Every year, as November arrives, a special buzz fills Delhi’s Purvanchali neighbourhoods. Soop and daura flooded in markets, thekua is fried in every kitchen, and Chhath geet like “Kanch hi baans ke bahangiya” play from homes and mobiles. For lakhs of families from Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern UP, Chhath is the most emotional festival of the year.
Not everyone can go home for Chhath. Trains to Bihar are packed, tickets are hard to get, and many cannot take long leave. The good news: you do not need to travel 1,000 km to celebrate Chhath properly. Delhi NCR and the areas around it have beautiful ghats where you can offer arghya with full devotion.
In this guide, we cover the Chhath Puja 2026 dates, the best Chhath ghats in Delhi and nearby places, top spots in Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad, and holy river ghats within a few hours of Delhi.
When is Chhath Puja 2026?
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival from Friday 13 November to Monday 16 November 2026. The main day, Sandhya Arghya, is on Sunday 15 November 2026. Dates are as per published 2026 Chhath schedules.
| Day | Ritual | Date | What happens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Nahay Khay | Fri, 13 Nov | Holy bath, then a simple meal of lauki, chana dal and rice |
| Day 2 | Kharna | Sat, 14 Nov | Day-long fast, broken in the evening with gur kheer and roti |
| Day 3 | Sandhya Arghya | Sun, 15 Nov | Arghya to the setting sun at the ghat (main day) |
| Day 4 | Usha Arghya | Mon, 16 Nov | Arghya to the rising sun, then the fast ends |
In Delhi, sunset on 15 November is around 5:25 PM, and sunrise on 16 November is around 6:45 AM. Check the exact arghya time with a local panchang, as it varies by a few minutes by city.
The main day falls on a Sunday, so most working people in Delhi NCR can join the Sandhya Arghya without taking leave.
Why is Chhath Puja celebrated?
Chhath Puja is dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees thank the Sun for life, health and a good harvest, and pray for the long life and happiness of their children and family.
What makes Chhath unique is its simplicity. There is no idol and no priest is needed. The vratis (devotees who fast) keep a tough 36-hour nirjala fast after Kharna, without even water, and offer arghya standing in water. It is a festival of discipline, purity and pure faith.
Which are the best Chhath Ghats in Delhi?
Delhi has one of the biggest Chhath celebrations outside Bihar. Every year, the Delhi government and local bodies set up a large number of temporary ghats along the Yamuna and in colonies, with lighting, tents, changing rooms, medical help and security.
Here are the most popular Chhath ghats in Delhi.
1. ITO Chhath Ghat, Central Delhi
The Yamuna ghat near ITO is one of the most famous and crowded Chhath spots in the city. Thousands of families gather here, and the atmosphere with folk songs, lights and diyas is electric.
- Nearest metro: ITO or Indraprastha
- Best for: Families living in central and East Delhi
2. Vasudev Ghat, near Kashmere Gate
A newly developed riverfront ghat on the Yamuna near ISBT Kashmere Gate. It is cleaner, well-lit and better organised than many older ghats, which makes it a good choice for families with children and elderly vratis.
- Nearest metro: Kashmere Gate
3. Kalindi Kunj Ghat, South-East Delhi
A big gathering point on the Yamuna for families from South Delhi, Jasola, Sarita Vihar and Noida. It gets very crowded on Sandhya Arghya day, so reach early.
- Nearest metro: Kalindi Kunj or Okhla Bird Sanctuary
4. Geeta Colony and Shastri Park Ghats, East Delhi
Popular with East Delhi’s large Purvanchali community. These ghats stay lively all night between Sandhya and Usha Arghya, with Chhath geet, bhajan groups and community tents.
5. Sonia Vihar, Burari and Jagatpur Ghats, North Delhi
Large riverside spots on the Yamuna for families in North and North-East Delhi. They have more open space, which means a little less pushing and shoving than central ghats.
6. Artificial ponds in colonies (Dwarka, Palam, Uttam Nagar and more)
In West and South-West Delhi, where the Yamuna is far, many RWAs, parks and local committees build clean artificial ponds. Dwarka, Palam, Uttam Nagar, Mahavir Enclave and many other areas host beautiful Chhath celebrations this way.
Artificial ghats are often the best choice for vratis, because the water is clean and the crowd is smaller.
Tip: Check the Delhi government’s notified list of Chhath ghats closer to the date. Permissions and arrangements change every year. Also, the Yamuna’s water quality can be poor, so follow official advice before entering the river.
Places Near Delhi for Best Chhath Puja Celebration
If you live in NCR, you do not need to come to Delhi. Every city has its own big celebrations. To reach these Ghast for morning and evening Arg, you can book a Tempo Traveller in Delhi at best rate for easy pickup and drop at your location.
7. Hindon Ghat, Ghaziabad
The Chhath ghat on the Hindon river is one of the biggest Chhath venues in NCR. Lakhs of devotees from Ghaziabad, Indirapuram, Vaishali and Raj Nagar Extension gather here. The local administration usually makes special arrangements for lighting, security and parking.
8. Noida and Greater Noida
- Kalindi Kunj (Noida side): The Yamuna bank near the Noida–Delhi border draws big crowds.
- Society ponds: Many large housing societies in Noida, Noida Extension and Greater Noida build their own artificial ghats. These are safe, clean and perfect for families.
- Sector parks: Several sector RWAs organise community ghats with tents and prasad distribution.
9. Gurugram
Gurugram has no big river, but its Purvanchali community creates wonderful Chhath celebrations in artificial ponds in sectors, parks and societies. Many local committees arrange ghats with lights, music and security. Ask your RWA or local Purvanchal samiti about the nearest one.
10. Faridabad
Families in Faridabad gather at the Yamuna banks on the city’s eastern side and at artificial ponds built in sectors and colonies. Local groups announce the venues a week or two before Chhath.
Famous Ganga Ghats Near Delhi for Chhath Puja Celebration
Many devotees want to offer arghya in the holy Ganga, just like back home. These places are only a few hours from Delhi, so you can go and come back in a day or stay one night.
| Place | River | Distance from Delhi | Drive time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garhmukteshwar (Brijghat) | Ganga | 100 to 120 km | 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Anupshahr | Ganga | 130 to 140 km | 3 hours |
| Mathura–Vrindavan | Yamuna | 150 to 180 km | 2.5 to 3 hours |
| Haridwar | Ganga | 220 km | 4.5 to 5 hours |
| Rishikesh | Ganga | 240 km | 5 to 6 hours |
11. Garhmukteshwar (Brijghat), Uttar Pradesh
The closest Ganga ghat to Delhi. Brijghat in Garhmukteshwar is a favourite for Delhi and Ghaziabad families who want to celebrate Chhath in the Ganga. The ghats are wide, and the drive via the Delhi–Meerut Expressway and NH-9 is smooth.
- Distance: About 100 to 120 km (2 to 2.5 hours)
- Tip: Leave Delhi by late morning on Sandhya Arghya day to reach before sunset. Traffic builds up in the afternoon.
- Bonus: Garhmukteshwar also hosts a large Kartik Purnima Ganga mela later in November.
12. Anupshahr, Bulandshahr
A quieter Ganga town with calm ghats, often called a small Kashi. Good if you want to avoid huge crowds. Local dharamshalas offer simple stays for the night between the two arghyas.
13. Mathura and Vrindavan
Many Purvanchali families living in South Delhi, Faridabad and Noida travel to Vishram Ghat in Mathura or the ghats of Vrindavan to offer arghya in the Yamuna in Krishna’s own land. The Yamuna Expressway makes it an easy drive. You can also visit Banke Bihari and Prem Mandir on the same trip.
14. Haridwar
Har Ki Pauri and the other ghats of Haridwar are among the holiest places to offer arghya in the Ganga. The water is clean and flowing, and the evening Ganga Aarti adds to the devotion.
- How to reach: Vande Bharat or Shatabdi (about 4.5 hours), or drive (about 5 hours)
- Tip: Stay the night so you can offer Usha Arghya the next morning without rushing.
Read This: Kumbh Mela In Haridwar
15. Rishikesh
At Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh, you can offer arghya in the fresh, clear Ganga with the hills around you. It is calmer than Haridwar and perfect if you want a peaceful Chhath with family. Carry warm clothes, as the water and the mornings are cold in mid-November.
How to plan a Chhath trip from Delhi to a Ganga ghat?
Since Chhath needs you at the ghat both in the evening and early next morning, plan it like this:
- Sunday 15 November, morning: Leave Delhi with the soop, daura and all prasad items packed carefully.
- Afternoon: Reach your destination by 2 to 3 PM, check in to a dharamshala or hotel, and rest.
- Evening: Go to the ghat at least 1.5 hours before sunset for Sandhya Arghya.
- Monday 16 November, early morning: Reach the ghat before dawn for Usha Arghya.
- After arghya: Break the fast, share prasad, and drive back to Delhi by afternoon.
Booking tip: Hotels and dharamshalas at Haridwar and Garhmukteshwar fill up on Chhath weekend. Book at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance. If you are in a bigger group, can book Bus on Rent with good luggage space and seating capacity of 30 to 40 persons.
What should you carry for Chhath Puja?
Keep this checklist handy, whether you go to a Delhi ghat or travel out:
- Bamboo soop and daura (baskets)
- Thekua, fruits, sugarcane, coconut, sweet lime, banana and other seasonal items
- Diyas, ghee, cotton wicks and a lighter
- New cotton saree or dhoti for the vrati, plus a change of clothes
- Warm shawls and blankets (mid-November nights and mornings are chilly)
- A mat or chadar to sit on, a torch and extra water for family members
- A small first-aid kit and any regular medicines
What are the rules of Chhath Puja?
Chhath is known for its strict purity:
- The prasad is made in a clean kitchen, often on a fresh chulha.
- No onion, garlic or non-veg in the house during the festival.
- Vratis sleep on the floor and keep a 36-hour nirjala fast.
- Utensils, clothes and puja items must be clean and new or freshly washed.
Safety tips for visiting Chhath ghats in Delhi NCR
- Reach the ghat 1.5 to 2 hours before sunset on Sandhya Arghya day.
- Use the metro where possible. Roads near ITO, Kalindi Kunj and Hindon get jammed and parking is very limited.
- Keep children and elderly family members close. Ghats get very crowded.
- Do not go into deep water. Stay within the marked, barricaded area.
- Avoid entering polluted or foamy stretches of the Yamuna. Artificial ghats are safer.
- Keep your phone charged and share your live location with family.
- Follow instructions from police, volunteers and ghat committees.
FAQs
Which is the main day of Chhath Puja?
The third day, Sandhya Arghya, when devotees offer arghya to the setting sun, is the main day. In 2026, it falls on 15 November.
Where is the best Chhath ghat in Delhi?
ITO Chhath Ghat, Vasudev Ghat near Kashmere Gate, Kalindi Kunj and Geeta Colony are among the most popular Chhath ghats in Delhi.
Where can I celebrate Chhath Puja in Ghaziabad?
Hindon Ghat on the Hindon river is the biggest Chhath venue in Ghaziabad. Many housing societies also build their own artificial ghats.
Where can I celebrate Chhath Puja in Noida and Gurugram? In Noida, the Kalindi Kunj side of the Yamuna and society ponds are popular. In Gurugram, Chhath is celebrated at artificial ponds in sectors, parks and societies.
Which is the nearest Ganga ghat to Delhi for Chhath?
Brijghat in Garhmukteshwar is the nearest Ganga ghat to Delhi, about 100 to 120 km away, or 2 to 2.5 hours by road.
Can I go to Haridwar for Chhath Puja from Delhi?
Yes. Haridwar is about 4.5 to 5 hours from Delhi. Stay one night so you can offer both Sandhya and Usha Arghya comfortably.
Is there a Chhath Puja holiday in Delhi?
Delhi usually declares a holiday for Chhath. In 2026, the main day falls on a Sunday, so check the official notification for any changes.
Is it safe to take a dip in the Yamuna during Chhath?
The Yamuna’s water quality in Delhi is often poor. Follow official advice and use artificial ghats or marked safe areas, especially for vratis and children.
Final words
You may be far from your village this year, but Chhath is about faith, not distance. Whether you offer arghya at a small pond in your colony, on the Yamuna at ITO, on the Hindon in Ghaziabad or in the holy Ganga at Garhmukteshwar, Chhathi Maiya’s blessings reach you just the same.
Plan your Chhath Puja 2026 early, pick a ghat that suits your family, and celebrate with full devotion.
Jai Chhathi Maiya!
