Devotees in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh began the four-day Chhath festival on Friday with the Nahay Khay ritual.
The four-day Chhath festival commenced on Friday, November 13, 2026, with the Nahay Khay ritual, according to reports by The Hindu and The Times of India. Devotees gathered at river ghats, including the Ganga, Yamuna, and Sangam, to bathe and collect water to begin the festivities.
In Patna, 90 out of 103 ghats have been declared safe for devotees, while 13 have been declared unsafe. Celebrations are also taking place in over a dozen parks, such as Eco Park and Harding Park, which have been equipped with changing rooms, barricades, and lighting.
The festival involves strict fasts to express gratitude to the Sun God. On the first day, devotees bathe and eat rice and pumpkin curry. The second day, Kharna, involves eating roti and jaggery kheer, after which a 36-hour nirjala fast begins.
On the third day, devotees offer arghya to the setting Sun at rivers or water bodies. The festival will conclude on November 16 after devotees offer arghya to the rising Sun, marking the end of the fast.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his wishes on X, stating that the sacred ritual is a festival of popular faith and sun worship. He expressed his wish that everyone receives the blessings of Chhathi Maiya.
