Chhath Puja 2026 Begins With Nahay Khay: Devotees Start Four-Day Festival

The four-day Chhath Puja festival began on Friday with the traditional ritual of Nahay Khay.

Devotees across the country started their religious observances with prayers, holy baths and preparations for the festival dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.

The first day focuses on cleanliness, purity and devotion. Devotees wake up early and take a holy bath in rivers, ponds or at home. Many add Ganga water to their bathing water before cleaning their homes and kitchens.

Families prepare a special satvik meal, traditionally consisting of boiled rice, chana dal and kaddu curry.

Devotees maintain strict cleanliness while preparing the food, which marks the beginning of the festival’s rigorous rituals.

Chhath Puja originated in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh but is now celebrated across several parts of India. The festival holds special significance for families who seek the blessings of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya for health, happiness and prosperity.

This year’s celebrations will continue until November 16. The four main rituals include Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya.

Devotees observe a strict fast and offer prayers to the setting and rising Sun.

People call the festival Surya Shashthi, Chhath Parv, Chhathi, Dala Puja and Dala Chhath.

Devotees observe it to pray for their children’s well-being, their family members’ long life and household prosperity.

According to religious beliefs, worshipping the Sun God during Kartik brings health, happiness and success.

The festival’s most distinctive ritual involves offering Arghya to the Sun at sunset and sunrise.

Through these offerings, devotees express gratitude to the Sun God, regarded as the source of life and energy. They seek blessings for their children’s long life, good health and a bright future.

With Nahay Khay marking the beginning, devotees have started the four-day festival with discipline, faith and devotion.

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