Chhath Puja is more than just a festival in Bihar; it is an emotion deeply connected with the state's culture, traditions, and identity. Every year, thousands of families come together to celebrate this four-day festival with immense devotion. From the banks of the holy River Ganga to small village ponds, Bihar turns into a centre of faith and spirituality during Chhath Puja.
Dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, the festival is celebrated by offering Arghya to the setting and rising Sun. In 2026, Chhath Puja will be observed from November 13 to November 16, with Sandhya Arghya on November 15 and Usha Arghya on November 16.
While Patna witnesses some of the biggest celebrations, several other cities in Bihar are equally known for their beautiful ghats and traditional festivities. Here is a city-by-city guide to some famous Chhath Puja destinations in Bihar.
Famous Chhath Puja Ghats in Bihar
1. Patna – The Heart of Chhath Puja Celebrations
Patna is undoubtedly one of the biggest centres of Chhath Puja celebrations in Bihar. The city has numerous ghats along the Ganga where thousands of devotees gather for the evening and morning rituals.
Some of the popular locations include Gandhi Ghat, Collectorate Ghat, Digha Ghat, Kali Ghat, Mahendru Ghat, Kangan Ghat, and Gai Ghat. These places become beautifully decorated during the festival, with families carrying traditional bamboo baskets filled with fruits, thekua, coconuts, and sugarcane.
The atmosphere becomes especially spiritual during Sandhya Arghya, when devotees stand in the water and offer prayers to the setting Sun.
2. Gaya – Brahmani Ghat and Bhaskar Chhath Ghat
Gaya is another important destination for Chhath Puja in Bihar. The city is known for its religious significance and its connection with the Phalgu River.
Brahmani Ghat and Bhaskar Chhath Ghat are among the notable locations where devotees gather to perform Chhath rituals. Families visit these ghats to offer Arghya and seek blessings for their loved ones.
The presence of Surya-related religious sites also adds to Gaya's importance during the festival.
3. Bhagalpur – Barari Ghat and Ganga Riverfront
Bhagalpur, situated along the River Ganga, witnesses beautiful Chhath Puja celebrations every year. Barari Ghat is one of the well-known locations where devotees gather to offer prayers to the setting and rising Sun.
Sultanganj is another important religious destination in the district, attracting devotees throughout the year. During Chhath, the riverfront areas become lively with traditional songs, prayers, and family gatherings.
The celebrations here beautifully reflect the religious traditions of the Anga region of Bihar.
4. Muzaffarpur – Budhi Gandak River Ghats
Muzaffarpur is known for its enthusiastic Chhath Puja celebrations. The ghats along the Budhi Gandak River and local ponds become important gathering places during the festival.
Families prepare traditional prasad, decorate their offerings, and visit nearby water bodies to perform the rituals. Thekua, fruits, sugarcane, and other traditional offerings are an essential part of the celebrations.
The festival brings together local communities and families who return to their hometowns to celebrate this special occasion.
5. Darbhanga – The Traditional Chhath Celebrations of Mithila
Darbhanga, located in the Mithila region, is known for its deep-rooted Chhath Puja traditions. Unlike cities where celebrations mainly take place along large rivers, ponds and local water bodies play an equally important role here.
Kharajpur Chhath Ghat and several traditional ponds in and around Darbhanga attract devotees during the festival. The celebrations are accompanied by traditional Mithila folk songs, homemade prasad, and age-old family customs.
The city's Chhath celebrations offer a glimpse into Bihar's rich cultural heritage.
6. Munger – Kastaharni Ghat
Munger is another beautiful destination to experience Chhath Puja in Bihar. Kastaharni Ghat, situated along the Ganga near Munger Fort, is one of the city's prominent religious locations.
During Chhath Puja, the ghat attracts devotees who gather to offer Arghya to Surya Dev. Its riverside setting and historical importance make it a special place for religious celebrations.
The festival brings a devotional atmosphere to the riverfront, with families participating in traditional prayers and rituals.
7. Aurangabad – Deo Surya Mandir and Surya Kund
Deo in Aurangabad district is among the most significant Chhath Puja destinations in Bihar. The famous Deo Surya Mandir is dedicated to the Sun God and attracts thousands of devotees, particularly during Chhath.
The sacred Surya Kund near the temple becomes an important place for devotees to offer prayers and perform rituals. A large religious gathering takes place here during the festival, making Deo one of the most special destinations for Chhath celebrations.
People from different parts of Bihar and neighbouring states visit the temple to seek blessings from Surya Dev.
8. Nalanda – Ular and Badgaon Sun Temples
Nalanda district is also known for its religious connection with Sun worship. Ular Surya Mandir and Badgaon Surya Mandir are among the important destinations associated with Chhath Puja.
Devotees visit these temples and their associated water bodies to offer prayers to the Sun God. These places become particularly significant during the festival, attracting families who follow traditional Chhath rituals.
Important Tips for Visiting Chhath Puja Ghats in Bihar
If you are planning to visit any of these destinations during Chhath Puja 2026, keep these tips in mind:
Reach early: Popular ghats become crowded during evening and morning Arghya.
Check local arrangements: Confirm which ghats are officially open and safe for rituals.
Follow traffic updates: Local authorities may introduce road diversions and parking restrictions.
Maintain cleanliness: Avoid throwing plastic and waste into rivers and ponds.
Follow safety guidelines: Be careful near deep water and follow instructions from local volunteers.
Experience the Cultural Beauty of Chhath Puja in Bihar
Chhath Puja celebrations in Bihar are truly special because every city and region brings its own traditions to the festival. From the famous Ganga ghats of Patna and Bhagalpur to the sacred Sun temples of Deo and Nalanda, every destination reflects the devotion and cultural identity of the state.
As Chhath Puja 2026 approaches, these religious destinations will once again welcome devotees for four days of prayers, fasting, traditional offerings, and celebrations. Whether you experience the festival along the Ganga or at a small village pond, the spirit of Chhath Puja remains the same everywhere, faith, gratitude, family, and devotion to nature.
