Plan Your Journey Home for Chhath Puja 2026

Last Updated on Nov 5th, 2026 by Kamal Kishor, Leave a Comment

Chhath Puja is dedicated to Surya Dev, the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees pray for good health, prosperity and well-being of their families. But in Bihar, Jharkhand and parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, the festival also carries a beautiful tradition of homecoming. 

People living far away return to their hometowns to celebrate with parents, siblings and loved ones. If you are in Australia and wish to be home for Chhath Puja 2026, the festival could be the perfect time to plan your journey to India.

What Is Chhath Puja and Why Is It Celebrated?

Chhath Puja is a four-day-long Hindu festival. In this festival, the devotees worship Chhathi Maiya and the Sun God. The festival offers thanksgiving to the Sun God, who is the source of energy and light for life, and to Chhathi Maiya.

Children and families are protected and taken care of by the worship of Chhathi Maiya. If you have children, then you wish that they are always healthy and happy with a long life. And that is why Chhath is so important for families, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand and surrounding areas.

When is Chhath Puja in 2026?

In 2026, the Chhath festival’s main evening offering, Sandhya Arghya, falls on Sunday, November 15, followed by Usha Arghya on Monday, November 16, in most Panchang calendars. The festival is observed during Kartik Shukla Shashthi, and its four-day celebration begins on November 13.

Date	Day	Ritual
November 13	Friday	Nahay Khay
November 14	Saturday	Kharna
November 15	Sunday	Sandhya Arghya
November 16	Monday	Usha Arghya and Parana

Want to celebrate Chhath with your family back home? Explore flights from Australia to India.

How Is Chhath Parv Celebrated?

The daily routine for each of the four days of Chhath Parv is:

• Nahay Khay: Bathing and a formal meal are offered to atone for one’s actions at this spiritual event.
• Kharna: All-day fast with offerings of jaggery-based kheer and roti after sunset.
• Sandhya Arghya: Women take their prasad and fruits and place them in bamboo baskets and offer prayers to the setting sun in rivers, ponds, etc. Manikal: Women take steps in the river or pond, washing their feet.
• Usha Arghya: The offering is made before the sunrise to the rising sun. The fast is finally concluded with Parana.

Can You Perform Chhath Puja at Home in Australia?

Yes. Families who are unable to access an appropriate water body or community gathering can continue their family practices at home. They can arrange for the traditional prasad, can clean the puja area and can offer prayers to the Sun God at the correct time at sunrise and sunset as per the time of day in the locality.

But there are particular fasts and rituals in Chhath. For the traditional fast, the advice of family elders or the priest should be taken.

Planning to travel home for the Chhath festival? Explore your India travel options.

Make Your Chhath Puja Trip to India

Returning home can make the Chhath festival occasion especially meaningful for families who grew up celebrating it besides the rivers and ghats of Bihar. From preparing thekua with relatives to offering Arghya together, being part of the celebrations can bring back familiar memories.

Make this Chhath a homecoming. Plan your journey with MyTicketsToIndia and celebrate with your loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Chhath Puja celebrated on the same date in Australia and India?

A: Most calendars list November 15, 2026, for Sandhya Arghya in both countries. However, local Panchang calculations and community observances may differ.

Q: Why do people return to Bihar during Chhath Parv?

A: Chhath is an important family festival in Bihar and neighbouring regions. Many people living away for work, education or other reasons travel back to their hometowns to celebrate with their families and observe traditional rituals.

Q: What prasad is prepared for Chhath Puja?

A: Traditional Chhath Puja offerings include thekua, fruits, coconut, sugarcane and other seasonal items. Preparations may vary depending on family traditions and regional customs.

Q: Can someone participate in Chhath Parv without observing the fast?

A: Yes. Family members can participate by preparing prasad, arranging offerings, helping with rituals and joining the prayers even if they are not observing the fast.

Q: Can I perform Chhath Puja at home in Australia?

A: Yes. Families can observe Chhath Puja at home in Australia by performing prayers and preparing traditional offerings. Follow your family customs and consider local sunrise and sunset timings when arranging the rituals.

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