Direct Answer: What are Chhath Puja 2026 Arghya Timings in Varanasi?
In Varanasi, the 1st Arghya (Sandhya Arghya) to the setting Sun God will take place on Sunday, 15 November 2026 at 05:12 PM. The 2nd Arghya (Usha Arghya) to the rising Sun God will be offered on Monday, 16 November 2026 at 06:18 AM. The 4-day Mahaparv begins with Nahay Khay on Friday, 13 November and Kharna on Saturday, 14 November 2026.
1. 4-Day Chhath Puja 2026 Varanasi Calendar & Arghya Timings
Chhath is the only festival where the setting sun is worshipped first, followed by the rising sun. Here is the verified 4-day ritual schedule for Varanasi:
| Day & Ritual | Date (2026) | Key Rituals on River Ganga | Exact Timings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1: Nahay Khay | Friday, 13 Nov 2026 | Holy dip (Snan) in River Ganga, cooking Kaddu-Bhaat & Chana Dal in brass utensils using mango wood. | Morning Snan: 06:00 AM – 10:00 AM |
| Day 2: Kharna (Lohanda) | Saturday, 14 Nov 2026 | Full-day Nirjala fast. In evening, Rasiyaav (Jaggery kheer) & ghee roti offered to Chhathi Maiya; 36-hr fast commences. | Kharna Puja: 05:13 PM (Dusk) |
| Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Pehla Arghya) | Sunday, 15 Nov 2026 | Procession to Ganga ghats with decorated Daura & sugarcane. Fasting devotees stand waist-deep in water offering milk & water Arghya. | Sunset Time: 05:12 PM (Reach ghat by 03:30 PM) |
| Day 4: Usha Arghya (Doosra Arghya) & Paran | Monday, 16 Nov 2026 | Dawn Arghya to rising sun; prayers to Chhathi Maiya for family prosperity; breaking of 36-hour fast with Thekua prasad. | Sunrise Time: 06:18 AM (Reach ghat by 05:15 AM) |
2. Best Ghats in Varanasi to Perform & Witness Chhath Puja
Dashashwamedh Ghat & Dr. Rajendra Prasad Ghat
The spiritual epicenter of Varanasi. The vast stone expanse is completely blanketed with thousands of glowing earthen lamps, fresh yellow marigolds, and colorful bamboo Soop baskets. The combination of Chhath devotion and the evening Maha Ganga Aarti creates an unforgettable spiritual atmosphere.
Assi Ghat (Spacious & Peaceful)
Located at the southern end where River Assi meets Ganga, Assi Ghat has exceptionally wide stone steps, making it much easier for large joint families to set up their puja sthal and plant fresh sugarcane stalks (Kosi Bharai). Excellent e-rickshaw connectivity from Sigra and Lanka.
Namo Ghat (Best for Senior Citizen Vratis)
The modern northern ghat with illuminated folded-hands sculptures. It features wheelchair-friendly ramps directly down to the water, clean changing rooms, safe shallow water barricades, and dedicated parking for private AC cabs—ideal for families with elderly fasting mothers.
Panchganga Ghat & Scindia Ghat (Ancient Heritage)
Where five sacred rivers are believed to meet secretly. The towering backdrop of the Alamgir Mosque and ancient stone havelis illuminated with Akash Deep (hanging lanterns) makes Panchganga Ghat deeply traditional and beloved by photographers.
3. Private Boat Booking for Chhath Puja Arghya in Varanasi
Due to intense crowd density on the steps, hundreds of families hire private boats. The boat is anchored a few meters off the ghat, allowing Vratis to stand in clean river water and offer milk and water Arghya with complete peace and dignity.
| Boat Category | Capacity | Chhath Puja Special Rate (3 Hours) | Boarding Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Wooden Row Boat | 4–6 Persons + Daura | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 | Sandhya: 03:45 PM | Usha: 05:15 AM |
| Private Motorboat (Speed / Canopy) | 8–12 Persons + Family | ₹3,000 – ₹4,500 | Sandhya: 03:45 PM | Usha: 05:15 AM |
| Double-Decker VIP Bajra (Shared Deck) | Per Person / Tourist | ₹300 – ₹500 / seat | Board 45 mins prior to Sunset/Sunrise |
*All boats booked through Kashi Dharshan Travels include certified life jackets, licensed local boatmen, and priority anchoring near Dashashwamedh or Assi Ghats.
4. Essential Advisory for Chhath Devotees Visiting Varanasi
🧥 Cold Morning Weather & Ganga Breeze
During Usha Arghya on 16 November (05:00 AM – 06:30 AM), early winter mist and chilly river winds drop temperatures to 14°C. Carry warm shawls and dry clothes for Vratis immediately after coming out of the river.
🚫 Traffic Diversions at Godowlia
On 15 November afternoon, all vehicular traffic (including auto-rickshaws) is stopped at Luxa and Maidagin. Pilgrims carrying heavy Daura must either walk 10 minutes or use pre-booked e-rickshaws.
🔱 Vishwanath Darshan Coordination
Most families combine Chhath with Baba Kashi Vishwanath Darshan. Pre-booking a VIP Sugam Darshan pass allows fasting devotees to complete darshan smoothly in 30 minutes without waiting in 3-hour queues.
Book Chhath Puja Private Boat & Kashi Yatra Package
Ensure a comfortable, soulful pilgrimage for your family. Verified 3-star/4-star hotels near Godowlia, reserved private boat for Sandhya & Usha Arghya, AC cab transfers, and Kashi Vishwanath VIP passes.
Frequently Asked Questions (Chhath Puja Varanasi FAQs)
What are the exact dates and Arghya timings for Chhath Puja 2026 in Varanasi?
Chhath Puja 2026 runs from Friday, 13 November to Monday, 16 November 2026. The 1st Arghya (Sandhya Arghya) is offered at sunset on Sunday, 15 November 2026 at 05:12 PM. The 2nd Arghya (Usha Arghya) is offered at sunrise on Monday, 16 November 2026 at 06:18 AM.
Can devotees rent a private boat for offering Chhath Puja Arghya in River Ganga?
Yes, renting a private wooden row boat or motorboat is the most preferred option for families. It allows Vratis to carry their Puja Daura and Soop directly into the calm waters of the Ganges and offer Arghya peacefully without struggling through massive ghat crowds.
How much does a boat ride cost for Chhath Puja in Varanasi?
During Chhath Puja, private wooden row boats (4 to 6 persons) cost ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 for a 3-hour booking. Medium motorboats cost ₹3,000 to ₹4,500, and shared seats on double-decker Bajras cost ₹300 to ₹500 per person.
Which ghats in Varanasi are best for performing Chhath Puja?
Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most vibrant and grand. Assi Ghat offers wide stone steps and easy access. For elderly devotees and families with wheelchairs, Namo Ghat is the best due to barrier-free ramps, clean facilities, and dedicated car parking.
What time should families reach the ghats for Sandhya Arghya?
Families should reach their chosen ghat by 03:30 PM on Sunday, 15 November 2026. Sunset occurs at 05:12 PM, but ghat stone steps fill up completely with colorful Daura and diyas by 04:15 PM.
What are the 4 days of Chhath Puja called and what rituals happen?
Day 1 is Nahay Khay (13 Nov: ritual bath and Kaddu-Bhaat). Day 2 is Kharna (14 Nov: 36-hour nirjala fast begins, Rasiyaav kheer prasad at dusk). Day 3 is Sandhya Arghya (15 Nov: sunset offering with Thekua and fruits). Day 4 is Usha Arghya & Paran (16 Nov: sunrise offering and breaking of fast).