Today is the most important day of Chhath Mahaparav 2026. On Sunday, 15th November 2026, lakhs of devotees will gather across Bihar, Jharkhand, Purvanchal, Delhi-NCR, and across the country to offer Sandhya Arghya, an evening offering to the setting sun.
Chath Puja started on 13th November 2026 with Nahay-Khaye and will end on 16th November 2026 with Usha Arghya. Today, in the evening, fasting devotees, who have been fasting for 36 hours, standing waist-deep in rivers, ponds, and ghats, will offer Sandhya Arghya to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.
Chhath Puja 2026: Shubh Muhurat Today
Date: 15th November 2026
Festival: Sandhya Arghya
The rule of Arghya is simple but strict; devotees have to offer water to the setting sun at an exact time. The time of each city’s sunset is different; therefore, devotees have to reach the ghat 45 minutes early.
Chhath Puja 2026: City-Wise Sandhya Arghya (Sunset) Timings
City |
Sandhya Arghya Timings
Patna
05:01 PM
Gaya
05:03 PM
Ranchi
05:04 PM
Kolkata
04:52 PM
Varanasi
05:10 PM
Prayagraj
05:12 PM
Lucknow
05:16 PM
Kanpur
05:17 PM
Gorakhpur
05:05 PM
New Delhi
05:28 PM
Gurugram
05:28 PM
Jaipur
05:40 PM
Noida
05:27 PM
Ahmedabad
05:56 PM
Mumbai
06:00 PM
Bengaluru
05:50 PM
Hyderabad
05:41 PM
Chennai
05:38 PM
Sandhya Arghya Ritual: Step-By-Step
Sadhya Arghya is not just a ritual; it is an emotion for every Chhath devotee. Here is how the ritual is performed:
1. Preparation of Daura and Soop
The Chhath prasad is kept in a bamboo soop and daura. The thekua, kheer, fruits like banana, water chestnuts, sugarcane, apple, and other seasonal fruits. The prasad is made without the use of onion and garlic, and on a new, clean stove or chulha.
2. Procession of Chhath
In the afternoon, the devotees, along with their family members, go to the ghat, singing famous Sharda Sinha songs such as ‘Kelwa Ke Paat Par Ugalan Suraj Mal’. The daura is carried on the head by the male member of the family.
3. Standing in the water
The vrati (fasting individual) stands waist-deep in the water, be it rivers, ponds, or artificial ghats. The face is towards the west, where the sun sets. Family members stand behind them with the soop.
4. Offering Sandhya Arghya
As the sun sets, devotees offer sandhya arghya with the soop filled with water and milk, flowers, akshat, and prasad. The water is offered three times, while praying for the well-being of the family and children.
5. Offering to Chhathi Maiya
After giving the Sandhya Arghya, prasad is offered to Chhathi Maiya. Devotees then sit at the ghat, sing songs in the praise of Chhathi Maiya, and wait for sunrise for the Usha Arghya.
What Is The Significance of Sandhya Arghya?
Chhath Mahaparav is the only festival in the country where water is offered to the setting sun first. It comes with a lesson that the setting sun has its own importance and that one should not see darkness as an end.
Important Tips For Sandhya Arghya Today
- Reach the ghat early to avoid crowds and traffic.
- Keep the prasad covered and pure.
- Do not use plastic at ghats; keep the river clean.
- Elderly and children should take extra care while standing in water.
- Carry water, a towel, and a change of clothes.
Conclusion
Chhath Mahaparv is not just a fast; it is faith and discipline. As the Sun sets today, millions of hands will rise together in prayer, a sight that makes Chhath the most beautiful festival of India.
(Image Credits: Pinterest)
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