Chhath is the biggest festival of Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh, celebrated by families across India. Here are the 2026 dates and arghya times, the bank closures, and what shopkeepers should plan for.
Key takeaway: Chhath runs 13–16 November 2026. Sandhya Arghya is on Sunday 15 November and Usha Arghya on Monday 16 November. Banks in Patna and Ranchi are closed 14–16 November.
Quick answers: Chhath Puja 2026
When is Chhath Puja 2026?
From Friday 13 November to Monday 16 November 2026. The main evening offering (Sandhya Arghya) is on Sunday 15 November.
What is the Sandhya Arghya time?
Around 5:58 PM on 15 November as per one panchang; sunset time differs by city, so check a local panchang.
What is the Usha Arghya time?
Around 6:50 AM on Monday 16 November; the 36-hour fast ends after this offering.
Are banks closed for Chhath 2026?
RBI lists 16 November as a Chhath holiday in Patna and Ranchi. With the second Saturday (14 Nov) and Sunday (15 Nov), branches there are shut for three days in a row.
Will UPI work during Chhath?
Yes. UPI, IMPS, NEFT and RTGS work on holidays; only branch services and cheque clearing stop.
Chhath Puja 2026: day by day
| Date | Day | Ritual |
|---|---|---|
| 13 Nov | Friday | Nahay Khay — holy bath and a simple meal |
| 14 Nov | Saturday | Kharna — day fast broken in the evening; 36-hour waterless fast begins |
| 15 Nov | Sunday | Sandhya Arghya — offering to the setting sun (about 5:58 PM) |
| 16 Nov | Monday | Usha Arghya — offering to the rising sun (about 6:50 AM); fast ends |
Arghya times are approximate and change by city.
Bank and business closures
| Date | Patna / Ranchi | Rest of India |
|---|---|---|
| Sat 14 Nov | Closed (second Saturday) | Closed (second Saturday) |
| Sun 15 Nov | Closed | Closed |
| Mon 16 Nov | Closed (Chhath) | Open |
Deposit cash and clear cheques by Friday 13 November if you bank in Bihar or Jharkhand. See the full November 2026 bank holiday list.
For shopkeepers: Chhath demand planning
- Stock up on what sells most: bananas, coconuts, sugarcane, seasonal fruit, soop and daura (bamboo baskets), diyas, ghee and jaggery.
- Order by 10 November — wholesale prices usually rise in the last three days.
- Keep change and a UPI QR ready; footfall peaks on 14 and 15 November.
- Note credit sales carefully; many buyers settle after the festival.
Run the rush in DAM
- Open Search and type Stock Report to see what is running low before you reorder.
- Bill each sale with New Sale, or record quick counter sales and payments with Receive Money.
- At day end, search Day Book to match cash and UPI.
Festival stock, sold and counted
Track fruit, soop and puja-item stock and every UPI and cash sale through the Chhath rush.
Sources
Content checked on 26 October 2026. SmartPuja: Chhath Puja 2026 dates · Shubh Panchang: Chhath 2026 arghya times · RBI: Holiday matrix, November 2026.
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute formal tax, legal or financial advice. Festival timings are from published panchangs and vary by location; confirm local holidays with your bank. Verify with a registered Chartered Accountant (CA) before acting.