Chhath Puja is one of the most sacred Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. In 2026, Chhath Puja will be celebrated on Sunday, 15 November, on Kartik Shukla Shashthi Tithi. According to the Lucknow Panchang, Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra will prevail during the main festival day, making this an important occasion for devotees observing the traditional Chhath fast and offering prayers to the Sun.

Understanding the Chhath Puja 2026 Tithi and Nakshatra helps devotees prepare their rituals, fasting schedules and Surya Arghya offerings. Sadhana brings you this guide to the important dates, lunar timings, Nakshatra details and four-day celebration of Chhath Puja 2026.

By Sadhana Editorial Team | Published: 14 November 2026 | Last Updated: 14 November 2026

What Is Chhath Puja 2026 Tithi and Nakshatra?

Chhath Puja 2026 falls on Kartik Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik. The main Chhath Puja day is Sunday, 15 November 2026, and Uttara Ashadha is the Nakshatra at sunrise in Lucknow.

Chhath is observed with devotion, discipline and gratitude towards the Sun God, who represents energy, health and life. Devotees observe a strict fast, prepare traditional offerings and worship the setting and rising Sun.

When Is Chhath Puja 2026 Celebrated?

Chhath Puja is celebrated over four days during the Kartik month. The main Sandhya Arghya is offered on the sixth day, while the final morning ritual, Usha Arghya, takes place on the following day.

The important dates for Chhath Puja 2026 are:

• 13 November 2026, Friday: Nahay Khay
• 14 November 2026, Saturday: Lohanda and Kharna
• 15 November 2026, Sunday: Sandhya Arghya and main Chhath Puja
• 16 November 2026, Monday: Usha Arghya and Parana

What Is the Shashthi Tithi Timing for Chhath Puja 2026?

Shashthi Tithi begins at approximately 11:23 PM on 14 November 2026 and ends at approximately 2:00 AM on 16 November 2026, according to the New Delhi Panchang.

In Lucknow, Shashthi continues until approximately 2:02 AM on 16 November. Therefore, Sunday, 15 November, is observed as the main Chhath Puja day.

Why Is Kartik Shukla Shashthi Important?

Kartik Shukla Shashthi holds special religious significance because devotees worship Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya during this period.

The sixth day of the bright lunar fortnight is traditionally associated with Chhath celebrations. Devotees express gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life and pray for the health, happiness and prosperity of their families.

What Is the Nakshatra on Chhath Puja 2026?

According to the Lucknow Panchang, Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra will be present on the main Chhath Puja day, 15 November 2026. It will continue until approximately 11:29 PM, after which Shravana Nakshatra will begin.

Nakshatra is an important part of Hindu astrology and Panchang calculations. It represents the Moon's position in a particular section of the zodiac and is considered while understanding religious dates and auspicious occasions.

What Is Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra?

Uttara Ashadha is the twenty-first Nakshatra in Vedic astrology. It is traditionally associated with determination, righteousness, achievement and lasting success.

Its ruling deity is the Vishvadevas, representing universal virtues and divine qualities. The Nakshatra is traditionally connected with qualities such as patience, responsibility and perseverance.

During Chhath Puja 2026, devotees can observe their traditional rituals with faith and devotion while following the locally applicable Panchang timings.

When Does Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra End in 2026?

For Lucknow, Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra is expected to end at approximately 11:29 PM on 15 November 2026. Shravana Nakshatra follows it.

Remember that Nakshatra timings can vary slightly depending on geographical location and the Panchang calculation method. Devotees should check their local Panchang before planning specific rituals.

What Are the Four Days of Chhath Puja 2026?

Chhath Puja is a four-day festival, and each day has its own religious significance and traditional rituals.

1. Nahay Khay – 13 November 2026

Nahay Khay marks the beginning of Chhath Puja. Devotees take a holy bath, clean their homes and prepare traditional food using clean ingredients.

The food is generally prepared without onion and garlic, following the customs observed by the family. Devotees begin preparing themselves spiritually and physically for the upcoming fast.

2. Lohanda and Kharna – 14 November 2026

The second day is known as Lohanda and Kharna. Devotees observe a fast throughout the day and break it after sunset following the traditional rituals.

Special prasad, including kheer, roti and fruits, is prepared and offered to Chhathi Maiya. After completing Kharna, devotees begin a strict fast that continues until the final morning Arghya.

3. Sandhya Arghya – 15 November 2026

Sandhya Arghya is the main Chhath Puja celebration. Devotees gather near rivers, ponds and other water bodies to offer prayers to the setting Sun.

Traditional offerings are arranged in bamboo baskets, including fruits, thekua, sugarcane and other seasonal items.

This ritual symbolises gratitude towards Surya Dev and prayers for the well-being of family members.

4. Usha Arghya – 16 November 2026

Usha Arghya is the final ritual of Chhath Puja. Devotees gather before sunrise and offer Arghya to the rising Sun.

After completing the prayers, devotees seek blessings from Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev. The fast is then concluded through Parana according to family and regional traditions.

Why Are Tithi and Nakshatra Important During Chhath Puja?

Tithi and Nakshatra are two important elements of the Hindu Panchang. They help devotees understand the lunar calendar and identify significant religious occasions.

Importance of Tithi

Tithi determines the lunar date according to the angular relationship between the Sun and Moon. Chhath Puja is observed on Kartik Shukla Shashthi, which gives the festival its traditional name, Surya Shashthi.

Importance of Nakshatra

Nakshatra represents the Moon's position in one of the 27 Nakshatras used in Vedic astrology. It is considered an important Panchang element for understanding traditional religious timings.

Why Should Devotees Check Their Local Panchang?

Panchang timings are location-dependent. Sunrise, sunset, Tithi transitions and Nakshatra transitions can differ between cities.

Devotees should therefore check their local Panchang for accurate timings, particularly when planning Sandhya Arghya, Usha Arghya and Parana.

How to Prepare for Chhath Puja 2026?

Preparing for Chhath Puja requires cleanliness, discipline and careful planning. Devotees generally follow traditional customs throughout all four days.

Here are some important preparations:

1. Clean the home: Clean the kitchen, prayer area and surroundings before beginning the festival.
2. Arrange Puja Samagri: Prepare traditional offerings such as fruits, sugarcane, thekua, rice and bamboo baskets.
3. Prepare traditional Prasad: Make the offerings according to family customs and traditional preparation methods.
4. Plan the Arghya rituals: Identify a suitable riverbank, pond or designated Chhath Ghat for the evening and morning offerings.
5. Follow fasting traditions: Observe the fast according to personal health, family customs and traditional guidance.
6. Check Panchang timings: Confirm local sunrise, sunset, Tithi and Nakshatra details before the rituals.

Sadhana encourages devotees to prepare for the festival with devotion and respect for traditional practices, making every ritual a meaningful expression of faith.

What Is the Religious Significance of Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja represents gratitude, purity, self-discipline and devotion. It is dedicated to Surya Dev, who is worshipped as the source of energy and life.

Why Do Devotees Worship the Setting and Rising Sun?

One unique feature of Chhath Puja is that devotees offer Arghya to both the setting and rising Sun.

The evening offering represents gratitude for the energy and blessings received throughout life. The morning offering represents hope, renewal and prayers for a healthy and prosperous future.

What Is the Importance of Chhathi Maiya?

Chhathi Maiya is worshipped as a protective divine mother during Chhath Puja. Devotees pray to her for the well-being of their children, family happiness and prosperity.

The festival is particularly significant for families who maintain its traditional customs and pass them on to future generations.

Conclusion

The Chhath Puja 2026 Tithi and Nakshatra are important details for devotees preparing for this sacred festival. Chhath Puja will be observed on 15 November 2026, during Kartik Shukla Shashthi, with Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra prevailing at sunrise in Lucknow.

From Nahay Khay to Usha Arghya, each of the four days represents devotion, gratitude and spiritual discipline. Follow Sadhana for more informative guides on Hindu festivals, religious traditions and important Panchang dates.

Celebrate Chhath Puja with faith, devotion and traditional values, and seek the blessings of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya for happiness, health and prosperity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What Is the Date of Chhath Puja 2026?

Chhath Puja 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, 15 November 2026. The main Sandhya Arghya ritual takes place on this day, while Usha Arghya will be performed on Monday, 16 November 2026.

2. What Is the Tithi of Chhath Puja 2026?

Chhath Puja 2026 falls on Kartik Shukla Shashthi Tithi, the sixth day of the bright lunar fortnight. According to the New Delhi Panchang, Shashthi begins at approximately 11:23 PM on 14 November and ends at approximately 2:00 AM on 16 November 2026.

3. Which Nakshatra Falls on Chhath Puja 2026?

Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra prevails on the main Chhath Puja day, 15 November 2026, at sunrise in Lucknow. It continues until approximately 11:29 PM, after which Shravana Nakshatra begins.

4. What Are the Four Days of Chhath Puja 2026?

The four days are Nahay Khay on 13 November, Lohanda and Kharna on 14 November, Sandhya Arghya on 15 November and Usha Arghya on 16 November 2026. Each day has its own traditional rituals and religious importance.

5. Why Is Chhath Puja Celebrated?

Chhath Puja is celebrated to worship Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees express gratitude to the Sun God for providing energy and sustaining life. They also pray for family health, children's well-being, happiness and prosperity.

6. What Is the Difference Between Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya?

Sandhya Arghya is offered to the setting Sun on the evening of 15 November 2026. Usha Arghya is offered to the rising Sun on the morning of 16 November 2026. Both rituals are essential parts of Chhath Puja.

7. How Does Sadhana Help Devotees Learn About Chhath Puja?

Sadhana provides informative content about Hindu festivals, traditional celebrations, religious customs and important occasions. Its festival guides help readers understand the significance of rituals, important dates and traditional practices.