Chhath Puja: Gratitude to Setting & Rising Sun

Chhath Puja, a rigorous four-day festival dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, is set to take place from Friday, November 13 to Monday, November 16, 2026. Devotees, known as 'vrati,' observe strict rituals including fasting, abstaining from water, and foregoing comfort, often standing in rivers and ponds for extended periods.

The festival begins on November 13 with Nahay Khay, a day of purification and a simple satvik meal. Day two, Kharna, involves fasting from sunrise and breaking the fast in the evening with a special dish, after which a 36-hour nirjala fast commences. The main ritual, Sandhya Arghya, occurs on November 15 with offerings to the setting sun, followed by Usha Arghya and Parana on November 16, offering prayers to the rising sun before breaking the fast.

Uniquely, Chhath Puja reveres both the setting and rising sun. The evening offering expresses gratitude for the day's blessings, while the morning offering seeks future energy and protection. The festival's origins are steeped in ancient Hindu epics, with traditions linking it to figures like Sita, Karna, and the Pandavas.

Astrologically, in 2026, the Sun's position in Libra, its sign of debilitation, before moving into Scorpio on November 16, highlights the significance of Surya worship for vitality and confidence. Chhath Puja requires no priests or costly items, emphasizing purity, discipline, and sincere devotion.