Chhath Puja 2026: Patna Prepares 103 Ganga Ghats as Bihar and UP Step Up Festival Arrangements
PATNA, November 11, 2026: Preparations for Chhath Puja 2026 have intensified across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, with administrations stepping up arrangements for sanitation, lighting, crowd management and safety at riverbanks, ponds and other पूजा sites. In Patna, officials have reported that 91 of the 103 Ganga ghats are classified as safe, while five have been identified as dangerous and work is continuing at seven others.
The four-day Chhath Mahaparv will begin on November 13 with Nahay-Khay and conclude on November 16 with Usha Arghya. Thousands of devotees are expected to gather at the Ganga and other water bodies to offer prayers to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.
Chhath Puja 2026: Important Dates and Rituals
Chhath Puja is observed over four days, with each day having a specific religious significance.
| Date | Ritual | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| November 13, Friday | Nahay-Khay | Devotees observe ritual cleansing and prepare a traditional meal |
| November 14, Saturday | Kharna | Devotees observe a day-long fast and take prasad in the evening |
| November 15, Sunday | Sandhya Arghya | Offerings are made to the setting Sun |
| November 16, Monday | Usha Arghya | Offerings are made to the rising Sun, followed by the completion of the fast |
The festival is known for its strict discipline, traditional food preparations and the participation of entire families and communities.
Patna Chhath Puja 2026: 103 Ganga Ghats, 91 Declared Safe
Patna is among the major centres of Chhath celebrations, and preparations are underway across the city’s riverfront and neighbourhood water bodies.
During an inspection on November 5, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary reviewed arrangements along the Ganga, travelling from Nasriganj Ghat towards Mahavir Ghat. Officials informed him that Patna has 103 Ganga ghats, of which 91 are classified as safe, five as dangerous and work is continuing at seven.
The administration also reported the following facilities for devotees:
- 552 temporary toilets
- 450 temporary urinals
- 400 temporary changing rooms
- 13 passenger shelters
- 171 watchtowers
- 21 administrative sectors to supervise arrangements and safety measures
The Patna Municipal Corporation is preparing 92 ghats and 103 ponds, comprising 37 artificial and 66 permanent ponds, for the festival.
These figures refer to different administrative categories and should not be added together as a single count of unique locations.
Dangerous Ghats and Safety Arrangements in Patna
Safety at riverbanks is a major priority ahead of the festival. The administration has identified five dangerous Ganga ghats in Patna and directed officials to prevent devotees from entering unsafe areas.
The district administration has also instructed officials to barricade dangerous locations and display clear warning signs. According to recent administrative reporting, dangerous areas are to be marked prominently so that devotees can identify and avoid them.
The names of all five dangerous ghats were not available in the public update reviewed for this report. Devotees should therefore check the latest official ghat information before choosing a location rather than relying on an unverified list.
Bihar’s Disaster Management Department has directed district administrations to:
- Deploy trained divers, swimmers and rescue personnel.
- Keep motorboats and life-saving equipment ready.
- Arrange ambulances, medical teams and Quick Medical Response Teams.
- Provide adequate lighting at ghats and approach roads.
- Inspect temporary electrical connections to prevent accidents.
- Use public-address systems to communicate safety instructions.
- Prepare crowd-control and emergency-response plans.
The state has also directed a ban on firecrackers near ghats and private boat operations during the festival period from November 13 to 16.
Nine NDRF teams are expected to be deployed at different ghats between Danapur and Kangan Ghat for rescue and emergency support.
Patna Traffic Advisory and Parking Arrangements
With large crowds expected on November 15 and 16, traffic management is another important part of the preparations.
The Patna administration has directed officials to begin traffic-management measures from Nahay-Khay and introduce special arrangements from Kharna. Suitable parking locations are also being identified for vehicles carrying devotees to the ghats.
The administration has asked officials to ensure smooth movement on approach roads and prevent congestion near major पूजा locations.
Important for commuters: A complete, route-by-route traffic diversion order and confirmed parking-location list were not available in the official updates reviewed for this article as of November 11. Motorists should check the latest Patna Traffic Police or district administration announcement before travelling. Do not assume that regular vehicle access or parking will be available near the ghats on the main ritual days.
Devotees are advised to leave early, follow police instructions and use only designated parking areas.
Patna Chhath Puja 2026: Sandhya and Usha Arghya Timings
The main offerings during Chhath Puja are made at sunset and sunrise. These timings vary by location, so devotees should follow the local sunset and sunrise times for the ghat where they will perform the rituals.
For Patna, the calculated timings are:
| Ritual | Date | Approximate local time |
|---|---|---|
| Sandhya Arghya | November 15, 2026 | 5:01 PM |
| Usha Arghya | November 16, 2026 | 6:07 AM |
Devotees are advised to reach their chosen ghats well before the offerings. Buildings, trees, weather conditions and the local horizon can affect when the Sun becomes visible or disappears from view. Families should also follow their local panchang and customary practices.
Chhath Puja Preparations in Uttar Pradesh
Chhath Puja is widely observed in eastern Uttar Pradesh, particularly in areas with strong cultural and family connections to Bihar. Preparations have also been reported in Varanasi, Gorakhpur and Prayagraj.
Varanasi: Municipal Corporation Reviews Ghat Arrangements
In Varanasi, the municipal administration has reviewed preparations for Dala Chhath and Dev Deepawali. Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari and Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal chaired a meeting on November 10 to review arrangements at major ghats, kunds and ponds.
The review focused on improving facilities at important पूजा locations and monitoring ongoing development work before the festivals.
Gorakhpur: Preparations Across 327 Ghats
Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation is carrying out special preparations at 327 ghats, ponds and other water bodies. The arrangements include cleanliness, lighting, drinking water and safety facilities.
The city has identified 24 major Chhath पूजा locations among these sites. Municipal employees and supervisors have been assigned responsibilities across the city’s five zones to monitor the preparations.
Prayagraj: Ganga-Yamuna Ghat Preparations
In Prayagraj, Mayor Umesh Chandra Ganesh Kesarwani inspected Balua Ghat, Gau Ghat, Maujgiri Ghat and Loha Ghat on November 7.
The review focused on cleanliness, waste removal, lighting and the preparation of पूजा platforms. Planned facilities include barricading, sandbags, temporary changing rooms, mobile toilets and clean drinking water.
Local reports also raised concerns about the pace of preparations around the Sangam area. Devotees should check local administration updates before visiting their preferred ghat.
Chhath Puja 2026 Arghya Timings in Major Uttar Pradesh Cities
The following are calculated local sunrise and sunset times for November 15 and 16. They are astronomical timings, not separately announced district-administration schedules.
| City | Sandhya Arghya, Nov 15 | Usha Arghya, Nov 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Varanasi | 5:10 PM | 6:16 AM |
| Gorakhpur | 5:06 PM | 6:16 AM |
| Prayagraj | 5:14 PM | 6:20 AM |
Devotees should confirm timings with their local panchang or पूजा committee and arrive early.
Chhath Puja Prasad and Essential Samagri
Traditional prasad is an important part of Chhath Puja. Preparations are generally carried out with care, cleanliness and traditional practices.
Some of the most commonly used offerings include:
- Thekua: A traditional sweet made with wheat flour, jaggery or sugar and ghee.
- Kasar: A traditional offering prepared using rice flour and jaggery.
- Fruits: Bananas, coconuts, apples, sugarcane and seasonal fruits.
- Kharna prasad: Traditionally prepared gur ki kheer and roti.
- Seasonal vegetables: Lauki and other ingredients used for the Nahay-Khay meal.
Commonly used पूजा items include a bamboo soop, daura, kalash, diya, cotton wicks, incense sticks, flowers, turmeric, rice, jaggery, ghee and clean water.
Devotees often carry the offerings in bamboo baskets and arrange them at the ghat before Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya.
Why Chhath Puja Is Celebrated
Chhath Puja is dedicated to Surya Dev, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees pray for the health, happiness and prosperity of their families.
One of the most distinctive features of the festival is the worship of both the setting and rising Sun. The evening offering expresses gratitude to the Sun, while the morning offering marks the completion of the main worship.
The festival is also known for its emphasis on cleanliness, discipline, devotion and community participation. Families living away from Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh also return to their hometowns or celebrate the festival in their cities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chhath Puja 2026
1. When does Chhath Puja 2026 begin?
Chhath Puja begins on November 13, 2026, with the Nahay-Khay ritual.
2. When is Sandhya Arghya in 2026?
Sandhya Arghya will be observed on November 15, 2026. In Patna, sunset is calculated at approximately 5:01 PM.
3. What is the Usha Arghya timing in Patna?
Usha Arghya will be offered on November 16, 2026. The calculated sunrise time in Patna is approximately 6:07 AM.
4. How many Ganga ghats in Patna are considered dangerous?
Officials reported five dangerous ghats among Patna’s 103 Ganga ghats during the November 5 inspection. The names of all five were not included in the public update reviewed for this report.
5. How many NDRF teams will be deployed in Patna?
Nine NDRF teams are expected to be deployed at different ghats between Danapur and Kangan Ghat.
6. What is the main prasad of Chhath Puja?
Thekua is one of the best-known traditional offerings. Other offerings include fruits, coconut, sugarcane, rice-based preparations and Kharna kheer.
7. Is Chhath Puja celebrated in Uttar Pradesh?
Yes. It is widely celebrated in eastern Uttar Pradesh, including Varanasi, Gorakhpur and Prayagraj.
8. Are private boats allowed during Chhath Puja in Bihar?
The Bihar Disaster Management Department has directed a ban on private boat operations near ghats during the festival period from November 13 to 16.
9. What should devotees keep in mind while visiting Chhath ghats?
Devotees should use designated safe ghats, stay within barricaded areas, follow police instructions and avoid entering deep or restricted water.
10. What happens after Usha Arghya?
After offering prayers to the rising Sun, devotees complete the rituals and break their fast according to their family traditions.
As Chhath Puja 2026 approaches, preparations across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh reflect the festival’s deep cultural and religious importance. With sanitation, traffic management and safety arrangements under review, devotees are encouraged to follow official instructions and celebrate the festival responsibly.
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