Kartik Chhath: Patna’s Grandest Festival, A Divine Spectacle on the Ganga Ghats

The heart of Bihar truly comes alive during Kartik Chhath, a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Devta) and Chhathi Maiya. In November 2026, Patna will once again witness this unparalleled display of devotion, purity, and cultural richness, drawing millions to the banks of the sacred River Ganga.

The “Mahaparv”: A Festival of Faith and Penance

Kartik Chhath, celebrated during the Hindu month of Kartik, is arguably the most significant festival for the people of Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. It is a rigorous observance that embodies self-control, discipline, and profound gratitude towards nature.

Key Rituals and Their Significance

1. Nahay-Khay (November 13, 2026): The festival begins with devotees taking a purifying dip in the Ganga, followed by a simple, vegetarian meal prepared with strict hygiene. This sets the tone for the subsequent days of intense fasting.
2. Kharna (November 14, 2026): A day-long fast concludes after sunset with a meal of gur kheer (jaggery-rice pudding) and roti. This is when the arduous 36-hour waterless fast officially commences.
3. Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering – November 15, 2026):
   • As captured in the stunning image, this is the most visually spectacular part of the festival. Thousands of Vratins (devotees), predominantly women, stand waist-deep in the cold waters of the Ganga as the sun sets.
   • They hold aloft soop (bamboo winnows) laden with meticulously prepared prasad (offerings) including seasonal fruits, thekua, coconuts, and sweets.
   • The entire riverside is illuminated with countless small earthen lamps (diyas), creating a mesmerizing glow on the water and along the ghats. The collective prayers and hymns (Chhath geet) fill the cool evening air, creating an atmosphere of deep spiritual transcendence.
4. Usha Arghya (Morning Offering – November 16, 2026):
   • Before dawn breaks, devotees return to the ghats to make their final offerings to the rising sun. This marks the culmination of their fast and prayers.
   • After the Usha Arghya, the Vratins break their fast by consuming the sacred prasad, distributing it widely among family, friends, and fellow devotees.