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Chhath Puja

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Chhath Puja, honoring the sun god for his blessings, and spreading love & light everywhere!

Sunday

November 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEKartika Shukla Shashthi (drikpanchang)

OBSERVED INIndia

CATEGORYReligion

SUBCATEGORYHindu

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Embrace the divine light of the Hindu festival, Chhath Puja, celebrated on November 7! This annual festivity, with roots dating back to ancient Vedic times, is dedicated to the sun god, Surya, and his wife, Usha, to express gratitude for their blessings on life, health, and prosperity. This colorful and vibrant celebration is rich in tradition, with four days of joyous rituals, sincere offerings, and melodious folk songs. Citizens across the globe come together to celebrate, turning bodies of water into spectacle of twinkling lights, fragrant flowers, and blend of vibrant hues. As part of our beautiful global tapestry, immerse yourselves in the benevolent spirit of Chhath Puja, spreading the sun god’s love and light everywhere. So, come along, join the festivity, pay homage to Surya, and bathe yourselves in the radiance of the solar deity, igniting warmth, positivity, and life energy within and around you!

TIMELINE

Chhath Puja Timeline

Documented References to Chhath Puja

In the late 18th century, British writers noted the Chhath Puja rituals being celebrated, marking the earliest known written record of the festival.

First Published Mention

The first scholarly mention of Chhath Puja can be traced to "The Tribes and Castes of Bengal", authored by H.H Risley.

Post-Independence Revival

After India's independence, there was a cultural revival that led to increased awareness and widespread celebration of Chhath Puja around the country.

Chhath Puja in Bihar's Public Holidays

The festival is declared as a public holiday in Bihar, marking its national importance and recognition by the state government.

International Recognition

Chhath Puja is celebrated at the United Nations for the first time, marking its global acknowledgment.

Widespread Virtual Celebrations

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the celebrations are held virtually, showing the resilience of traditions in the face of adversity.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Chhath Puja

Create a home shrine

In the spirit of Chhath Puja and to honor Surya, set up a small shrine in your home dedicated to the sun god. You could decorate it with sun-related art, flowers, and even family pictures capturing moments in the sunshine.

COOK

Cook a festive meal

Make a festive meal using ingredients sacred to the festival such as rice, ghee, and fruits. This will help you engage with the ancient rituals of Chhath Puja and share the traditional flavors with friends and family.

HOST

Host a sunrise and sunset picnic

Since Chhath Puja is about honoring the sun, plan for a sunrise and sunset picnic during the festival. This will allow you to directly appreciate the beauty of Surya's dawn and dusk and signifies paying respect to the cycles of nature.

ORGANIZE

Organize a Charity drive

In keeping with the festival's spirit of gratitude and spreading positivity, initiate a charity drive. Collect clothing, food, or donations for those in need, reflecting the fundamental principles this festival stands for.

LEARN

Learn and perform traditional songs and dances

Music is integral to Chhath Puja celebrations. Learn tradition folk songs sung during the festival, and if possible, initiate a cultural exchange by performing dances in community celebrations. This embodies the joyous spirit of Chhath Puja, connecting people through cultural expressions.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Chhath Puja

Spread Positivity and Love

The festival’s central message is about spreading love, light, and positivity just like the sun itself. By participating in Chhath Puja, we can contribute to the outpouring of positive energy, nurturing a profound sense of community spirit and shared joy.

Celebration of Gratitude

Chhath Puja is a moment of thanksgiving for the life, health, and prosperity that the sun god, Surya, bestows upon us. This deep sense of gratitude brings us joy and serves as a reminder of the many blessings we often take for granted.

Cultural Exchange

By learning the traditional folk songs and dances, and sharing these practices with others, we can participate in a vibrant cultural exchange. This deepens our understanding of Hindu tradition and promotes unity and camaraderie within the community.