Chhath Festival Begins with Ritualistic Bath and Feast Tradition

Chhath Puja, one of India's most significant seasonal festivals, has begun with devotees observing Nhaay-Khay, a ritualistic bathing and feast ceremony that inaugurates the four-day celebration. The festival, primarily observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Nepal, follows an ancient tradition dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.

The 2026 observance spans November 13-16, with each day marked by specific rituals and ceremonies. Following the initial Nhaay-Khay phase, devotees will observe Kharna on the second day, during which a special kheer and puri are prepared as an offering. The third day involves Sandhya Arghya, the sunset prayer offering, while the fourth day concludes with Usha Arghya, the sunrise ritual performed at dawn.

Devotees prepare meticulously for the festival, which is known for its stringent fasting practices and devotional intensity. The rituals are typically performed near water bodies such as rivers, ponds, and ghats, where worshippers make offerings of sugarcane, coconut, and various fruits to the Sun God. The festival carries deep cultural and spiritual significance, with many families observing multi-generational participation in the ceremonies.

The observance requires careful adherence to traditional practices and dietary restrictions throughout the four-day period. Communities across affected regions have begun preparations, with markets witnessing increased activity as devotees procure essential items for the rituals and offerings.