Chhath Puja 2026: Best Places to Witness the Sacred Sun Festival
As the first rays of the Sun illuminate India's sacred rivers, thousands of devotees gather along the ghats with baskets of fruits, traditional offerings and glowing lamps. The air fills with devotional songs, the fragrance of incense and a deep sense of faith. This is Chhath Puja, one of India's most sacred and spiritually significant festivals.
Dedicated to Surya Dev, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya, Chhath Puja is celebrated with extraordinary devotion, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of Nepal. The festival honours the Sun as the source of life, energy and prosperity, bringing families and communities together through prayer, fasting and traditional rituals.
In 2026, Chhath Puja offers a wonderful opportunity to explore India's rich cultural heritage and witness a festival that combines spirituality, nature and community traditions.
If you're planning a cultural getaway, here are the best places to experience the beauty and devotion of Chhath Puja 2026.
When Is Chhath Puja 2026?
Chhath Puja is traditionally observed over four days during the Hindu lunar month of Kartik.
In 2026, the festival will take place from November 13 to November 16.
The four days include:
November 13 – Nahay Khay: Devotees clean their homes, take ritual baths and prepare traditional food.
November 14 – Kharna: Devotees observe a fast and prepare offerings such as jaggery-based kheer and roti.
November 15 – Sandhya Arghya: Devotees offer prayers to the setting Sun beside rivers, ponds and other water bodies.
November 16 – Usha Arghya: The festival concludes with offerings to the rising Sun, followed by the completion of the fast.
The most memorable moments for visitors are often the evening prayers on November 15 and the sunrise rituals on November 16.
1. Patna, Bihar – Witness Chhath Puja Along the Ganges
Patna is among the most iconic destinations for experiencing Chhath Puja. As the capital of Bihar, the city celebrates the festival with immense devotion, transforming its riverfront into a vibrant gathering place for worshippers.
The ghats along the Ganges become the centre of the celebrations. Families arrive carrying bamboo baskets filled with fruits, coconuts, sugarcane, thekua and other traditional offerings. As the Sun begins to set, devotees stand in the river and offer arghya, creating a deeply moving spectacle.
The following morning, the riverfront fills again as worshippers gather before sunrise to offer prayers to the rising Sun.
Things to Experience in Patna
Witness Sandhya Arghya along the Ganges.
Experience the peaceful atmosphere of the early-morning rituals.
Observe traditional Chhath songs and devotional ceremonies.
Explore local markets selling festival offerings.
Taste traditional Bihari delicacies, including thekua.
Best for: First-time visitors, cultural travellers, photographers and those seeking an authentic Chhath experience.
Travel tip: Riverfront areas become extremely crowded during the festival. Arrange accommodation and transport early, and follow local instructions regarding access to the ghats.
2. Muzaffarpur, Bihar – Experience the Festival's Deep-Rooted Traditions
Muzaffarpur offers another wonderful opportunity to experience Chhath Puja in Bihar, where the festival is deeply woven into everyday cultural and religious life.
During Chhath, neighbourhoods and residential areas become lively with preparations. Families clean their homes, prepare traditional prasad and visit nearby water bodies for the rituals.
The atmosphere is especially meaningful for travellers who want to see how Chhath is celebrated within local communities rather than only at major tourist sites.
What Makes Muzaffarpur Special?
Traditional household preparations and rituals.
Devotional songs celebrating Chhathi Maiya.
Local markets filled with fruits, bamboo baskets and पूजा essentials.
Community gatherings beside ponds and riverbanks.
Opportunities to sample traditional Bihari festive food.
Best for: Cultural immersion, regional cuisine and travellers interested in local traditions.
3. Deoghar, Jharkhand – A Spiritual Festival in a Sacred City
Deoghar is widely known for its religious significance and the famous Baba Baidyanath Dham temple.
Although the temple is especially associated with Lord Shiva, the wider region also observes Chhath Puja with devotion. During the festival, families gather near suitable water bodies to offer prayers to the setting and rising Sun.
The combination of spiritual heritage, local traditions and a festive atmosphere makes Deoghar an appealing destination for a religious holiday.
Things to Do in Deoghar
Visit Baba Baidyanath Dham, allowing time for any temple-entry requirements.
Explore the city's religious landmarks.
Observe Chhath rituals at designated local water bodies.
Sample traditional Jharkhand and Bihari cuisine.
Discover the region's handicrafts and local markets.
Best for: Pilgrims, spiritual travellers and families planning a religious getaway.
4. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – Sacred Sun Prayers on the Ganges
Varanasi is one of India's most atmospheric destinations for religious and cultural travel. Its ancient ghats, temples and long-standing river traditions provide a memorable setting for Chhath Puja.
During the festival, devotees gather along the Ganges to offer arghya to the setting Sun and return the following morning for prayers at sunrise.
The sight of colourful sarees, traditional offering baskets and shimmering sunlight reflected on the river creates a beautiful scene.
Highlights of Chhath Puja in Varanasi
Witness the evening rituals along designated river ghats.
Experience the peaceful atmosphere of sunrise prayers.
Explore the historic lanes and temples of the old city.
Enjoy traditional North Indian festive food.
Photograph the riverfront in the warm morning light, while respecting worshippers' privacy.
Best for: Spiritual journeys, photography, heritage tourism and cultural exploration.
Travel tip: Check local arrangements before choosing a ghat, as access restrictions and crowd-management measures may apply during major rituals.
5. Ranchi, Jharkhand – Celebrate Chhath Amid Nature
Ranchi provides a different atmosphere for experiencing Chhath Puja. Known for its greenery, rocky landscapes and waterfalls, the city combines urban festivities with the natural beauty of Jharkhand.
During Chhath, devotees gather at designated ponds, lakes and other water bodies to perform the traditional rituals.
The festival is celebrated with devotion across local communities, making Ranchi an interesting destination for travellers who want to combine cultural experiences with sightseeing.
Places and Experiences to Explore
Visit suitable local water bodies during the festival.
Observe traditional Chhath preparations in residential neighbourhoods.
Explore Ranchi's markets and local food scene.
Plan a visit to attractions such as Tagore Hill.
Discover nearby natural attractions if your schedule allows.
Best for: Nature lovers, families and travellers seeking a combination of culture and sightseeing.
Travel tip: Confirm access arrangements at local water bodies and check weather conditions before planning excursions.
6. Kolkata, West Bengal – A Vibrant Community Celebration
Kolkata is known for its diverse cultural traditions, and Chhath Puja is an important occasion for many communities across the city.
Devotees gather at designated riverbanks, ponds and other water bodies to perform the rituals. The celebrations bring families together and create a lively atmosphere in several neighbourhoods.
The city's food culture and historic attractions make it an appealing choice for visitors who want to experience Chhath alongside other aspects of Bengali urban life.
Things to Experience in Kolkata
Observe Chhath rituals at designated water bodies.
Explore local markets and festive food stalls.
Visit the city's historic neighbourhoods.
Enjoy Bengali sweets and regional cuisine.
Discover the city's cultural landmarks between festival activities.
Best for: Food lovers, urban explorers and travellers interested in India's cultural diversity.
7. Delhi and the NCR – Experience Chhath Close to the Capital
Delhi and the National Capital Region are home to large communities from Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh. As a result, Chhath Puja is celebrated across many neighbourhoods with considerable enthusiasm.
Temporary arrangements are often made at designated riverfront areas, ponds and community sites, subject to local permissions and safety measures.
For people who cannot travel to Bihar or eastern Uttar Pradesh, Delhi NCR offers an opportunity to witness the rituals closer to home.
What to Expect
Community gatherings at approved water bodies.
Traditional offerings and devotional songs.
Local markets selling fruits and festival essentials.
Families participating in evening and morning rituals.
A strong sense of community and shared tradition.
Best for: Residents of Delhi NCR, families and travellers looking for accessible festival experiences.
Travel tip: Confirm the official venue and access arrangements with local authorities before travelling, as designated celebration sites can change from year to year.
8. Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh – Discover Chhath in Eastern Uttar Pradesh
Gorakhpur is another destination where travellers can experience the strong cultural traditions associated with Chhath Puja.
Located in eastern Uttar Pradesh, the city shares many cultural connections with neighbouring Bihar. During the festival, families prepare traditional offerings and gather at local water bodies to honour the Sun God.
The celebration offers visitors a chance to explore regional traditions in a city that is less internationally associated with festival tourism than Varanasi.
Things to Experience
Observe the rituals at designated local ponds and riverfront areas.
Explore the city's markets and traditional food shops.
Learn about regional Chhath customs.
Visit local temples and cultural attractions.
Experience the community spirit surrounding the festival.
Best for: Regional cultural travel, families and visitors exploring eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Why Is Chhath Puja So Special?
Chhath Puja is more than a religious festival. It represents gratitude, discipline, purity and respect for nature.
The Sun is worshipped as the source of life, while water bodies become important gathering places for prayer and reflection.
Several traditions make the festival distinctive:
1. Worship of the Setting and Rising Sun
Unlike many other Hindu rituals that focus primarily on the rising Sun, Chhath Puja includes offerings to both the setting and rising Sun.
This tradition symbolises gratitude for life's continuing cycle and the energy that sustains the natural world.
2. Traditional Offerings
Devotees prepare offerings in bamboo baskets, commonly including fruits, coconuts, sugarcane and thekua.
These offerings reflect regional food traditions and the importance of natural produce in the festival.
3. Fasting and Self-Discipline
Many devotees observe a demanding fast as part of their religious practice. The rituals require preparation, discipline and devotion.
Visitors should respect the privacy and comfort of those observing the fast.
4. Community Spirit
Chhath brings families, neighbours and entire communities together. People often help prepare the ghats, organise facilities and support those performing the rituals.
This shared participation is one of the festival's most distinctive features.
Travel Tips for Chhath Puja 2026
Planning ahead will help you experience the festival respectfully and comfortably.
Book accommodation early: Hotels in Patna, Varanasi, Deoghar and other popular destinations may experience high demand.
Arrive before the rituals begin: Reach your chosen location well before sunset on November 15 or sunrise on November 16 to account for crowds and local traffic restrictions.
Check local arrangements: Access to ghats and water bodies may be restricted for safety reasons. Follow official instructions and use designated viewing areas.
Dress respectfully: Choose modest, comfortable clothing when visiting religious sites and observing ceremonies.
Protect the environment: Avoid littering, use designated waste-disposal facilities and help keep rivers and ponds clean.
Be considerate when taking photographs: Ask permission before photographing individuals, particularly those engaged in prayer.
Prioritise safety: Stay away from unstable riverbanks and restricted areas. Avoid entering the water unless it is permitted and safe to do so.
What to Eat During Chhath Puja
Food plays an important role in the cultural traditions surrounding Chhath Puja.
Some popular festive foods include:
Thekua: A traditional sweet made with wheat flour and jaggery or sugar.
Rasiao kheer: A rice pudding commonly prepared with jaggery.
Seasonal fruits: Fruits form an important part of the traditional offerings.
Roti: Prepared as part of the traditional Kharna meal.
Kaddu-bhaat: A simple preparation of rice and bottle gourd commonly associated with Nahay Khay.
Preparation methods vary between families and regions. The food is generally prepared with particular attention to cleanliness and traditional practices.
Visitors can explore local markets and food establishments to discover regional specialities, while remembering that ritual offerings may follow specific household customs.
