Chaiti chhath puja 2026: Complete 4-day calendar and significance

Chaiti chhath puja 2026: Complete 4-day calendar and significance (image: canva)

• Chaiti Chhath Puja 2026 starts on March 22 and lasts four days
• Devotees observe 36-hour waterless fast, offer Arghya to sun
• Traditional prasad includes thekua, fruits, sweets in bamboo baskets

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Chaiti Chhath Puja 2026 will begin on March 22, 2026, marking one of the most sacred festivals dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and the Mithila regions of Nepal, this four-day festival reflects deep faith, discipline and devotion. Devotees observe strict rituals, including a 36-hour waterless fast and offer Arghya to the setting and rising sun to seek blessings for health, prosperity and family well-being.

Rooted in ancient Sanatan traditions, Chaiti Chhath is celebrated during the spring season when nature renews itself with fresh energy. The festival begins with Nahai-Khai and concludes with the sacred Usha Arghya offered to the rising sun. Devotees believe that sincere worship during Chhath removes obstacles and fills life with positivity and divine grace.

Chaiti Chhath puja 2026: 4-day festival calendar

Day 1: Nahai Khai

The festival begins with Nahai-Khai, which marks the start of the Chhath fast. Devotees take a ritual bath in rivers or holy water and prepare pure sattvic food at home. After consuming this meal, they formally begin the sacred vow of the Chhath fast.

Homes are cleaned thoroughly and preparations for the upcoming rituals begin. This day symbolises purity, discipline and devotion.

Day 2: Kharna 

The second day is known as Kharna. Devotees observe a day-long fast and break it after sunset with jaggery rice kheer and roti, which is offered as prasad.

After Kharna, the most challenging part of the festival begins. Devotees start a 36-hour waterless fast, maintaining strict spiritual discipline and purity until the final rituals.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya

On the third day, devotees gather at riverbanks, ponds and Chhath ghats to offer Arghya (water offering) to the setting Sun.

Families carry bamboo baskets filled with traditional offerings such as thekua, coconuts, bananas, sugarcane and seasonal fruits. Devotional songs dedicated to Chhathi Maiya create a powerful spiritual atmosphere during this ritual.

Day 4: Usha Arghya 

The final day concludes with the Usha Arghya, where devotees offer prayers to the rising sun. This moment symbolises renewal, gratitude, and divine blessings. After the morning ritual, devotees break their fast and distribute prasad among family members and the community.

Significance Of Chaiti Chhath Puja

In the Sanatan tradition, Chhath Puja is regarded as one of the most powerful and disciplined fasting rituals. Devotees worship Lord Surya, the source of life and energy, along with Chhathi Maiya, believed to bless families with health, prosperity and protection.

Offering Arghya to the first and last rays of the sun symbolises gratitude toward nature and the cosmic forces that sustain life. The festival also emphasises purity, self-discipline and spiritual dedication. Many devotees observe the fast for the well-being of their children, family happiness and removal of life’s obstacles.

Traditional prasad offered during Chhath Puja

The offerings during Chhath Puja are prepared with extreme purity and devotion. They are traditionally arranged in bamboo baskets and offered during the Arghya rituals. Common prasad items include:

• Thekua (traditional wheat and jaggery sweet)
• Sugarcane
• Coconuts
• Bananas and seasonal fruits
• Rice preparations and sweets

After the puja, the prasad is shared among family members and devotees as a symbol of divine blessings.

Difference between Kartik Chhath and Chaiti Chhath

Although both festivals honour Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya, they are observed in different seasons. Chaiti Chhath is celebrated during the spring season, while Kartik Chhath takes place in the month of Kartik after Diwali.

Another difference lies in certain ritual traditions. In Kartik Chhath, devotees also worship Goddess Parvati, while in Chaiti Chhath, the focus is primarily on Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya, with some traditions also honouring Goddess Sita.

Despite these variations, the core rituals remain similar, including Nahai-Khai, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya, along with the strict 36-hour fast and offering of traditional prasad.