Chhath is one of the oldest and most significant festivals celebrated in the Indian subcontinent. Dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, the festival symbolises gratitude towards nature, devotion, purity and family well-being.
Although widely celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh, Chhath also holds an important place in Nepal's religious and cultural traditions, particularly in Madhesh Province and the Terai region.
In 2026, Chhath will be celebrated from 13 to 16 November. The festival highlights the shared cultural heritage of India and Nepal, bringing communities together through centuries-old traditions.
Chhath and the Cultural Heritage of Mithila
One of the strongest connections between Chhath and Nepal lies in the historic Mithila region, which extends across southern Nepal and northern Bihar. Janakpur, situated in Nepal's Madhesh Province, is a major centre of Mithila culture and is closely associated with Goddess Sita and the Ramayana. Chhath is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Janakpur and surrounding areas. Sacred ponds such as Ganga Sagar and Dhanush Sagar become important gathering places for devotees.
The festival reflects the shared religious beliefs, languages and traditions of communities living on both sides of the India–Nepal border.
Four Days of Chhath Celebrations in 2026
Chhath is observed over four days, with each day having its own religious significance.
Nahay Khay (13 November): Devotees take a ritual bath, clean their homes and prepare traditional vegetarian food.
Kharna (14 November): Devotees observe a day-long fast and prepare offerings such as kheer and chapatis. This is followed by a rigorous fast.
Sandhya Arghya (15 November): Devotees gather near rivers and ponds to offer prayers to the setting sun.
Usha Arghya (16 November): The festival concludes with prayers to the rising sun, after which devotees break their fast and distribute prasad.
These rituals are observed with devotion in both Nepal and India.
Janakpur: An Important Centre of Chhath in Nepal
Janakpur is among Nepal's most prominent destinations for Chhath celebrations. The city's ponds, particularly Ganga Sagar and Dhanush Sagar, attract large numbers of devotees.
Families gather to perform rituals, sing traditional songs and offer fruits, sugarcane and other prasad to the Sun God. The celebrations also provide visitors with an opportunity to experience the rich religious and cultural heritage of Mithila.
Maithili and Bhojpuri Traditions
Traditional music plays an important role in Chhath celebrations. Devotional songs in Maithili and Bhojpuri express gratitude towards the Sun God, family devotion and respect for nature.
Women traditionally sing these songs while preparing offerings and performing rituals. These musical traditions are passed down through generations, helping preserve the cultural identity of Nepal's Terai communities.
Traditional Food and Offerings
Food is an essential part of Chhath celebrations in Nepal and India. Thekua, prepared using wheat flour, jaggery and ghee, is among the most popular traditional offerings.
Other offerings include coconuts, bananas, sugarcane, seasonal fruits and Kasar, a sweet made from rice flour and jaggery. These items are traditionally arranged in bamboo baskets called soop and daura, reflecting the agricultural heritage of the region.
Chhath: Strengthening India–Nepal Cultural Relations
Chhath represents the close cultural relationship between India and Nepal. Communities in Bihar and Nepal's Madhesh Province share similar languages, food traditions, religious practices and family customs.
During the festival, families often travel across the border to celebrate with relatives. Such traditions strengthen social relationships and promote cultural understanding between the two countries. Chhath therefore serves as an important symbol of friendship, shared heritage and cultural unity. Although traditionally popular in Nepal's Terai region, Chhath has gradually gained popularity in Kathmandu Valley.
People who have migrated from the Terai for education, employment and business continue to celebrate the festival along the Bagmati River and other suitable water bodies. This growing popularity reflects the importance of regional traditions in Nepal's multicultural society.
