QUICK TAKE | Delhi Chhath Puja 2026: Seven Things to Know About 1,400 Ghats and the New 11-km Ghat

1. When will Chhath Puja be celebrated in Delhi in 2026?

Chhath Puja will be observed from November 13 to 16. The four-day festival begins with Nahay Khay, followed by Kharna. Devotees will offer Sandhya Arghya to the setting Sun on November 15 and Usha Arghya to the rising Sun on November 16. The Delhi government has declared November 16 a public holiday.

2. How many Chhath ghats are being prepared across Delhi?

The capital is preparing more than 1,400 ghats this year, up from 1,326 in 2025. These include designated sites along the Yamuna and at other locations across the city. Preparations are also underway at the Yamuna ghat in the ITO area, where arrangements are being made for devotees.

3. What is special about the new 11-km Chhath ghat?

The major addition is an 11-km-long ghat along the Munak Canal, stretching from the Outer Ring Road to Inderlok. It will have steps on both sides and a concrete road to improve access for devotees from several adjoining Assembly constituencies. The facility is expected to become Delhi's longest Chhath ghat.

4. Who will inaugurate the Munak Canal ghat and when?

BJP national president Nitin Nabin will inaugurate the new ghat near Singalpur village on November 12, a day before the festival begins. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the programme after chairing a review meeting with Chhath committees and officials at Janseva Sadan.

5. What arrangements has the Delhi government planned for devotees?

The government has directed departments to ensure clean, safe and accessible ghats. Facilities will include covered tents at larger sites, toilets and changing rooms for women, CCTV cameras at major ghats, adequate lighting and better approach roads. Officials have also been asked to inspect sites regularly and fix shortcomings.

6. What has Rekha Gupta told officials about preparations?

The Chief Minister has instructed departments to complete major arrangements at least two days before the festival. Basic infrastructure work is to be finished early, leaving only final tasks such as filling ghats with water, setting up tents and cleaning. Additional sanitation teams are expected to remain active during peak celebrations.

7. Why is Chhath Puja significant for Delhi?

Chhath is among the most important festivals for communities with roots in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh, and is celebrated widely across Delhi. Devotees observe strict fasts and offer prayers to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, seeking well-being and prosperity for their families. The festival's public celebrations have also become a major part of the capital's cultural life.