Chhath Puja

Categories:: Religious
Tags:: Cultural Hindu Indian Holidays
Where:: India
Date change rule:: Begins on the fourth day of the lunar month of Kartika (October–November)
Holiday emoji:: ☀️

Chhath Puja honors the Sun God, Lord Surya, for four days every November. This ancient Hindu festival involves rigorous fasting and sacred rituals performed at riverbanks. Join millions in offering prayers and seeking blessings for well-being and prosperity.

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Expected Chhath Puja Deals

As a deeply spiritual and devotional observance, Chhath Puja is not typically associated with commercial deals or promotions. Instead, the focus is on community gatherings, religious ceremonies, and personal acts of piety. Many families prepare traditional Prashad offerings, such as Thekua and Laddoos, which are shared among devotees. Donations to local temples, community kitchens, or organizations supporting the festival’s infrastructure are common. Individuals often purchase new clothes for the rituals from local vendors or specialty shops. We will update this page with any community-led initiatives or cultural events as November approaches.

Platform Guide for Chhath Puja

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #ChhathPuja. Share vibrant photos of offerings, devotees, and sunrise rituals.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ChhathPuja. Connect with communities sharing traditions and experiences.

YouTube

Subscribe to @NationalToday for holiday video content. Watch documentaries on Chhath Puja rituals and devotional songs.

Chhath Puja Hero

Lord Surya

Lord Surya, the Sun God, is the central deity of Chhath Puja, revered as the source of life, energy, and vitality. In Hindu mythology, he is depicted riding a chariot drawn by seven horses, symbolizing the seven colors of the rainbow or the seven chakras. Devotees offer prayers to Surya to express gratitude for sustaining life on Earth and to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and longevity. His worship during Chhath Puja emphasizes purity, devotion, and a deep connection to nature's cycles.

History of Chhath Puja

It is believed that the religious rituals of Chhath Puja date back to ancient times, since traces of it are mentioned in the Vedas. The Rigveda, the oldest text of the Vedic Sanskrit hymns, features chants adulating Lord Surya and similar customs. The festivity also finds a reference in the Mahabharata, a Sanskrit Epic poem in which Draupadi is described observing the same traditional rituals.

Said poem states that Draupadi and Pandavas, the rulers of Indraprastha, nowadays Delhi, perform the rituals of Chhath Puja, as per the guidance of noble sage Dhaumya. By adulating Lord Surya, Draupadi came out of all her troubles, and additionally, assisted the Pandavas in regaining their lost kingdom.

The scientific history of Chhath Puja also dates back to the Vedic times. The ancient ‘rishis’ used this method to remain alive without needing to eat, obtaining energy directly from the sunlight. All of this, of course, is done through the rituals of the Chhath Puja.

The story of Lord Rama is another instance that displays the significance of Chhath Puja. It is believed that Lord Rama and Mata Sita kept fast together, and during ‘Kartik’, and offered ‘puja’ to Lord Surya, at the time of their coronation in Shukla Paksha. Since then, Chhath Puja has become an essential and traditional festival in the Hindu religion.

Chhath Puja timeline

65,000 Years Ago

The First Migrations to India Takes Place

Migrants gradually make their way down India's coast over a few thousand years.

1500 B.C. — 1200 B.C.

The Vedas First Appearance

The Vedas, which compiles Hinduism's oldest and most sacred texts, first appears in history.

4th Century B.C.

The Mahabharata is Written

The Mahabharata, in which Draupadi performs the rituals of Chhath Puja, is written.

2022

Kartiki Chhath Puja Celebrations

In October, celebrations of Kartiki Chhath Puja take place once again.

Chhath Puja FAQs

When is Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja 2026 begins on Sunday, November 15, and concludes on Wednesday, November 18. This four-day festival is a time of deep devotion and purification.

What are the main rituals of Chhath Puja?

The four-day Chhath Puja in 2026 involves Nahaay Khaay (bathing and eating), Kharna (a day of fasting), Sandhya Arghya (offerings to the setting sun), and Usha Arghya (offerings to the rising sun), followed by breaking a 36-hour fast.

How many people celebrate Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja is primarily celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, as well as in Nepal, by millions of devotees. It is also observed by the Indian diaspora worldwide.

What is the significance of the Sun God in Chhath Puja?

Lord Surya, the Sun God, is revered as the deity of energy and life force during Chhath Puja, symbolizing health, prosperity, and longevity. Devotees express gratitude for life’s blessings and seek protection from diseases.

Chhath Puja Activities

Learn more about Indian culture
Indian culture is known for having certain particular traditions. This celebration could be an opportunity for you to get to know their culture.
Attend a celebration
This event takes place for four days. If you have the chance to travel to India to participate in person, do it! It will be an unforgettable experience.
Incorporate one of their habits
You can incorporate traditional habits, like not wearing shoes while at home. Indians believe that a home is a sacred place and, thus, they do not wear shoes inside it.

5 Traditions During Kartiki Chhath Puja

Nahay Khay
This is the first day, on which the devotees have to take a dip in the holy river and prepare ’Prasad’.
Lohanda and Kharna
The fast takes place for 36 hours, and after the time has passed, devotees break the fast by consuming ‘Prasad.’
Sandhya Arghya
On the third day, devotees get together by the river, alongside family and friends, and in the evening, when the sun sets, offer ‘Sandhya Arghya’ and return home.
Usha Arghya
In the morning, devotees gather together again at the bank of the river until the sun rises and offer ’Bihaniya Arghya’ to the Sun God.
Food During Kartiki Chhath Puja
During Kartiki Chhath Puja, the kind of Prasad cooked is special, made using varieties of grains, fruits, spices, and various local products.

Why We Love Chhath Puja

It is a celebration honoring the Sun god
The festival is dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun god. Believers thank him for bringing into existence all of mankind and for helping their loved ones.
The festival is held to seek blessings
The Puja festival is also performed to seek blessings from Surya to live longer, be healthy and prosper all through life. It is a perfect opportunity to say your prayers.
There are scientific facts attached to these rituals
The fact that devotees generally pray at the riverbank during sunrise or sunset is beneficial for them since solar energy has the lowest level of Ultraviolet radiation during these two times. Moreover, the traditional festival showers you with positivity and helps in detoxifying your mind, soul, and body.