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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