Everything for Chhath Puja 2026 in one place: the four-day dates, Delhi sunset and sunrise timings, what happens each day, and the main Delhi ghats.
Chhath Puja began today, and the questions are the usual ones. When is the main day? What time is the arghya? Where do I go in Delhi? Here’s everything you need for Chhath Puja 2026: dates, timings, rituals and Delhi’s ghats.
Chhath Puja 2026 Dates and Delhi Timings
Chhath Puja 2026 runs from Friday, November 13, to Monday, November 16.
- Fri, Nov 13: Nahay Khay.Sunrise in New Delhi is 6:42 AM.
- Sat, Nov 14: Kharna.Sunset is at 5:28 PM.
- Sun, Nov 15: Sandhya Arghya (the main day).Sunset in New Delhi is at 5:28 PM.
- Mon, Nov 16: Usha Arghya and Parana.Sunrise is at 6:44 AM.
These timings are from Drik Panchang for New Delhi. Other cities differ. For example, on November 15 sunset is 5:02 PM in Patna, and on November 16 sunrise is 6:06 AM. Check your local panchang for your area.
What Happens on Each Day
Day 1: Nahay Khay
The festival begins at home. Devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and clean their homes and kitchens. They then eat a satvik meal.
Day 2: Kharna
Devotees fast through the day and break the fast after sunset with kheer and roti prasad. The 36-hour fast without water begins after this.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya
This is the main day of the festival. Devotees offer arghya to the setting Sun at the ghat, followed by Kosi bharai and a night vigil.
Day 4: Usha Arghya and Parana
After the morning arghya, devotees end the fast with Parana and share prasad with family and others.
Who Is Worshipped, and What’s the Famous Prasad?
Chhathi Maiya, described as Surya’s sister, is worshipped alongside the Sun God. Thekua is the most iconic offering of the festival.
Delhi Ghat List
Delhi is preparing more than 1,400 ghats for Chhath Puja this year, up from 1,326 last year. One report puts the figure above 2,000, so numbers vary by source. Here are the places that came up in the news:
- ITO Yamuna Ghat:Listed among the major ghats.
- Nigambodh Ghat:Also among the major ghats.
- Sur Ghat:Also among the major ghats.
- Wazirabad Bridge Ghat:Also among the major ghats.
- Kalindi Kunj:Also among the major ghats.
- Vasudev Ghat, near Kashmere Gate:Also among the major ghats.
- Geeta Colony and Shastri Park, East Delhi:Named as well-known gathering points.
- Munak Canal ghat:This new 11-km ghat runs from the Outer Ring Road to Inderlok. It has steps on both sides and a concrete road for access.
A Yamuna ferry service, described as a “Yamuna safari,” was also in trial runs ahead of the festival. I couldn’t find a full official list of every ghat. For the one nearest you, ask your RWA, local councillor or district office.
What to Expect at the Ghats
Officials were told to install CCTV at major ghats, light the approach roads, and provide changing rooms, toilets and round-the-clock sanitation. Special arrangements for women are planned at major ghats, with cold weather taken into account.
Holiday Alert
Delhi has declared Monday, November 16, a public holiday for Chhath Puja.
Handy Tips for Visitors
- Reach the ghat 30 to 45 minutes before sunset, because it gets crowded.
- Carry a light jacket, since it’s cold by the water.
- Don’t crowd devotees who are fasting.
- Don’t litter, and carry your plastic back.
Wrapping Up
Chhath is simple at heart: gratitude to the Sun, discipline, and family. Whether you’re observing the fast or watching with respect, I hope this guide helps.
Sources-webindia123,vedantu