second day of the festival of Chhath. In this day, devotees keep fasting from morning till night and cook traditional Prasad in the evening. Devotees eat Prasad after puja is done. Gud, rice, and milk are generally used to cook the Kharna Prasad.
Sandhya Arghya
The third day is one of the most important days of the festival. People go to the ghat and offer Arghya to the setting sun, Surya Dev. Fruits, Prasad, and other Chhath Puja things are arranged in the soop and daura of bamboo before offering.
Usha Arghya and Parana
On the day devotees offer Arghya to the rising Sun. After that the Parana is. The fast ends. Family members share the Prasad and blessings showing the end of Chhath Puja.
Chhath Puja Items or Samagri List
The common Chhath Puja samagri might include:
| Chhath Puja Samagri |
|---|
| Bamboo Soop |
| Daura |
| Sugarcane |
| Coconut |
| Fruits |
| Thekua |
| Rice and Wheat |
| Jaggery (Gud) |
| Milk |
| Water |
| Diyas |
| Flowers |
| Kalash |
| Prasad Ingredients |
The exact Chhath Puja items can change based on family traditions and local customs. It is an idea to ask the elders in the family or follow the local tradition when getting the samagri ready.
How to Celebrate Chhath Puja 2026
The main Chhath rituals can be understood in this way:
| Ritual | Description |
|---|---|
| Nahay Khay | Begin the festival preparations with cleanliness and satvik food. |
| Kharna | Keep the fast. Make the traditional evening Prasad. |
| Sandhya Arghya | Go to the ghat with family. Offer Arghya to the setting Sun. |
| Usha Arghya | In the morning, offer Arghya to the rising Sun. |
| Parana | After finishing the rituals, break the fast. |
Chhath Puja rituals can be different, in each region, community or family. Because of this there is not one way that every family follows.
Chhath Puja Gift Ideas for Family & Loved Ones
Chhath Puja is also a time for family bonding and expressing gratitude. When it comes to gifting, the thought behind the gift is usually more important than its price. Practical, festive and reusable gifts can be good choices.
Some Chhath Puja gifting ideas include:
| Traditional home décor | Decorative diyas and festive lights |
| Handmade or scented candles | Dry fruit hampers |
| Mithai or sweet boxes | Wellness gift sets |
| Personalized gifts | Traditional décor pieces |
If you are looking for gifts for Chhath Puja, consider the recipient’s preferences and whether they can actually use the gift. A simple, useful gift can often feel more thoughtful than a generic one.
Best Chhath Puja Gifts
1. Festive Diya Set: A beautiful diya set can add a warm festive touch to the home. Diyas also naturally fit into the spiritual atmosphere of Chhath Puja.
2. Dry Fruit Hamper: A neatly packed dry fruit hamper is a simple and useful gift for family members, relatives and friends.
3. Traditional Home Décor: Ethnic wall décor, decorative pieces and traditional-style accents can add a festive touch to the home.
4. Handmade Candle Set: Handmade candles can be a nice gifting option, especially for family members and relatives who enjoy decorating their homes.
5. Personalized Gift: A personalized gift with a name, family message or meaningful quote can make a simple present feel more personal and memorable.
6. Sweet Box : A box of traditional mithai is one of the simplest choices for festive gifting. It is easy to share and suitable for family and relatives.
7. Festive Gift Hamper: You can also put together a hamper with diyas, sweets, dry fruits and décor items to create a thoughtful festive gift.
Chhath Puja Wishes
May Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev always bless your home with happiness, peace and prosperity. Happy Chhath Puja!
May every prayer of your family be fulfilled on this Chhath Puja and may your home always be filled with happiness.
May the light of Surya Dev bring positivity into your life. May the blessings of Chhathi Maiya always remain with you.
Wishing you and your family a Chhath Puja filled with devotion, good health, peace and prosperity.
This Chhath may you welcome hopes and happiness with gratitude. Happy Chhath Puja 2026!
Conclusion
Chhath Puja 2026 is a time for faith, gratitude, discipline and family togetherness. From giving Arghya to Surya Dev to asking for Chhathi Maiyas blessings the festival is full of traditions that’re very dear to the hearts of devotees.
Gifting is also a way to make the festival more special for family and loved ones. You can pick décor, sweets, dry fruits or a personalized gift depending on the person you are giving it to. Ultimately the thought, behind the gift matters the most.
At UniqueGiftsIdeas you can also explore Chhath Puja gifts and gifting ideas for different festive occasions.