Chhath Puja, the four-day festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, will be observed from November 13 to November 16, 2026. The festival begins with Nahay Khay and concludes with Usha Arghya on the final day.

The main Chhath Puja and Sandhya Arghya will be observed on November 15, while devotees will offer Usha Arghya to the rising Sun on November 16.

Chhath Puja 2026 full schedule

November 13 — Nahay Khay

The first day of Chhath Puja is known as Nahay Khay. Devotees clean their homes, take a ritual bath and begin preparations for the festival. A traditional sattvic meal is prepared as part of the day’s observance. Chana dal, rice and pumpkin curry are among the foods traditionally associated with Nahay Khay.

November 14 — Kharna

The second day is observed as Kharna, also known as Lohanda and Kharna. Devotees observe a fast during the day and perform the evening ritual before consuming the Kharna prasad. Traditional preparations include jaggery-based kheer and roti. After Kharna, the prolonged waterless fast continues until the final morning ritual.

November 15 — Sandhya Arghya

The third day is dedicated to offering Arghya to the setting Sun. Devotees gather at Chhath ghats and offer water and other traditional offerings while praying to the Sun God.

According to the New Delhi timing cited in the calendar, Sandhya Arghya will be offered at around 5:28 pm on November 15. Timings can vary according to location.

November 16 — Usha Arghya

The fourth and final day is marked by Usha Arghya, when devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun. This ritual brings the four-day Chhath observance to an end.

For New Delhi, sunrise on November 16 is listed at approximately 6:44 am, with Usha Arghya performed around the morning sunrise. Devotees complete the ritual and then perform Parana, ending the fast.

Chhath Puja 2026 at a glance

• November 13, Friday: Nahay Khay
• November 14, Saturday: Kharna
• November 15, Sunday: Sandhya Arghya
• November 16, Monday: Usha Arghya and Parana

The exact Arghya timings should be checked according to the local Panchang because sunrise and sunset timings vary by city.

The bank holiday on September 14 will affect branches in select cities across India as banks observe a regional holiday for Ganesh Chaturthi and related festival observances.

September 14, 2026, falls on a Monday and is listed as a holiday for Ganesh Chaturthi, Ganesh Puja, Varasiddhi Vinayaka Vrata, Vinayakar Chathurthi and Hartalika in certain banking centres.

Bank holiday on September 14: Full city-wise list

According to the holiday listings, bank branches will remain closed on September 14 in the following centres:

The holiday is therefore not applicable to bank branches across the entire country. Bank holidays in India vary by state and banking centre, depending on local festivals and occasions.

Why are banks closed on September 14?

September 14 marks Ganesh Chaturthi in 2026. The festival falls on Monday this year, with the date confirmed as September 14.

The banking holiday calendar uses different names for the observance across centres, including Ganesh Chaturthi, Ganesh Puja, Varasiddhi Vinayaka Vrata, Vinayakar Chathurthi and Hartalika.

The National Stock Exchange’s 2026 holiday circular also lists September 14 as a trading holiday for Ganesh Chaturthi.

Will online banking services work on September 14?

The closure applies to physical bank branches in the affected centres. Customers can generally continue to use digital banking channels such as mobile banking, internet banking and UPI, although specific services can depend on the bank.

Customers who need to visit a branch for cash deposits, withdrawals, account-related work or other in-person services should check the holiday status of their particular branch before visiting.

What about banks in other cities?

Banks in cities that are not covered by the September 14 regional holiday are not automatically closed because of Ganesh Chaturthi.

The bank holiday calendar is centre-specific, so customers should check their bank’s branch holiday schedule before planning a branch visit.

India celebrates Independence Day every year on August 15. The occasion is marked by remembering the struggles and sacrifices of those who fought for the country’s freedom.

On this special day, people often exchange wishes through social media, WhatsApp and text messages. If you are looking for patriotic messages to send to friends and family, here are 10 options for Independence Day 2026.

10 patriotic Independence Day wishes for August 15

1. A patriotic message

The tricolour is our pride and India is our identity. Remembering the heroes of the nation, wishing you and your family a very happy Independence Day. Jai Hind!

2. Remembering the freedom fighters

A heartfelt salute to the brave souls who sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom. Wishing everyone a very happy Independence Day.

3. Independence Day message for friends

On the festival of freedom, may the spirit of patriotism always remain in our hearts and bring smiles to our faces. Wishing all my friends a very happy August 15. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

4. Independence Day wish for family

Salute to our motherland, India, which fills us with pride. Wishing my entire family a very happy Independence Day.

5. A message celebrating the tricolour

The tricolour flying high in the sky represents unity, courage and honour. Let us always uphold its dignity. Happy Independence Day!

6. Message for children and youth

Freedom is not just a right but also a great responsibility. Let us contribute towards making our country better. Wishing you a very happy Independence Day.

7. A message dedicated to soldiers

A salute to the brave soldiers guarding the nation’s borders, because of whom we feel safe in our homes. Salute to all the courageous soldiers and best wishes on Independence Day.

8. A heartfelt Independence Day message

The fragrance of our soil, the pride of the tricolour and respect for our motherland are part of our identity. Wishing you and your family a very happy Independence Day.

9. Independence Day message for social media

Say with pride that we are Indians; the tricolour is our identity. May the spirit of patriotism always remain alive in our hearts. Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind!

10. Wish for India’s bright future

On this Independence Day, let us pledge to always uphold the unity, integrity and honour of our country. Wishing everyone a very happy August 15.

Independence Day is also an occasion to reflect on our responsibilities towards the nation. The day can inspire us to learn from the struggles of the freedom fighters and contribute to the country’s progress.