Chaiti Chhath 2026 is amongst the first Chhath observances as per the Hindu Panchang. In a year, there are two Chhath Mahaparv which are observed, once in the month of Chait and one in the month of Kartik both of which months are very auspicious in Hinduism.
Devoted to Surya or the Sun and Chhathi Maiya and observed mostly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of Nepal, this observance is pure faith, gratitude to nature, discipline in life, simple living and high thinking.
Most people know about the Chhath in Kartik month, but Chaiti Chhath 2026 observed in Chait month is very difficult and spiritually enriching.
Chaiti Chhath 2026: Date of all the Four Rituals
| Event | Date |
| Chaithi Chath 2026 Nahay Khay | 22nd March, 2026 |
| Chaithi Chath 2026 Kharna | 23rd March, 2026 |
| Chaithi Chath 2026 Sandhya Arghya | 24th March, 2026 |
| Chaithi Chath 2026 Usha Arghya : Paran | 25th March, 2026 |
Chaiti Chhath 2026 Day 1: Nahay Khay
The first day of this Mahaparv is called Nahay Khay or Nahai Khai which translates to Eat after Bathing. On this day, the Vrati and his family members wake up early and bathe in Ganga or other holy rivers or ponds nearby. This is a way to cleanse your mind and body and prepare your soul for the fast.
Then the next ritual to be followed is “Kaddu Bhaat” which is sattvik, simple meal consisting of Steamed rice, chana dal and Bottle gourd or kaddu ki sabzi as it is called in Bihar and Jharkhand.
No onion and garlic should be used for cooking as this is considered Prasad or offering to the Chhati Maiyya.
Chaiti Chhath 2026 Day 2: Kharna
The next day or Day 2 of Chaiti Chhath 2026 is Kharna which is the fasting and Prasad or offering preparation day. The Vrati keeps a day long Nirjala Vrat and in the evening after the sun sets, the prasad after being offered to the Gods is consumed by the Vrati in isolation.
The Prasad is Gur ki kheer (Sweet rice pudding made with jaggery), Roti or chapati and banana. This Prasad is thereafter distributed amongst family and neighbours highlighting the strength of community bonding.
From here starts the 36 hour long Nirjala Vrat.
In many areas the Chhath Mahaprasad which is kept in the soop during Arghya is prepared on the day of Kharna as well. The Prasad is Thekua, Pedakiya or Gujiya, Raw chawal laddu and jaggery Puris or Lol wali Puri.
Chaiti Chhath 2026 Day 3: Sandhya Arghya
The third day is the Sandhya Arghya. This is one of the most endearing days of the Chhath Mahaparv. In evening before sunset Vrati and other devotees gather at river banks or pond side to offer Sandhya Arghya to Surya Devta and Chhaiti Maiyya (offering water to the deities) while standing in the river.
This is probably the only festival where the setting Sun is worshipped and offered Jal or water as a gratitude for giving life and energy.
The traditions consist of:
- Standing in water long before sunset till all the Arghya is done.
- Soop is decorated with seasonal fruits, sugarcane, thekua, coconuts, chawal ke laddu which is also offered arghya after offering arghya to Surya.
- Chhath Maiyya songs should be played or sung like ” Pahile pahil hum kaini chhathi maiyya barat tohar”.
- Thekua is the most important Prasad which is prepared from wheat flour, jaggery or gur and ghee and fried mostly in Pital or brass utensils on Mitti ka chulha.
Chaiti Chhath 2026 Day 4: Usha Arghya and Paran
The final day of Chaiti Chath 2026 is Usha Argh and Paran where the Vrati offers Jal or Arghya to Surya before Sunrise and says thank you to the rising Sun for life on Earth. Everyone gathers at 4-5 in the morning around Chhath Ghat to offer Argh or Usha Arghya to the rising Sun and hope and wish for the best life and fresh starts.
Just before sunrise Vratis stand in the water and:
- Offer prayers and water (arghya)
- Seek blessings for family well-being and prosperity
- People seeking children make it a point to observe this fast and offer ARghya even if they did not do the Vrat.
- Paran is sone after Arghya and Puja of Chhathi Maiyya mostly by having sprouts or chane and thekua.
Spiritual Significance of Chaiti Chhath 2026
Chaiti Chhath entails thanking and gratefulness to the supreme power that is nature. Worshipping the Sun God during this MahaParv represents:
- Source of life and energy
- Healing and health benefits
- Agricultural prosperity
- Gratitude to Nature
- Seasonal Harvests
Chhathi Maiya is the deity worshipped on this day as she is said to grant children to those who have no children and also protect the children and the loved ones.
The customs and traditions of this day are very endearing, heartfelt and strict and the discipline of these 4 days, the 36 hour fast and the pure way to perform all in unison symbolize:
- Self-control and mental strength and discipline
- Purification of homes, surrounding, body, mind and soul
- Harmony with nature
- Gratitude to Nature
- Utilizing the seasonal crops and harvests
Key Ritual Practices of Chaiti Chhath 2026
- Purity is essential: Devotees maintain extreme cleanliness in food, surroundings, lifestyle and thoughts.
- No salt or processed food: Only homemade, natural ingredients are used and even gas stove is avoided
- Bamboo baskets, pital and earthen lamps: Local items like soop of bamboo, mitti chulha, mitti diya, pital ke bartan are used.
- Ghee and local produce and fruits are used rather than processed items
- Folk songs and devotion: Chhath songs by Sharda Sinha resound the atmosphere and fills everyone’s hearts with devotion and gratitude to nature.
Conclusion
Chaiti Chhath 2026 is not just a observance but a tribute to nature and all natural life sources. Despite the strict rules and traditions, you can see the unwavering faith in people’s eyes and hearts. The true face and representation of Indian Culture lie in this festival.