Chhath Puja 2026: What Is Sandhya Arghya? Know The Rituals And Significance Of Evening Prayers
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Chhath Puja 2026 Sandhya Arghya will be observed on November 15. Know the evening rituals, significance and city-wise sunset timings across India.
Devotees offer Sandhya Arghya to the setting Sun during Chhath Puja, carrying traditional offerings in bamboo baskets and soop. (Image: Shutterstock)
Chhath Puja 2026 is one of the most significant Hindu festivals dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Among its four days of rituals, Sandhya Arghya holds special importance as devotees gather at riverbanks, ponds and other water bodies to offer prayers to the setting Sun.
This year, Sandhya Arghya will be observed on Sunday, November 15, 2026. Also known as Pehli Arghya, the ritual is marked by elaborate preparations, traditional offerings, devotional songs and prayers for the health, prosperity and well-being of family members.
Devotees observing the Chhath vrat carry bamboo baskets filled with fruits, thekua, sugarcane and other puja essentials to the ghats. They stand in water and offer Arghya to the setting Sun as part of the traditional worship.
Since sunset timings vary across the country, devotees should follow their respective city’s local sunset time. Here is everything you need to know about Sandhya Arghya 2026, including its significance, rituals, puja vidhi and city-wise sunset timings.
Chhath Puja 2026: When Is Sandhya Arghya?
Sandhya Arghya will be performed on Sunday, November 15, 2026, which is the third day of the four-day Chhath Puja festival.
The festival will be observed from November 13 to November 16, 2026.
Read More: Chhath Puja 2026: Why Devotees Worship The Setting And Rising Sun
On the third day, devotees offer prayers to the setting Sun. The following morning, they return to the ghats to perform Usha Arghya, offering prayers to the rising Sun before concluding their fast.
What Is Sandhya Arghya During Chhath Puja?
Sandhya Arghya, also known as Pehli Arghya, is the evening worship of the setting Sun during Chhath Puja. It is performed on Kartik Shukla Shashthi, the sixth day of the waxing lunar fortnight in the Hindu month of Kartik.
During this ritual, devotees offer water and milk to Surya Dev while standing in a river, pond or other designated water body. They also worship Chhathi Maiya and seek blessings for their families.
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Sandhya Arghya is an important part of the Chhath observance, which honours the Sun as the source of energy and life. Unlike festivals centred primarily on temple or idol worship, Chhath involves direct offerings to the natural elements, particularly the Sun and water.
The ritual is traditionally performed by devotees known as vratis, who observe strict fasting practices and maintain ritual discipline throughout the festival.
Chhath Puja 2026: Key Rituals of Sandhya Arghya
Sandhya Arghya involves several traditional practices, with family members and devotees participating in the preparations and evening prayers.
Procession to the Chhath Ghat
On the evening of November 15, devotees carry bamboo baskets, known as daura, and winnowing baskets called soop, containing fruits, sweets and other puja essentials.
Families often travel together to nearby rivers, ponds and designated Chhath ghats. Traditional Chhath songs are sung during the procession, creating a devotional atmosphere.
Read More: Chhath Puja 2026: Who Is Chhathi Maiya? Know The Story, History And Significance
Preparing the Traditional Offerings
The offerings for Sandhya Arghya are arranged carefully in bamboo baskets and soop.
Some commonly included items are:
- Thekua, a traditional sweet prepared using wheat flour and jaggery or sugar.
- Bananas and seasonal fruits.
- Coconut and sugarcane.
- Lemons and other traditional offerings.
- Diyas, incense sticks and other puja essentials.
- Vermilion and other customary worship materials.
The exact items may vary according to regional and family traditions.
Read More: Chhath Puja 2026: How To Make Thekua At Home? Check Ingredients And Traditional Recipe
Standing in Water Before Sunset
After reaching the ghat, devotees observing the vrat enter the river or pond and stand in the water facing the setting Sun.
Family members arrange the offerings nearby, while the vrati prepares to perform the evening prayers.
Offering Arghya to the Setting Sun
As the Sun approaches the horizon, devotees offer Arghya using water and, according to family customs, milk.
The offerings are poured from traditional vessels such as copper or brass lotas while devotees recite prayers and sing traditional Chhath songs.
The ritual is performed as an expression of gratitude to Surya Dev and devotion to Chhathi Maiya.
Read More: Chhath Puja: Are There 4 Types? Know About Kartik, Chaiti And More
Evening Prayers and Devotional Songs
Devotees offer prayers for the happiness, prosperity and good health of their families. Traditional folk songs dedicated to Chhathi Maiya are an important part of the celebrations.
After the evening Arghya, devotees return home or follow their family’s customary practices before preparing for the next morning’s worship.
Chhath Puja 2026: City-Wise Sandhya Arghya and Sunset Timings
Sandhya Arghya is offered at sunset on November 15, 2026. Since sunset occurs at different times in different parts of India, devotees should check the timings applicable to their city.
According to the city-wise Chhath calendar timings attributed to Drik Panchang, the expected sunset timings in major Indian cities are:
City-Wise Sunset Timings For Sandhya Arghya
- Patna: 5:01 PM
- Kolkata: 4:53 PM
- New Delhi: 5:28 PM
- Varanasi: 5:10 PM
- Lucknow: 5:16 PM
- Ranchi: 5:04 PM
- Mumbai: 6:00 PM
- Bengaluru: 5:50 PM
Kolkata is among the earliest-sunset cities in this list, at approximately 4:53 PM, while Mumbai’s sunset is expected around 6 PM.
What Is the Spiritual Significance of Sandhya Arghya?
Sandhya Arghya is significant because it reflects gratitude, devotion and respect for nature. Chhath Puja honours Surya Dev, who is traditionally regarded as the source of light, energy and life.
Some of the key spiritual and cultural aspects of the ritual include:
Expressing Gratitude to the Setting Sun
Chhath Puja is distinctive because devotees offer prayers to both the setting and rising Sun.
Sandhya Arghya symbolises gratitude for the Sun’s contribution to sustaining life. The following morning’s Usha Arghya marks the continuation of this devotion and the hope associated with a new dawn.
Prayers for Health and Family Prosperity
Devotees worship Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya and seek blessings for the good health, happiness and longevity of their family members.
The festival is particularly associated with prayers for children’s well-being and family prosperity.
Devotion, Discipline and Purity
The rituals involve fasting, cleanliness, restraint and careful preparation of offerings. These practices reflect the discipline and dedication associated with the Chhath vrat.
Community Participation and Equality
Chhath Puja brings families and communities together at riverbanks and public ghats. People from different social and economic backgrounds participate in the celebrations, share responsibilities and help organise the worship.
The simplicity of the offerings and the collective nature of the rituals are important aspects of the festival’s cultural significance.
What Happens After Sandhya Arghya?
After offering Arghya to the setting Sun, devotees prepare for the final day of Chhath Puja.
On Monday, November 16, 2026, they return to the ghats before sunrise to perform Usha Arghya. During this ritual, prayers and offerings are made to the rising Sun.
Once the morning Arghya is completed, devotees conclude their fast through Parana, following their family and regional customs.
Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya together form the central worship rituals of Chhath Puja, celebrating devotion to the Sun and gratitude for the natural forces that sustain life.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Sandhya Arghya will be observed on Sunday, November 15, 2026, marking the third day of the four-day Chhath Puja festival.
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Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with nearly three decades of experience in the media industry. He specialises in covering events and festivals and driving SEO-focused content for News18.com.
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November 14, 2026, 17:00 IST
