Chhath Puja 2026: Ghat Preparations, Traditional Songs and Evening Rituals
Chhath Puja 2026 will be observed from November 13 to November 16, bringing devotees together to celebrate the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. One of the most significant moments of the four-day festival is Sandhya Arghya, when devotees gather at riverbanks, ponds and other water bodies to offer prayers to the setting Sun.
From cleaning and decorating Chhath ghats to preparing traditional offerings, singing devotional folk songs and observing evening rituals, the festival reflects India's rich cultural and spiritual traditions. The celebrations are particularly vibrant in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of Nepal, where families come together to observe the rituals with devotion.
Also Read: Chhath Puja 2026 Date: Check 4-Day Calendar, Nahay Khay, Kharna and Arghya Timings
Cleaning the ghats is among the most important preparations. Riverbanks and ponds are cleared of waste, mud and unwanted materials to provide devotees with a clean space for offering prayers. Temporary arrangements may also include lighting, barricades, decorated pathways, drinking water facilities and designated areas for performing rituals.
In several places, bamboo decorations, flowers, banana leaves and traditional earthen lamps add to the festive atmosphere. Families also prepare their homes and puja materials in advance, ensuring that everything required for the evening offering is ready.
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Some popular Chhath songs include:
The evening rituals generally follow a traditional sequence:
1. Preparing the Soop and Daura: Devotees arrange fruits, thekua, rice laddoos, sugarcane, coconuts and other seasonal offerings in bamboo baskets. These offerings are carried to the ghat with devotion.
2. Reaching the Ghat: Families visit the designated water bodies before sunset. Vratis, the devotees observing the Chhath fast, prepare for the evening prayers while family members help arrange the offerings.
3. Offering Arghya to the Setting Sun: As the Sun approaches the horizon, devotees stand in the water and offer Arghya using water and milk. They pray to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya for good health, happiness and prosperity.
4. Lighting Diyas and Singing Devotional Songs: Earthen lamps illuminate the ghats as devotional songs and prayers fill the surroundings. Families participate in the rituals, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
5. Continuing the Observance: After Sandhya Arghya, devotees continue their observance according to family traditions. In some households, special Kosi rituals are also performed during the night.
The evening offering is particularly significant because Chhath Puja is among the few Hindu festivals in which devotees worship the setting Sun as well as the rising Sun.
The celebrations reflect the importance of nature, discipline, gratitude and family bonds. From the preparation of traditional offerings to devotional songs and prayers at the water's edge, every aspect of Chhath Puja carries deep cultural and spiritual significance.
Also Read: Why Is the Setting Sun Worshipped Before the Rising Sun During Chhath Puja? Know the Significance
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From cleaning and decorating Chhath ghats to preparing traditional offerings, singing devotional folk songs and observing evening rituals, the festival reflects India's rich cultural and spiritual traditions. The celebrations are particularly vibrant in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of Nepal, where families come together to observe the rituals with devotion.
Also Read: Chhath Puja 2026 Date: Check 4-Day Calendar, Nahay Khay, Kharna and Arghya Timings
Chhath Puja 2026: How Ghats Are Being Prepared for Sandhya Arghya
As Chhath Puja approaches, preparations are gaining momentum across cities and towns, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi-NCR. Local authorities, community organisations and volunteers traditionally work together to prepare riverbanks, ponds and temporary water bodies for the celebrations.Cleaning the ghats is among the most important preparations. Riverbanks and ponds are cleared of waste, mud and unwanted materials to provide devotees with a clean space for offering prayers. Temporary arrangements may also include lighting, barricades, decorated pathways, drinking water facilities and designated areas for performing rituals.
In several places, bamboo decorations, flowers, banana leaves and traditional earthen lamps add to the festive atmosphere. Families also prepare their homes and puja materials in advance, ensuring that everything required for the evening offering is ready.
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Traditional Chhath Songs Add to the Festive Atmosphere
One of the most recognisable features of Chhath Puja is its traditional folk music. Devotional songs dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya are sung by women and families throughout the four-day festival. These songs are deeply connected with the cultural traditions of Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. They describe devotion, family relationships, gratitude towards nature and prayers for the well-being of loved ones.Some popular Chhath songs include:
- Kanch Hi Baans Ke Bahangiya: A traditional devotional song describing the bamboo baskets used to carry Chhath offerings.
- Uga Ho Suruj Dev: A popular prayer requesting the Sun God to rise and bless devotees.
- Kelwa Ke Paat Par: A well-known folk song associated with Chhathi Maiya and the traditional offerings.
- Hey Chhathi Maiya: Devotional songs invoking Chhathi Maiya's blessings for happiness, health and prosperity.
Sandhya Arghya 2026: Evening Rituals and Puja Vidhi
Sandhya Arghya is one of the most important rituals of Chhath Puja. In 2026, it will be performed on Sunday, November 15, the third day of the festival. Devotees gather at rivers, ponds and specially prepared ghats to offer Arghya to the setting Sun.The evening rituals generally follow a traditional sequence:
1. Preparing the Soop and Daura: Devotees arrange fruits, thekua, rice laddoos, sugarcane, coconuts and other seasonal offerings in bamboo baskets. These offerings are carried to the ghat with devotion.
2. Reaching the Ghat: Families visit the designated water bodies before sunset. Vratis, the devotees observing the Chhath fast, prepare for the evening prayers while family members help arrange the offerings.
3. Offering Arghya to the Setting Sun: As the Sun approaches the horizon, devotees stand in the water and offer Arghya using water and milk. They pray to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya for good health, happiness and prosperity.
4. Lighting Diyas and Singing Devotional Songs: Earthen lamps illuminate the ghats as devotional songs and prayers fill the surroundings. Families participate in the rituals, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
5. Continuing the Observance: After Sandhya Arghya, devotees continue their observance according to family traditions. In some households, special Kosi rituals are also performed during the night.
The evening offering is particularly significant because Chhath Puja is among the few Hindu festivals in which devotees worship the setting Sun as well as the rising Sun.
What Happens After Sandhya Arghya?
The festival continues with Usha Arghya on Monday, November 16, 2026. Devotees return to the ghats early in the morning, often before sunrise, to offer prayers to the rising Sun. After the final offering, devotees complete their fast through Parana. Prasad is distributed among family members, neighbours and other devotees, marking the conclusion of the four-day Chhath Mahaparv.The celebrations reflect the importance of nature, discipline, gratitude and family bonds. From the preparation of traditional offerings to devotional songs and prayers at the water's edge, every aspect of Chhath Puja carries deep cultural and spiritual significance.
Also Read: Why Is the Setting Sun Worshipped Before the Rising Sun During Chhath Puja? Know the Significance
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