Chhath Puja 2026 Traffic Advisory: Road Restrictions, Dates, Rituals & Complete Travel Guide
Chhath Puja 2026 has begun, and preparations are underway across Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, and several other parts of India. With thousands of families expected to visit riversides, ponds, and designated Chhath ghats, traffic restrictions, road diversions, and parking arrangements are important concerns for devotees and everyday commuters alike.
The main celebrations take place on 15 November 2026 (Sunday), when devotees offer Sandhya Arghya to the setting sun, and 16 November 2026 (Monday), when Usha Arghya is offered at sunrise.
If you are planning to visit a Chhath ghat, travel to an airport or railway station, or arrange transportation for family members, checking the latest traffic advisory before leaving home can help you avoid unnecessary delays.
This guide begins with Chhath Puja 2026 traffic arrangements and travel precautions, followed by the festival dates, significance, rituals, puja essentials, and important dos and don’ts.
Chhath Puja 2026 Traffic Advisory: What Travellers Should Know
Traffic arrangements during Chhath Puja are designed to manage large gatherings near ghats and ensure safer pedestrian movement.
Restrictions may include temporary road closures, vehicle diversions, designated parking areas, and controlled entry near celebration sites. However, these arrangements differ by city and location.
Delhi Traffic Advisory for 15–16 November 2026
Delhi Traffic Police has announced special traffic arrangements for Chhath Puja celebrations on 15 and 16 November.
Restrictions and diversions are expected on several roads in East Delhi, Northeast Delhi, and Shahdara, particularly around areas serving Chhath devotees.
Motorists have been advised to avoid affected stretches, follow diversion signs, and park only in designated areas.
Traffic police have also issued a separate advisory regarding festive congestion around Anand Vihar ISBT and nearby transport hubs. Travellers using buses, railway stations, or airport connections should allow additional journey time.
Important: Individual road restrictions and their operating hours may change. Check the latest police notice for your specific route rather than assuming that every road near a ghat is closed.
City-Wise Chhath Puja 2026 Travel Guidelines
Chhath Puja is celebrated across India, but the largest gatherings are often associated with areas that have a strong tradition of the festival.
| City or region |
Areas requiring travel planning |
Recommended precaution |
| Delhi |
Yamuna-side ghats, designated ponds and celebration sites |
Check Delhi Traffic Police diversions. |
| Noida and Ghaziabad |
Local Chhath ghats and connecting roads |
Confirm parking and access arrangements locally. |
| Gurugram |
Community celebration sites and designated water bodies |
Plan drop-offs and avoid blocking access roads. |
| Patna |
Ganga ghats and connecting approach roads |
Check district and traffic police advisories. |
| Varanasi |
Ganga ghats and surrounding streets |
Expect pedestrian movement and verify access. |
| Ranchi |
Designated ponds and Chhath celebration areas |
Follow local administration instructions. |
The table identifies places where additional planning may be useful. It is not a confirmed list of road closures.
For Patna, Varanasi, Ranchi, and other cities, travelers should consult the relevant district administration or traffic police channels for location-specific restrictions.
When Is Traffic Likely to Be Busy During Chhath Puja 2026?
The most important travel periods are associated with the two Arghya ceremonies.
15 November: Sandhya Arghya
Devotees generally begin travelling to ghats before sunset, often carrying baskets of offerings and accompanied by family members.
As a result, approach roads and parking areas may become crowded during the afternoon and early evening.
16 November: Usha Arghya
Families travel to the ghats before sunrise for the morning offering. Roads serving popular celebration sites may experience additional movement during the early morning and after the ceremony.
If you have an early flight, railway journey, or business appointment, check whether your route passes near a major ghat.
Practical Traffic Tips for Chhath Puja
- Check official traffic advisories before starting your journey.
- Allow additional time for airport and railway station transfers.
- Use designated parking areas rather than roadside parking.
- Follow police instructions and temporary diversion signs.
- Keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles.
- Consider arranging a convenient drop-off for elderly family members.
- Avoid entering crowded ghat approach roads unless necessary.
Families travelling with children, elderly passengers, or large quantities of puja samagri should plan their transport especially carefully.
Chhath Puja 2026 Dates: Complete Four-Day Calendar
Chhath Puja is observed over four days, beginning with Nahay Khay and ending with Usha Arghya and Parana.
| Date |
Day |
Ritual |
| 13 November 2026 |
Friday |
Nahay Khay |
| 14 November 2026 |
Saturday |
Kharna or Lohanda |
| 15 November 2026 |
Sunday |
Sandhya Arghya |
| 16 November 2026 |
Monday |
Usha Arghya and Parana |
For New Delhi, the listed sunset on 15 November is approximately 5:28 PM, while sunrise on 16 November is approximately 6:44 AM. Exact timings vary by city, so devotees should consult their local Panchang.
What Is Chhath Puja and Why Is It Celebrated?
Chhath Puja is a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya.
The festival expresses gratitude for sunlight, life, health, and prosperity. Devotees pray for the well-being of their families and observe rituals associated with discipline, cleanliness, and devotion.
Chhath Puja holds particular cultural importance in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Families from these regions also celebrate it in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, and many other Indian cities.
Unlike festivals centered mainly around temple ceremonies, Chhath Puja is closely associated with natural water bodies and offerings made directly to the setting and rising Sun.
How Is Chhath Puja 2026 Celebrated? Four Days Explained
Day 1: Nahay Khay—13 November 2026
Nahay Khay marks the beginning of Chhath Puja.
Devotees traditionally bathe, clean their surroundings, and prepare simple satvik meals.
Common foods include rice, dal, and bottle gourd or pumpkin preparations, depending on regional and family traditions.
This day represents physical and spiritual preparation for the observances ahead.
Day 2: Kharna—14 November 2026
On Kharna, the person observing the vrat traditionally fasts during the day.
In the evening, special prasad is prepared, commonly including jaggery-based kheer and roti.
After offering prayers, the devotee consumes the prasad and begins the traditionally observed extended nirjala fast.
The exact practice may differ between families and traditions. Anyone with a medical condition, pregnancy-related concerns, or other health risks should seek medical advice before undertaking prolonged fasting without water.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya—15 November 2026
Sandhya Arghya is one of the most significant ceremonies of Chhath Puja.
Families gather near rivers, ponds, or designated ghats with bamboo baskets containing traditional offerings.
At sunset, devotees stand in shallow water where it is safe and permitted and offer Arghya to the setting sun.
Family members often sing traditional Chhath songs and participate in prayers.
Because many people arrive around the same time, this is also a key period for traffic management and crowd-control arrangements.
Day 4: Usha Arghya—16 November 2026
The final day begins before sunrise.
Devotees return to the ghat to offer Arghya to the rising Sun.
Following the ceremony, the vrat is concluded through parana, and prasad is distributed among family members and others.
The morning marks the completion of the four-day observance.
Chhath Puja 2026 Samagri List: What Do You Need?
Preparing the puja essentials in advance helps families avoid last-minute shopping and unnecessary travel during crowded periods.
Common Chhath Puja items include:
- Bamboo soop and daura baskets
- Thekua, a traditional sweet offering
- Seasonal fruits such as bananas and coconuts
- Sugarcane
- Radish, ginger, and other traditional produce
- Earthen lamps and cotton wicks
- Water or milk for Arghya, according to family custom
- Clean cloth for arranging offerings
- Flowers and other items used in the family’s tradition
The exact samagri list can vary by region and household. Follow the practices observed by your family or local community.
Chhath Puja 2026: Important Dos and Don’ts
What You Should Do
Maintain cleanliness. Clean preparation areas, utensils, and baskets before arranging prasad.
Respect traditional food practices. Prepare offerings according to your family’s customs and maintain appropriate hygiene.
Reach the ghat with sufficient time. Avoid rushing through crowded roads immediately before sunset or sunrise.
Follow safety instructions. Use officially designated ghats and comply with directions from volunteers, police, and local authorities.
Support elderly devotees. Arrange comfortable transportation and accessible drop-off points and assistance while walking.
Keep the surroundings clean. Collect packaging and waste instead of leaving it at the water’s edge.
What You Should Avoid
Do not enter unsafe water. Avoid deep, fast-flowing or restricted areas, even if other people are nearby.
Do not block emergency access. Parking in restricted areas can delay emergency services and create traffic problems.
Do not leave children unattended. Ghats may become crowded, especially during the main ceremonies.
Do not assume every ghat is accessible by car. Some locations may have pedestrian-only approaches.
Do not ignore health concerns during fasting. Prolonged fasting, especially without water, can be risky for some people.
Do not spread unverified road-closure messages. Check police advisories before sharing travel information.
How to Plan Family Transportation for Chhath Puja 2026
Chhath Puja travel can be challenging when several family members need to reach the same location while carrying baskets, fruits and other offerings.
A few simple arrangements can make the journey more comfortable.
Choose a Suitable Vehicle
Consider the number of passengers, available luggage space and any mobility requirements before choosing a vehicle.
Families carrying multiple puja baskets may require more storage space than a typical short city journey.
Plan the Pickup and Drop-Off
Identify an accessible meeting point away from the most crowded ghat entrance.
If traffic police restrict vehicle entry, be prepared to walk from the permitted drop-off area.
Coordinate Return Journeys
After Sandhya Arghya or Usha Arghya, many families may leave the ghat at similar times.
Agree on a return pickup location in advance and keep mobile phones charged.
Arrange Airport and Railway Transfers Carefully
Chhath Puja may also coincide with increased movement around railway stations and interstate bus terminals.
If your family members are arriving from another city, check their arrival times and the latest traffic conditions before arranging a pickup.
For travellers who prefer a chauffeur-driven journey, Indian Travel House offers car rental and transportation services for different travel requirements.
Vehicle availability and access to restricted roads are subject to booking confirmation and local traffic regulations.
1. When is Chhath Puja 2026?
The four-day festival runs from 13 to 16 November 2026. The main Sandhya Arghya takes place on 15 November.
2. Is there a traffic advisory for Chhath Puja 2026 in Delhi?
Yes. Delhi Traffic Police has announced traffic restrictions and diversions for 15 and 16 November, including arrangements affecting parts of East, North-East and Shahdara districts. Travellers should check the latest official advisory before leaving.
3. Are all roads near Chhath ghats closed?
No. Restrictions depend on the location, crowd levels and local traffic arrangements. Some roads may remain open with controlled access.
4. What time is Sandhya Arghya on 15 November 2026?
Sandhya Arghya is offered around local sunset. In New Delhi, sunset is approximately 5:28 PM. Timings differ by location.
5. What happens during Kharna?
Devotees traditionally fast during the day and prepare special evening prasad. The extended Chhath fast begins afterward according to the family’s observance.
6. What is the difference between Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya?
Sandhya Arghya is offered to the setting Sun, while Usha Arghya is offered to the rising Sun the following morning.
7. Can families travel to Chhath ghats by rental car?
Yes, where local regulations permit vehicle access. However, drivers must follow road restrictions, parking rules and designated drop-off arrangements.
8. What should I carry when visiting a Chhath ghat?
Carry the required puja offerings, drinking water for accompanying family members, necessary medicines, a charged phone and essential personal items. Keep bags manageable in crowded areas.
Chhath Puja 2026 is a time of devotion, gratitude and family togetherness. With the main ceremonies scheduled for 15 and 16 November, planning ahead is important for both devotees and regular commuters.
Start by checking the latest traffic advisory, identifying your ghat’s permitted access route and arranging transportation for your family. Once your travel plans are organised, you can focus on the meaningful traditions of Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya.
Whether you are travelling to a Chhath celebration, collecting relatives from the airport or arranging a family journey, thoughtful planning can help make the occasion safer and more comfortable.
