Sandhya Arghya: The Evening Offering of Chhath Puja

What is Sandhya Arghya?

Sandhya Arghya is the evening offering made to the setting Sun on the third day of Chhath. Vratis and families gather near clean water with bamboo baskets containing fruits, thekua, sugarcane and other offerings prepared according to family custom.

Why worship the setting Sun?

Chhath honours both the setting and rising Sun. The evening offering recognises completion, humility and gratitude—not only beginnings and visible success. It is a powerful reminder to bow before every phase of life.

At the ghat

Devotees commonly stand in the water as the Sun approaches the horizon. Lamps are lit, folk songs are sung, and Arghya is offered with water. The atmosphere may be large and communal, yet the act itself remains intimate: a family prayer carried across generations.

For 15 November 2026, use the sunset time for your exact city. Arrive early, follow local safety arrangements and keep the water and ghat free from litter.

From dusk to dawn

After returning from the evening observance, families prepare for Usha Arghya. Before sunrise they gather again, completing the festival in the first light of morning.