Chhath Puja (छठ पूजा), also known as Chhath Parva, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals celebrated in Nepal, particularly in the Terai and Mithila regions. Dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya, the festival expresses gratitude for the sun's life-giving energy and prayers for health, prosperity, and the well-being of family members.
Celebrated with great devotion over four days, Chhath is known for its unique rituals, including fasting, preparing traditional offerings, and offering prayers to both the setting and rising sun along riverbanks, ponds, and other water bodies.
In 2083 BS, the main day of Chhath Puja falls on Sunday, 15 November 2026 (Kartik 29, 2083 BS).
This complete guide to Chhath Puja 2083 covers the important Nepali and English dates, four days of rituals, traditional foods, cultural significance, celebrations in Nepal, and how to follow the festival calendar using Mero Miti.
Chhath Puja 2083: Key Dates at a Glance (2083 BS / 2026 AD)
Chhath Puja is traditionally observed over four days, beginning with Nahay Khay and concluding with Usha Arghya on the morning of the fourth day.
| Day | Occasion | Nepali Date (BS) | English Date (AD) | Weekday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nahay Khay (नहाय खाय) | Kartik 27, 2083 | 13 November 2026 | Friday |
| 2 | Kharna (खरना) | Kartik 28, 2083 | 14 November 2026 | Saturday |
| 3 | Sandhya Arghya (सन्ध्या अर्घ्य) | Kartik 29, 2083 | 15 November 2026 | Sunday |
| 4 | Usha Arghya (उषा अर्घ्य) | Kartik 30, 2083 | 16 November 2026 | Monday |
Important date: Chhath Puja's main public observance and evening offering (Sandhya Arghya) falls on Sunday, 15 November 2026 (Kartik 29, 2083 BS).
For complete event details and calendar information, visit Chhath Puja 2083 – Mero Miti.
What Is Chhath Puja and Why Is It Celebrated?
Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival dedicated primarily to Surya, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya. The word "Chhath" is associated with the sixth day of the lunar fortnight, when the principal worship takes place.
The Sun is considered the source of life, energy, and nourishment. Through Chhath rituals, devotees express gratitude for the natural forces that sustain life and pray for good health, happiness, prosperity, and the well-being of their families.
Unlike many other Hindu festivals, Chhath Puja is particularly recognised for its emphasis on worshipping both the setting sun and the rising sun. It also stands out for its disciplined fasting, simple offerings, cleanliness, and devotion.
Chhath is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of Mithila and Nepal's Terai region. Today, it is celebrated by communities across Nepal and among Nepali families living abroad.
Four Days of Chhath Puja 2083: Rituals and Celebrations
Each day of Chhath has a distinct religious and cultural significance. The celebrations follow a traditional sequence of purification, fasting, evening worship, and morning prayers.
Nahay Khay (Day 1 – 13 November 2026)
Chhath Puja begins with Nahay Khay (नहाय खाय), which marks the beginning of the four-day observance.
On this day, devotees take a ritual bath, often in a river or other sacred water source, and clean their homes and surroundings. The emphasis is on physical cleanliness, purity, and preparing for the days of worship ahead.
After completing the purification rituals, devotees prepare and eat a simple, traditionally prepared meal. Common foods include rice, lentils, and vegetables cooked with care, following the family's religious customs.
Nahay Khay establishes the discipline and purity that are central to the Chhath celebration.
Kharna (Day 2 – 14 November 2026)
The second day is known as Kharna (खरना). Devotees observe a day-long fast and prepare a special evening offering after sunset.
Traditional Kharna prasad commonly includes kheer (rice pudding), chapati or roti, and fruits. The food is prepared with particular attention to cleanliness and traditional practices.
After worship and offering the prasad, devotees break their daytime fast. They then begin the more demanding Nirjala Vrat, a strict fast without food or water, which continues until the morning rituals on the fourth day.
Kharna is an important part of Chhath because it prepares devotees for the principal offerings to the Sun God.
Sandhya Arghya (Day 3 – 15 November 2026)
Sandhya Arghya (सन्ध्या अर्घ्य) is one of the most important moments of Chhath Puja and the main public celebration of the festival.
On the third day, devotees and their families gather at rivers, ponds, lakes, and specially prepared Chhath ghats to offer prayers to the setting sun.
Traditional offerings are arranged in bamboo baskets and containers known as daura and soop. These offerings commonly include seasonal fruits, sugarcane, coconuts, thekua, and other traditional prasad.
As the sun approaches the horizon, devotees stand in the water and offer Arghya (अर्घ्य), a sacred offering of water and other traditional items, while praying for the health, happiness, and prosperity of their families.
The atmosphere at Chhath ghats is particularly beautiful, with devotional songs, traditional decorations, families gathering together, and the evening sun reflected across the water.
In 2083 BS, Sandhya Arghya falls on Sunday, 15 November 2026 (Kartik 29).
Usha Arghya (Day 4 – 16 November 2026)
The final day of Chhath Puja begins before sunrise with Usha Arghya (उषा अर्घ्य), the offering made to the rising sun.
Devotees return to the riverbanks or ponds early in the morning, often continuing their Nirjala Vrat throughout the night.
As the sun rises, they offer Arghya and prayers to Surya and Chhathi Maiya, expressing gratitude and seeking blessings for their families.
Following the morning worship, devotees conclude their fast by taking prasad. This marks the completion of the four-day Chhath celebration.
Usha Arghya represents renewal, hope, gratitude, and the continuation of life.
Traditional Foods and Offerings During Chhath Puja
Food and offerings have a central place in Chhath celebrations. Most offerings are prepared with traditional ingredients and considerable care, reflecting the festival's emphasis on purity and devotion.
Thekua (ठेकुवा)
Thekua is one of the most popular traditional foods associated with Chhath. It is a sweet, deep-fried preparation generally made from wheat flour, jaggery or sugar, and ghee.
It is prepared at home and offered as prasad during the festival.
Fruits and Seasonal Offerings
Seasonal fruits are an essential part of Chhath offerings. Bananas, coconuts, apples, oranges, sugarcane, and other locally available fruits are commonly arranged in traditional bamboo baskets.
Kheer and Traditional Meals
Kheer is an important preparation for Kharna. Made with rice, milk, and jaggery or sugar, it is offered during the evening rituals.
Daura and Soop
Daura and soop are traditional bamboo containers used to arrange and carry the offerings to Chhath ghats. They are an important part of the festival's cultural identity.
The simplicity of these offerings reflects the spirit of Chhath: gratitude, devotion, discipline, and respect for nature.
Chhath Puja Celebrations in Nepal
Chhath is particularly important in Nepal's Madhesh and Mithila regions, where it is celebrated with extraordinary devotion and community participation.
Cities such as Janakpur, Birgunj, Rajbiraj, Biratnagar, and other parts of the Terai become vibrant centres of celebration.
Chhath in Janakpur
Janakpur, the historic and cultural heart of Mithila, is one of Nepal's most prominent destinations for Chhath celebrations.
Devotees gather at ponds, rivers, and traditional ghats to perform the rituals. The city is decorated with lights, flowers, and traditional arrangements as families prepare for the festival.
Chhath in Birgunj and Other Terai Cities
Birgunj and other cities across Madhesh Province also host large community celebrations. Riverbanks, ponds, and public water bodies become gathering places for devotees.
The festival brings families, neighbours, and entire communities together, strengthening cultural connections and preserving traditional practices.
Chhath Celebrations Across Nepal
Although Chhath originated as a prominent tradition in the Mithila and Terai regions, it is now celebrated in Kathmandu Valley and other parts of Nepal as well.
Nepali communities living in different cities and abroad organise celebrations at suitable water bodies and community spaces, keeping the tradition alive across generations.