When will Chaiti Chhath 2026 be celebrated? Observe these rituals for blessings of Chhathi Maiya
Chaiti Chhath 2026: Chhath, the grand festival of worshipping the Sun God, holds special significance in Hinduism. This grand festival of worshipping the Sun God is celebrated twice a year, once in the month of Kartik and the second in the month of Chaitra. This year, Chaiti Chhath 2026, celebrated in the month of Chaitra in 2026, will be celebrated from March 22nd to March 25th.
The grand festival of Chaiti Chhath is celebrated with the greatest devotion and fanfare primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. This four-day festival, dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, is held in the month of Chaitra (March-April), and large numbers of devotees worship at river banks.
Mythological beliefs
This festival is celebrated by offering prayers to Lord Surya for happiness, childbearing, health, and family prosperity. According to mythological beliefs, this fast was observed by King Priyavrat to have children, which was fulfilled by Chhathi Maiya.
According to another mythological story, during the Mahabharata period in the Dwapar era, Suryaputra Karna was the first to start this fast by worshipping Surya Dev. Draupadi also observed Surya Shashthi fast for the victory of the Pandavas.
Chaiti Chhath is dedicated to Surya Dev and his sister Chhathi Maiya. This fast bestows childless people with the happiness of children, family happiness and prosperity, and freedom from illness and health.
It is said that this festival symbolizes purity and gratitude to nature, in which the energy of the sun and natural water are of paramount importance.
From Nahay-Khaay to Parana
It is a four-day grand festival – from Nahay-Khaay to Parana.
Nahay-Khaay: On the first day, devotees take a holy bath and consume sattvik food (pumpkin rice).
Kharna: On the second day, the 36-hour waterless fast begins with the offering of jaggery kheer in the evening.
Sandhya Arghya: On the third day, the setting sun is offered Arghya.
Porna Arghya: On the fourth day, the fast concludes with offering Arghya to the rising sun.
The Chaitra Chhath festival is considered both scientifically and spiritually significant for the power of the sun and the purification of the body at the end of spring.