Chhath Puja 2026: Dates and How the Nepali Diaspora Celebrates
Chhath Puja 2026 falls 2–5 November. Learn the rituals and how Nepali communities in the USA, UK, Australia, Canada and Gulf celebrate.
By Nepalese Events Australia Editorial Team
Published: 2026-10-19T22:05:53.000000Z
Category: Festivals
Chhath Puja is one of the most important festivals for Nepali and Indian communities from the Mithila and Terai regions. In 2026, the main rituals fall in early November, with communities across Nepal, India and the global diaspora preparing for the four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God.
Chhath Puja 2026 dates
- Nahay Khay: 2 November 2026
- Kharna: 3 November 2026
- Sandhya Arghya: 4 November 2026
- Usha Arghya / Paran: 5 November 2026
Dates may vary slightly by local Panchang and community tradition. The festival begins six days after Tihar and is closely linked to the lunar calendar.
What is Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival in which devotees, mainly women, fast and offer prayers to the rising and setting sun. The rituals take place near rivers, ponds or other water bodies, where devotees stand in water to offer arghya (offerings of water, fruits and sweets).
The festival is especially significant for communities from the Terai and Mithila regions, including Maithili, Bhojpuri and Nepali-speaking families.
How the diaspora celebrates
Nepali diaspora communities celebrate Chhath Puja by organising gatherings near local lakes, rivers or community halls:
- USA: Gatherings in New York, New Jersey, Texas and California
- UK: Community events in London, Aldershot and Hounslow
- Australia: Celebrations in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane
- Canada: Events in Toronto and Vancouver
- Gulf: Private and community gatherings in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar
Finding local events
Because Chhath Puja observances depend on access to water and community organisation, local events are usually announced through community WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages and temple networks. Many families also observe privately at home.
For more festival coverage, visit our festival calendar and country news sections.
: Nepali lunar calendar (Panchang) calculations and diaspora community announcements.
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