Chhath Puja 2026 will take place over four days, from November 13 to November 16, with each day following a particular set of rituals and food traditions. Celebrated especially in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and other parts of India, the festival honours the Sun Lord and Chhathi Maiya.
Alongside prayers and fasting, traditional dishes play an important role in the celebration, with preparations such as thekua, kaddu bhaat and chana ghugni forming part of the festive food selection.
Chhath Puja 2026: Complete Festival Calendar
The four-day celebration begins on Friday, November 13, and concludes on Monday, November 16. Each stage has its own name and significance. The following calendar includes the corresponding tithi and daily sunrise and sunset timings, as listed in Drik Panchang.
Day 1: Nahay Khay – November 13, Friday
Tithi: Chaturthi
Sunrise: 6:17 am
Sunset: 5:50 pm
The festival begins with Nahay Khay, marking the first day of the observance.
Day 2: Lohanda and Kharna – November 14, Saturday
Tithi: Panchami
Sunrise: 6:18 am
Sunset: 5:50 pm
The second day is known as Lohanda and Kharna and forms the next stage of the festival's fasting and food traditions.
Day 3: Chhath Puja and Sandhya Arghya – November 15, Sunday
Tithi: Shashthi
Sunrise: 6:18 am
Sunset: 5:50 pm
The third day features Sandhya Arghya, when prayers and offerings are made to the setting Sun.
Day 4: Usha Arghya and Parana – November 16, Monday
Tithi: Saptami
Sunrise: 6:19 am
Sunset: 5:50 pm
The final day includes Usha Arghya, the morning offering to the rising Sun, followed by Parana, which marks the conclusion of the fast.
Six Traditional Foods for Chhath Puja
Food is closely connected to Chhath Puja, with several familiar preparations appearing in festive meals and offerings. Each dish has its own flavour, ingredients and place in the traditional menu.
1. Thekua
Thekua is one of the most recognisable sweets associated with Chhath Puja. It is prepared using whole wheat flour, jaggery and ghee. The dough is shaped by hand into individual pieces before being fried until golden and crisp. Its rich sweetness and firm texture make it a well-known festive offering.
2. Kaddu Bhaat
Kaddu Bhaat combines rice with sweet pumpkin to create a simple, comforting meal. The pumpkin is prepared with mild spices, giving the dish a gentle flavour without making it overly heavy. It is commonly enjoyed before the main festival rituals begin.
3. Chana Ghugni
Made with soaked black gram and mild spices, chana ghugni is a savoury preparation with an earthy taste. It can be served alongside puris or rotis, making it a suitable addition to a festive meal. Sharing the dish with family and neighbours also reflects the communal atmosphere associated with the celebration.
4. Aloo Ki Sabzi
Aloo ki sabzi is a traditional potato curry prepared without onion or garlic. Cumin, ginger and mild spices provide its flavour, while the potatoes create a satisfying texture. It is commonly paired with puris and adds a familiar savoury option to the Chhath menu.
5. Tikri (Rice Roti)
Tikri is a flatbread made from rice flour. It has a soft middle and a slightly crisp exterior, offering a simple alternative to wheat-based breads. It can be served with ghee or jaggery and remains a traditional favourite during the festival.
6. Poori
Poori is made from wheat flour and fried until it becomes golden and fluffy. Freshly prepared puris are often served with potato curry or chana ghugni. Their warm texture and versatility make them a familiar part of the Chhath festive meal.
Chhath Puja 2026 brings together four days of observances, specific daily timings and a collection of traditional foods. From the opening Nahay Khay to the final Usha Arghya and Parana, each day has its own place in the festival calendar. Dishes such as thekua, kaddu bhaat, chana ghugni, aloo ki sabzi, tikri and poori complete the food traditions, making the celebration closely connected with family meals and familiar regional flavours.
