Chhath Puja 2026 begins with Nahay Khay on Friday, 13 November and ends with Usha Arghya at sunrise on Monday, 16 November. The main evening offering to the setting sun, Sandhya Arghya, falls on Sunday, 15 November.
Few festivals are as closely tied to their music as Chhath. In Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and across the diaspora, Chhath geet play from the first day of preparation to the last arghya at the ghat. Many of them are folk songs passed down through generations, and the voice most families associate with them is the late Sharda Sinha.
Chhath Puja 2026 dates
Day 1, Friday 13 November: Nahay Khay
Day 2, Saturday 14 November: Kharna
Day 3, Sunday 15 November: Sandhya Arghya (offering to the setting sun)
Day 4, Monday 16 November: Usha Arghya (offering to the rising sun)
Sharda Sinha's timeless Chhath songs
Sharda Sinha, the Bihar Kokila, recorded the Chhath songs that define the festival for millions. She passed away in November 2024, during the Chhath festival itself, and her songs remain the heart of every Chhath playlist.
1. Kelwa Ke Paat Par Ugelan Suruj Mal. One of the most beloved Chhath geet, describing the sun rising over banana leaves.
2. Ho Dinanath. A devotional call to the Sun God, played at ghats across Bihar.
3. Pahile Pahil Hum Kaini Chhathi Maiya. A moving song about observing the Chhath vrat for the first time, loved especially by first-time vratis.
Traditional Chhath geet
These folk songs have been sung by families for generations and have been recorded by many artists.
1. Kaanch Hi Baans Ke Bahangiya. The classic song about carrying the offerings to the ghat on a bamboo bahangi.
2. Ugi Hey Suruj Dev. Sung at dawn while devotees wait for the rising sun on the final morning.
3. Marbo Re Sugwa Dhanukh Se. A traditional Chhath song with a folk story at its centre.
Which songs suit each day
1. Nahay Khay and Kharna: gentle devotional songs while preparing thekua and prasad at home.
2. Walking to the ghat: Kaanch Hi Baans Ke Bahangiya as the bahangi is carried.
3. Sandhya Arghya: Kelwa Ke Paat Par and Ho Dinanath at sunset.
4. Usha Arghya: Ugi Hey Suruj Dev in the hour before sunrise.
Modern Bhojpuri Chhath songs
Every year, Bhojpuri artists release new Chhath songs that quickly trend on YouTube in the weeks before the festival. To see which new Chhath geet are climbing this year, check the Media Marvels India trends page (mediamarvels.in/trends/india), updated daily across Spotify, YouTube and Instagram.
Chhath Puja songs: FAQs
When is Chhath Puja in 2026?
Chhath Puja 2026 runs from 13 to 16 November. Sandhya Arghya is on Sunday, 15 November and Usha Arghya on Monday, 16 November.
Who is the most famous Chhath singer?
Sharda Sinha, known as Bihar Kokila, is the voice most associated with Chhath geet.
Which song is sung during Chhath arghya?
Kelwa Ke Paat Par Ugelan Suruj Mal and Ho Dinanath are commonly played at Sandhya Arghya, and Ugi Hey Suruj Dev at Usha Arghya.
What is the most popular Chhath song?
Kelwa Ke Paat Par Ugelan Suruj Mal and Kaanch Hi Baans Ke Bahangiya are among the most widely played Chhath geet.
Are you releasing a Chhath geet this year? Get it in front of listeners before the festival. Promote your music on Media Marvels at mediamarvels.in/promote.