Bihar Chhath Puja 2026: Bihar is getting ready to celebrate one of its largest festivals of the year. The state government is preparing for Chhath Puja 2026, where more than 1 crore people will come back to their hometowns and villages. Thus, public ghats, transport, security, sanitation and smooth electricity supply will be ensured.
From Patna’s Ganga ghats to the ponds, rivers and community ghat of small towns and villages, everything is being done to provide better safety and comfort for the thousands of devotees. The focus is on offering a safe and smooth experience for the 4-day celebration, especially during the evening and morning prayers.
Chhath Puja 2026: 4-Day Schedule
Chhath Mahaparv will be celebrated from 13th November to 16th November 2026 and involves serious devotion, fasting and prayers to Sun God Surya Dev.
The 4-day schedule will be as follows:
13th November: Nahay Khay
Devotees take a sacred bath and prepare a traditional sattvic meal.
14th November: Kharna
Devotees fast for the whole day. The fast ends after sunset with offerings, traditionally consisting of jaggery kheer and roti.
15th November: Sandhya Arghya
The main ceremony takes place during the evening with offerings to the setting sun at rivers, ponds and public ghats.
16th November: Usha Arghya
Devotees pray to the rising sun and traditionally complete the 36-hour fast without water.
Bihar to Set-up Over 10,000 Chhath Ghats
One of the biggest problems facing the administration this year is dealing with the large amount of devotees visiting rivers, ponds and public places.
As of the latest update (10th November), over 10,599 ghats have been set up throughout the state.
This includes:
- 1,405 Main Chhath Ghats.
- 9,194 Other Ghats.
- The ghat will be kept clean with silt removed and lighting provided. Water, temporary toilets, changing rooms and crowd control will also be provided.
Government Allocates Rs 8.43 Crore for Chhath Ghats
To improve the urban Chhath Ghats, the Bihar Urban Development and Housing Department has approved Rs 8.43 Crore for special grants.
This will be distributed to 18 Municipal Corporations and 157 Nagar Panchayats.
- Rs 3.60 Crore to be given to the 18 Municipal Corporations.
- Rs 4.83 Crore to be given to the 157 Nagar Panchayats.
A special grant of Rs 15 Lakhs has been provided to Deva, a neighbouring town to Dehri (Nagar Panchayat Deva). The money will improve the basic facilities for the devotees and avoid them any issues.
24-Hour Electricity Supply at 10,599 Chhath Ghats
Another key issue is ensuring smooth electricity supply. As there are evening and early morning rituals, this will be essential.
Power companies have been ordered to provide 24-hour monitoring of electricity at all 10,599 identified ghat sites.
This will be provided at:
- 1405 Main Ghats.
- 9194 Other Ghats.
- 948 Main Ghats and 2381 Other Ghats with South Bihar Power Distribution Company.
- 457 Main Ghats and 6813 Other Ghats with North Bihar Power Distribution Company.
Control rooms will be set-up at various levels to manage any complaints. Officials have also been instructed to repair or replace any broken transformers.
Extra lighting will be provided for better visibility around the ghat and access roads.
Bihar Railway Stations to Get Extra Ticket Counters, Holding Areas Ahead of Chhath Puja 2026
Over 1 Crore People Returning to Bihar
One of the main reasons for the huge preparation throughout the state is the amount of people coming back.
Every year, there is huge reverse migration as people travelling from Delhi, Mumbai, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and other states return to their hometowns.
Many find it hard to celebrate Chhath away from home. As it is a very family orientated festival often involving traditions, ancestors and community, even those living outside of Bihar will put extra effort in to return.
To help passenger movement, The Bihar State Road Transport Corporation have provided extra buses.
9 NDRF Teams to Be Deployed
Patna is one of the main centres for Chhath in Bihar and so extra measures are being taken.
The Patna administration have ordered departments to complete all necessary ghat preparations by 12th November. Nine National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams will be deployed to various locations between Danapur and Kangan Ghat.
Chief Minister Highlights Need for Extensive Preparation
The Chief Minister of Bihar, Samrat Choudhary has stressed the need for extensive preparation before Diwali, Kali Puja and Chhath.
“An adequate number of police personnel should be deployed to maintain law and order during the festival. All 38 districts should constitute quick response teams (QRTs) and keep them alert. Security and other facilities should be provided at the Chhath ghats as per the pre-determined standards,” Samrat said.
“Local volunteers should be involved in the Chhath Puja arrangements. Swimmers to be deployed at the ghats in rural areas. Highest priority should be given to ensuring that bare electricity cables and wires are not used anywhere,” Samrat said.
During a high level review meeting on 6th November he told district administrations and police to stay alert. He also told them to ensure everything was prepared. He said it would be important to ensure law and order, cleanliness and safety.
