Chhath Puja 2026

Spiritual Significance

Chhath Puja 2026 is the four-day ancient Vedic celebration dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Devta) and Chhathi Maiya, observed in Kartik month. One of the most ecologically pure festivals, devotees stand waist-deep in rivers and offer arghya at both sunset and sunrise without the use of any idol. The festival is remarkable for its complete reliance on natural elements — sun, water, earth.

How to Celebrate in United States

Observing Chhath Puja in United States is highly auspicious. Because local timezone sunrise and moonrise times differ, follow these practices:

• Align Fasting with Local Sunrise: Start your vrat precisely at sunrise in New York (approx 06:00 local time), rather than following Indian Standard Time.
• Perform Puja during local Auspicious Hours: Make sure to perform the main rituals during local EST evening/night windows as shown above.
• Nahay Khay (ritual bath and one meal) on Day 1
• Kharna (extended fast) on Day 2
• Sandhya Arghya — standing in water at sunset on Day 3
• Pratah Arghya — standing in water at sunrise on Day 4
• Breaking fast with thekua, fruits, and home-prepared offerings

Auspicious Items to Prepare