The Delhi administration has made a major announcement regarding the upcoming Chhath Puja festival, bringing cheer to millions of devotees in the capital. The government has formally issued a notification declaring a public holiday on the festival day, ensuring that citizens can participate in the celebrations without facing any professional hurdles.
Public Holiday on November 16
According to the official notification released by the Delhi government, a public holiday has been declared across all government offices, autonomous bodies, and public sector undertakings within Delhi on November 16, 2026, which falls on a Monday, on the occasion of Pratihar Shashthi or Surya Shashthi, commonly known as Chhath Puja.
Four Days of Devotion and Rituals
The festival will span four days this year, commencing on November 13 and concluding on November 16. This sacred festival is entirely dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. During this period, devotees express their profound gratitude to the Sun God and offer prayers while keeping fasts to pray for the well-being and prosperity of their families.
Cultural Significance Across Regions
While the festival holds immense cultural and traditional significance particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, it is observed with equal reverence and grandeur in Delhi and numerous other parts of the country where devotees gather in large numbers to offer their prayers.
Day-by-Day Schedule of the Festival
The four-day festival begins on Friday, November 13, with Nahay-Khay. On this opening day, devotees take a holy bath, thoroughly clean their homes, and prepare traditional meals to formally commence their fast. The second day, Saturday, November 14, is marked as Kharna. Devotees observe a fast throughout the day and perform the rituals in the evening, offering traditional prasad before the commencement of the rigorous nirjala fasting phase.
The third day, Sunday, November 15, is dedicated to Sandhya Arghya, the primary evening ritual of the festival. Devotees gather in huge numbers along the banks of rivers, ponds, and other water bodies to offer arghya to the setting sun, carrying baskets beautifully decorated with fruits and traditional delicacies like thekua. The festival culminates on Monday, November 16, with Usha Arghya and Paran, where devotees offer prayers and water to the rising sun before breaking their fast.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Holds Review Meeting
Ahead of the festivities, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta held a comprehensive meeting on Monday with senior administrative officials and members of various Chhath Puja committees. During the discussion, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized that Chhath is a festival deeply intertwined with the faith, beliefs, and traditions of millions of people.
Highlighting the government's priorities, she stated that ensuring a hassle-free and comfortable prayer experience for all devotees is paramount. She directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination and put all necessary arrangements in place keeping the specific needs of visiting devotees at the ghats in mind.
