Chhath Puja Begins in Pune with Nahay Khay; Devotees Prepare for Four Days of Faith, Fasting and Devotion

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 13th November 2026: The spirit of devotion and the fragrance of festive traditions are filling homes across Pune as the four-day festival of Chhath Puja began on Friday with Nahay Khay, the first day of the celebrations.

Devotees, particularly families with roots in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh, are preparing to observe one of the most sacred festivals dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.

For many families living away from their native places, Chhath is much more than a religious festival. It is a cherished connection to their roots, culture and childhood memories. As the festival brings communities together, Pune is witnessing preparations marked by traditional food, prayers, cleanliness and a deep sense of collective faith.

Ravi Kumar, a serial entrepreneur from Viman Nagar, told Punekar News, “The festival begins with Nahay Khay, a day dedicated to purification and preparing for the rituals ahead. Devotees take a holy bath, clean their homes and prepare a traditional meal, generally cooked in a hygienic environment using ingredients considered pure for the occasion. The meal commonly includes rice, chana dal and bottle gourd (lauki), prepared without onion and garlic.”

The simplicity of the first day’s meal reflects the spirit of Chhath — discipline, purity and devotion. It also marks the beginning of a demanding spiritual journey for devotees who observe the rituals with unwavering commitment.

The second day, Kharna, will see devotees observe a fast throughout the day, breaking it only after offering prayers in the evening. The traditional prasad generally includes jaggery-based kheer, chapatis and fruits. After Kharna, the main 36-hour Nirjala Vrat begins, during which devotees abstain from both food and water, informed Adv Ravi Bhardwaj.

Shweta Shalini, entrepreneur and politician, said, “The most significant rituals will take place on the third and fourth days. On the evening of the third day, devotees will gather at riverbanks, lakes, ponds and other designated water bodies to offer Sandhya Arghya to the setting Sun. The following morning, they will return before sunrise to offer Usha Arghya to the rising Sun, bringing the festival to a close.

Chhath is perhaps Bihar’s greatest lesson to the world: Rise with humility, shine with purpose, and never forget to bow in gratitude.

Chhath Puja is distinctive for its emphasis on gratitude towards nature and the Sun, regarded as the source of life and energy. Unlike many festivals centred around elaborate ceremonies, Chhath is observed through disciplined fasting, traditional offerings and prayers performed in the presence of water and sunlight.”

In Pune, the festival also reflects the city’s diverse cultural identity.

“Families and community groups work together to arrange puja materials, prepare traditional delicacies and organise celebrations at suitable water bodies. For devotees who cannot travel to their hometowns, these gatherings offer an opportunity to preserve traditions and pass them on to the younger generation”, said Apurv Gourav ,Bihar Foundation Pune Chapter.

Pratima Devi (65), said, “From the preparation of thekua and other traditional offerings to the careful arrangement of fruits, sugarcane and bamboo baskets, every element of Chhath carries cultural and religious significance. For thousands of devotees, these four days are a time of prayer, patience and togetherness.”

As the Sun sets and rises over Pune, the chants of Chhathi Maiya and prayers to Surya Dev will once again bring families and communities together in a celebration that blends faith, nature and tradition.

Chhath Puja 2026: Four-day schedule

* November 13 – Nahay Khay: Ritual bath, home purification and traditional meal.

* November 14 – Kharna: Day-long fast followed by the evening meal and the beginning of the Nirjala Vrat.

* November 15 – Sandhya Arghya: Evening offerings to the setting Sun.

* November 16 – Usha Arghya: Morning offerings to the rising Sun, concluding the festival.