Chhath Mahaparv 2026 has reached one of its most significant stages today, November 15. On Sunday evening, thousands of devotees across Bihar, Jharkhand, Purvanchal, Delhi-NCR and other parts of India will gather at riverbanks, ponds and designated ghats to perform Sandhya Arghya, the traditional offering to the setting Sun.
The four-day Chhath Puja celebrations began on November 13 with Nahay-Khay and will conclude on November 16 with Usha Arghya. Today, devotees observing the rigorous 36-hour fast will stand in waist-deep water and offer prayers to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya as the Sun sets.
The evening ritual holds special importance in the festival, bringing families and communities together through prayers, traditional offerings and devotional songs.
Chhath Puja 2026: Sandhya Arghya Shubh Muhurat Today
Date: Sunday, November 15, 2026
Occasion: Sandhya Arghya
Sandhya Arghya is performed during sunset, making the local sunset time particularly important for devotees. Since sunset varies from one city to another, devotees should check their city’s timing and reach the ghat approximately 45 minutes in advance to prepare for the ritual.
City-Wise Sandhya Arghya Timings for November 15, 2026
Here are the expected sunset timings for Sandhya Arghya in major Indian cities:
| City | Sunset Time |
|---|---|
| Patna | 05:01 PM |
| Gaya | 05:03 PM |
| Ranchi | 05:04 PM |
| Kolkata | 04:52 PM |
| Varanasi | 05:10 PM |
| Prayagraj | 05:12 PM |
| Lucknow | 05:16 PM |
| Kanpur | 05:17 PM |
| Gorakhpur | 05:05 PM |
| New Delhi | 05:28 PM |
| Gurugram | 05:28 PM |
| Jaipur | 05:40 PM |
| Noida | 05:27 PM |
| Ahmedabad | 05:56 PM |
| Mumbai | 06:00 PM |
| Bengaluru | 05:50 PM |
| Hyderabad | 05:41 PM |
| Chennai | 05:38 PM |
Sandhya Arghya Ritual: How Is the Evening Offering Performed?
Sandhya Arghya is one of the most important traditions of Chhath Puja. Devotees follow a series of rituals while offering prayers to the setting Sun. Each step reflects their devotion to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.
1. Preparing the Daura and Soop
The preparations begin with arranging the traditional bamboo baskets, known as daura and soop. These are filled with Chhath offerings, including thekua, kheer, bananas, sugarcane, water chestnuts, apples and other seasonal fruits.
The prasad is prepared with great care, following traditional practices. Onion and garlic are avoided, and a new, clean stove or chulha is used for cooking.
2. Procession Towards the Ghat
During the afternoon, devotees and their family members carry the prepared offerings to nearby rivers, ponds and ghats. The atmosphere becomes festive as families sing traditional Chhath songs, including popular compositions by Sharda Sinha such as ‘Kelwa Ke Paat Par Ugalan Suraj Mal’.
Traditionally, a male member of the family carries the daura on his head while accompanying the devotees.
3. Standing in Water
After reaching the ghat, the fasting devotee, known as a vrati, enters the water and stands waist-deep, facing west towards the setting Sun.
Family members gather nearby with the soop and other offerings as preparations begin for the evening prayers.
4. Offering Sandhya Arghya to Surya Dev
As the Sun approaches the horizon, devotees offer Arghya using a soop containing fruits, flowers, akshat, water and milk.
Water is offered three times while devotees pray for the health, happiness and prosperity of their families and children.
5. Prayers to Chhathi Maiya
After completing Sandhya Arghya, devotees offer prayers and prasad to Chhathi Maiya. Many families remain at the ghat, singing devotional songs and continuing their prayers while waiting for the next morning’s Usha Arghya.
Significance of Sandhya Arghya and Important Tips for Devotees
Chhath Mahaparv holds a special place in Indian culture because devotees worship both the rising and setting Sun. Offering Arghya to the setting Sun reflects gratitude towards nature and acknowledges the importance of the Sun throughout its daily journey.
The ritual also carries a message of faith, discipline and respect for every phase of life.
As devotees prepare for Sandhya Arghya today, a few precautions can help make the celebrations safer and more organised:
- Reach the ghat early to avoid heavy crowds and traffic.
- Keep the prasad properly covered and maintain cleanliness.
- Avoid using plastic near water bodies and help keep the ghats clean.
- Children and elderly family members should take extra precautions near the water.
- Carry drinking water, a towel and an extra set of clothes.
Conclusion
Chhath Mahaparv is much more than a religious fast. It represents devotion, discipline, family traditions and gratitude towards nature.
As the Sun sets on November 15, devotees across the country will come together at ghats to perform Sandhya Arghya and seek blessings from Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. With devotional songs, traditional offerings and prayers, the evening will mark one of the most meaningful moments of Chhath Puja 2026. The celebrations will conclude tomorrow morning with Usha Arghya, the offering to the rising Sun.