Chhath Puja in Bihar 2026: Patna Chhath Ghats, Famous Places, Sun Temples & Complete Travel Guide
Chhath Puja in Bihar 2026 guide: best Chhath ghats in Patna, famous Chhath ghats in Bihar, Sun temples, safe and unsafe ghats, itineraries and key tourism tips.
Chhath Puja in Bihar 2026: Patna Chhath Ghats, Famous Places, Sun Temples & Complete Travel Guide
Last updated: 6 October 2026 | Written by: Your Travel Partner, Ayodhya | Reading time: about 17 minutes
Nowhere is Chhath observed on the scale seen in Bihar. For two evenings and two mornings the Ganga at Patna, the tank beside the Sun temple at Deo and thousands of village ponds become one long line of lamps, bamboo trays and people standing in water. This Chhath Puja travel guide to Chhath Puja in Bihar 2026 is about places and planning: which ghats to go to, which are closed, where the old Sun temples are, how the city manages the crowd, and how a visitor can see it all with respect and without trouble. Every figure in it is taken from a named report or an official page, and the year of each figure is stated.
This article does not repeat the method of the vrat or the stories behind it. For those, see our guides on what Chhath Puja is and how it is performed and the Chhath Puja 2026 date and city-wise Arghya time.
Quick Answer: Chhath Puja in Bihar 2026
Chhath Puja in Bihar 2026 will be observed from Friday, 13 November to Monday, 16 November 2026. The two moments to see are the evening Arghya on Sunday, 15 November (sunset in Patna about 5:00 PM) and the morning Arghya on Monday, 16 November (sunrise in Patna about 6:07 AM). The largest gathering is on the Ganga ghats of Patna, such as Collectorate Ghat, Gandhi Ghat, Digha Ghat and Patna College Ghat. The best-known place outside Patna is the west-facing Sun temple at Deo in Aurangabad district. Before going to any ghat, check the Patna district administration's list of safe, dangerous and unfit ghats, which is issued shortly before the festival.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Festival dates | 13 to 16 November 2026 (Friday to Monday) |
| Evening Arghya | Sunday, 15 November 2026. Sunset in Patna about 5:00 PM |
| Morning Arghya | Monday, 16 November 2026. Sunrise in Patna about 6:07 AM |
| Main city | Patna, on the south bank of the Ganga |
| Scale in Patna (2025, as reported by PTI) | 102 Ganga ghats, 45 parks and 63 ponds prepared in Patna district |
| Restricted ghats (2025, PTI) | 6 declared dangerous and 7 declared unfit |
| Most famous Sun temple | Deo Surya Mandir, Aurangabad district |
| Nearest airport | Jay Prakash Narayan Airport, Patna (code PAT) |
| Main railway stations in Patna | Patna Junction, Rajendra Nagar Terminal, Patliputra Junction, Danapur |
| Riverside road | Loknayak (JP) Ganga Path, 20.5 km from Digha to Deedarganj |
| Next big event | Sonepur Mela, from 22 November 2026 |
| Important law for visitors | Bihar is a dry state. Alcohol is prohibited |
What This Guide Covers
- Why Chhath in Bihar is different
- Chhath Puja Bihar 2026: what a visitor sees each day
- Chhath Puja in Patna: how the city is organised
- Patna Chhath Ghats: ghat-by-ghat guide
- Dangerous and unfit ghats: how to check
- Famous Chhath Ghats in Bihar outside Patna
- Sun temples: the Chhath Puja famous places
- Best places for Chhath Puja in Bihar, by type of traveller
- Itineraries
- How to reach and get around
- Chhath Puja tourism and what else to see
- Visitor etiquette and safety
- Frequently asked questions
Why Chhath Puja in Bihar Is Different
Chhath Puja in Bihar is a public event in a way that few festivals are. The state government, district administrations, municipal bodies and neighbourhood committees all work towards the same two Arghyas.
- The river is the venue. The Ganga flows along the whole northern edge of Patna, so the city has an unusually long line of ghats.
- The government prepares the ghats. Approach paths are levelled, barricades and watch towers are put up, and changing rooms, toilets and lighting are installed. In 2025 the Patna District Magistrate told ANI that control rooms, toilets, changing rooms, lighting, parking and ambulances were in place and that an app gave parking details.
- Old Sun temples are part of it. Bihar has several historic Sun temples where the festival takes the form of a large fair.
- The whole state comes home. People working in other states and abroad return for these four days, which is why transport into Bihar is at its tightest in Chhath week.
These four points are why the Bihar Chhath festival is called the Mahaparv, why "Bihar Chhath Puja" is searched for by people all over India, and why travellers who want to understand the festival choose Bihar over any other state.
Chhath Puja Bihar 2026: What a Visitor Sees Each Day
The Bihar Chhath festival runs for four days. For a visitor, Chhath Puja Bihar 2026 has two quiet days and two spectacular ones. Plan around the last two.
| Date | Day of the festival | What you will see in Bihar | Best thing for a visitor to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, 13 Nov | Nahay Khay | Early morning bathing on the Ganga. Markets full of bamboo trays, sugarcane and fruit. | Arrive. Walk through a Chhath market. Visit museums and monuments. |
| Sat, 14 Nov | Kharna | Ghats being finished and decorated. In the evening, families share kheer prasad at home. | See the ghats in daylight and choose your spot. Accept Kharna prasad if invited. |
| Sun, 15 Nov | Evening Arghya | Processions to the river from about 2:30 PM. Arghya at sunset. | Be at the ghat by 3:30 PM. |
| Mon, 16 Nov | Morning Arghya | Lamps on the water before dawn. Arghya at sunrise. Prasad shared at the ghat. | Be at the ghat by 4:30 AM. |
Bihar Chhath Puja Timings: Sunset and Sunrise Across the State
These are calculated astronomical times for each town and may differ by a minute or two from a local panchang.
| Town | Sunset, Sun 15 Nov 2026 | Sunrise, Mon 16 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Patna | 5:00 PM | 6:07 AM |
| Hajipur and Sonepur | 5:00 PM | 6:07 AM |
| Arrah | 5:02 PM | 6:09 AM |
| Deo and Aurangabad | 5:05 PM | 6:08 AM |
| Gaya | 5:02 PM | 6:06 AM |
| Bihar Sharif (Nalanda) | 4:59 PM | 6:05 AM |
| Muzaffarpur | 4:58 PM | 6:07 AM |
| Darbhanga | 4:56 PM | 6:05 AM |
| Begusarai | 4:57 PM | 6:03 AM |
| Munger | 4:55 PM | 6:01 AM |
| Saharsa | 4:54 PM | 6:02 AM |
| Bhagalpur | 4:53 PM | 5:59 AM |
| Purnia | 4:51 PM | 5:58 AM |
Chhath Puja in Patna: How the City Is Organised
Chhath Puja in Patna is run like a large public operation. The figures below are from the 2025 festival as reported by PTI. They show the scale. The numbers for Chhath Puja Patna 2026 will be announced by the district administration closer to the festival.
| Arrangement in Patna district (2025, PTI) | Number |
|---|---|
| Ghats along the Ganga | 102 |
| Parks prepared for Arghya | 45 |
| Ponds prepared for Arghya | 63 |
| Ghats declared dangerous | 6 |
| Ghats declared unfit | 7 |
| Magistrates on duty | 205 |
| Watch towers | 171 |
| Swimmers and divers | 444 |
| Boats | 323 |
| Medical camps | 103 |
| NDRF and SDRF teams | 23 |
| Civil Defence volunteers | 143 |
These numbers explain why Chhath Puja in Patna is considered the best-managed large gathering of the Bihar Chhath festival.
What the Administration Asks of Visitors
The 2025 advisory reported by ANI included these points, and similar instructions are issued each year.
- Use the queue system to reach the ghat and do not cross barricades.
- Do not burst firecrackers at the ghats.
- Elderly people, pregnant women and small children are advised to observe the festival at home where possible.
- Where a ghat is dangerous, use the ponds and artificial tanks that the administration provides as alternatives.
How the Ghats Are Made Ready
| Work | What is reported | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Dividing the riverfront | In 2024 the urban ghats were divided into 19 sectors, each under magistrates. | Kashish News |
| Barricading | Three-tier barricades and railings were put up at the ghats for Chaiti Chhath in March 2026. | Patna Press |
| Lighting | High-mast lights were made functional before the first day. | Patna Press |
| Watch towers and surveillance | 171 watch towers in 2025. CCTV cameras were installed at ghats in 2024. | PTI, Kashish News |
| Rescue | 444 swimmers, 323 boats and 23 NDRF and SDRF teams in 2025. | PTI |
| Health | 103 medical camps and ambulances on standby in 2025. | PTI, ANI |
| Alternatives | Ponds were built where river ghats were dangerous. | ANI |
The Riverside Road
Loknayak Ganga Path, also called JP Ganga Path or Patna Marine Drive, is a four-lane road built along the river. It is 20.5 km long and runs from Digha in the west to Deedarganj in the east. Its sections opened in stages between June 2022 and April 2025. It gives road access to much of the riverfront, though for Chhath Puja Patna 2026 the traffic police will decide which stretches stay open to vehicles on the two Arghya days.
Patna Chhath Ghats: Ghat-by-Ghat Guide
Patna Chhath Ghats stretch from Digha in the west to Patna City in the east. The table lists ghats that are named in official or press reports, with what those reports say. Whether a particular ghat is open in November 2026 depends on the river and on the administration's final list.
| Ghat | Part of the city | What is on record | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collectorate Ghat | Central Patna | Described by Outlook Traveller as one of the epicentres of the festival. In March 2026 Patna Press reported that the ghat spans over 1 km and needed a walk of about 2 km from Bankipore Club or along Ganga Path. | Those who want the biggest gathering and can walk |
| Gandhi Ghat | Behind NIT Patna, about 5 km north-east of Patna Junction | Named after Mahatma Gandhi. An evening Ganga Aarti was started here in 2011. BSTDC runs the river vessel MV Ganga Vihar from this ghat. | First-time visitors |
| Darbhanga House Kali Ghat | Patna University area | Listed in March 2026 among ghats with paved platforms that allow worship without stepping into the riverbed. | Elderly visitors, photographers |
| Patna College Ghat | Ashok Rajpath | Paved platform, as above. | Families |
| Krishna Ghat | Ashok Rajpath | Paved platform, as above. | Families |
| Kadam Ghat | Central Patna | Paved platform, as above. | Families |
| Rani Ghat | Mahendru | Paved platform, as above. One of the ghats developed along the riverfront promenade. | Families |
| Gai Ghat | Near Mahatma Gandhi Setu | Paved platform, as above. | Visitors staying in east Patna |
| Digha Ghat | West Patna | A major ghat at the western end of Ganga Path. In March 2026 loose gravel and stones on the approach were reported as a hazard. | Visitors staying in west Patna. Wear sturdy footwear up to the ghat |
| Patliputra Ghat | West Patna | Named by Outlook Traveller with Gandhi Ghat and Collectorate Ghat as a centre of the celebrations. | Visitors staying in west Patna |
| Kangan Ghat | Patna City, near Patna Sahib | On the eastern stretch of Ganga Path. | Those combining a visit to Takht Sri Patna Sahib |
Where to Stay for Patna Chhath Ghats
| Area of Patna | Ghats within reach | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Gandhi Maidan and Bankipore | Collectorate Ghat and the central ghats | The walking route to Collectorate Ghat starts near Bankipore Club |
| Ashok Rajpath and Patna University area | Gandhi Ghat, Darbhanga House Kali Ghat, Patna College Ghat, Krishna Ghat, Rani Ghat | Ashok Rajpath runs parallel to the river |
| Digha and Patliputra | Digha Ghat, Patliputra Ghat | Western end of Ganga Path |
| Patna City (Patna Sahib) | Kangan Ghat, Gai Ghat | Close to Takht Sri Patna Sahib |
Best Chhath Ghats in Patna: How to Choose
Hotel staff and taxi drivers will each name their own best Chhath Ghats in Patna. There is no official ranking of the best Chhath Ghats in Patna. The right ghat depends on what you need.
- For the largest crowd and the widest view: Collectorate Ghat.
- For an easier first visit: Gandhi Ghat, which is well known and close to the city centre.
- For firm footing: the paved-platform ghats, namely Darbhanga House Kali Ghat, Patna College Ghat, Krishna Ghat, Kadam Ghat, Rani Ghat and Gai Ghat.
- For those who cannot manage the river: the parks and ponds prepared by the administration. In 2025 there were 45 parks and 63 ponds on the list.
The question "which are the best Chhath Ghats in Patna" therefore has four honest answers, one for each need. Whichever of the best Chhath Ghats in Patna you choose, visit it once in daylight on 14 November so that you know the path, the entry point and the way out before the crowd arrives.
Dangerous and Unfit Ghats: How to Check Before You Go
This is the most important safety step for Chhath Puja Patna 2026. Every year some Patna Chhath Ghats are closed because of deep water, erosion or marshy ground. The list changes with the river.
| Occasion | What was declared | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kartik Chhath, October 2024 | 109 urban ghats in 19 sectors. Bans Ghat, Kurji and LCT Ghat were among those named dangerous for depth and erosion. | Kashish News |
| Kartik Chhath, October 2025 | 6 dangerous and 7 unfit ghats in Patna district. | PTI |
| Chaiti Chhath, March 2026 | 49 ghats prepared. 8 sealed as hazardous: LCT Ghat, Rajapur Pul Ghat, Pehalwan Ghat, Bans Ghat, Shiv Ghat, Didarganj Ghat (East), Rikabganj Ghat and Bundeltoli Ghat. | Patna Press |
| Kartik Chhath, November 2026 | Not yet announced at the time of writing. | Awaited from the Patna district administration |
How to check the list for Chhath Puja Patna 2026:
- Look at the Patna district administration website and its official social media in the week before the festival.
- Read the signboards at the ghat. Closed ghats are marked with warning signboards and barricades.
- Ask the magistrate or police on duty at the sector help desk.
- Never enter the water beyond the bamboo barricade, and do not use private boats where they are banned.
Famous Chhath Ghats in Bihar Outside Patna
This part of the Chhath Puja travel guide looks beyond the capital. The famous Chhath Ghats in Bihar are not only on the Ganga. Rivers, temple tanks and ponds all serve.
| Place | District | Water body | What is on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surya Kund, Deo | Aurangabad | Temple tank | Devotees bathe in the kund and worship at the Sun temple. Lakhs attend the Chhath Mela. |
| Ular (Ulark) temple pond | Patna (Dulhin Bazar block) | Temple pond | About 40 km from Patna. Devotees walk around the pond before entering the temple during Chhath. |
| Kastaharni Ghat | Munger | Ganga | The Ganga flows north here (Uttarvahini). The name means the ghat that removes pain. |
| Phalgu river ghats | Gaya | Phalgu | Named among the cities where Chhath is observed on the riverbank. |
| Ganga ghats of Bhagalpur | Bhagalpur | Ganga | The main riverfront of eastern Bihar. |
| Ponds of Darbhanga and Madhubani | Mithila region | Ponds | Mithila is known for its many ponds, where Arghya is offered. |
Bihar Chhath Puja is as much a festival of ponds as of rivers. Among the famous Chhath Ghats in Bihar, Deo is the one that draws visitors from across the state. The others are mainly local gatherings, and that is their charm. For each district, the safe-ghat list is issued by that district's own administration, so check it before visiting any of the famous Chhath Ghats in Bihar.
Sun Temples: The Chhath Puja Famous Places of Bihar
When people speak of Chhath Puja famous places, they usually mean Bihar's old Sun temples. Each fact below is taken from the source named in the last column.
| Temple | Location | Facts on record | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deo Surya Mandir | Deo, Aurangabad district, about 150 km from Patna | Faces west, towards the setting Sun, which is unusual. Mixed Nagara, Dravida and Vesara features. An inscription of 1437 records a dedication by King Bhairavendra. Local tradition says Vishwakarma built it in one night. | Wikipedia, India.com |
| Ular (Ulark) Sun Temple | Dulhin Bazar block, Patna district, about 40 km from Patna | Counted in tradition among twelve famous Sun shrines. Linked with the legend of Samba, son of Shri Krishna, who is said to have worshipped the Sun here. | ETV Bharat |
| Deo Barunark | Tarari block, Bhojpur district, about 27 miles south-west of Arrah | Ancient Sun temple site. An inscription from the time of the Later Gupta king Jivitagupta II was found here. | Wikipedia |
| Umga Sun Temple | Madanpur, Aurangabad district | Stands on the Umga hills. In local belief it is second only to Deo for Chhath. | Wikipedia |
| Surya Mandir, Kandaha | Saharsa district, about 3 km north of Gorho Ghat Chowk | Recognised by the Archaeological Survey of India. Sun image on a seven-horse chariot carved on a single slab. Dated to the 14th century under King Narasimha Deva of Mithila. | Bihar Tourism |
Three of these Chhath Puja famous places, Deo, Umga and Deo Barunark, lie in the old Magadh and Shahabad region south and south-west of Patna, and Kandaha lies in the Kosi region to the north-east.
Deo During Chhath: What to Know
- Deo is a small town. During the Chhath Mela it receives a very large number of pilgrims, so rooms are limited. Many visitors stay in Aurangabad town or Gaya.
- Pilgrims bathe in Surya Kund and offer Arghya there, then have darshan in the temple.
- Evening Arghya on 15 November is at about 5:05 PM at Deo, and morning Arghya on 16 November at about 6:08 AM.
- Expect long walks from the parking area on both Arghya days.
- Pilgrims starting from Ayodhya can ask us about an outstation cab and a station transfer in Ayodhya.
For Chhath Puja Bihar 2026, Deo and Patna are the two names every traveller should know. Of all the Chhath Puja famous places, Deo gives the strongest sense of the festival as a pilgrimage, while Patna shows it as a city-wide event.
Best Places for Chhath Puja in Bihar, by Type of Traveller
The best places for Chhath Puja in Bihar depend on who is travelling.
| Traveller | Best base | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-time visitor | Patna | Airport, trains, hotels and the largest riverfront in one place |
| Pilgrim with a vow | Deo | The most important Sun temple for Chhath |
| Photographer | Patna riverfront | A long line of ghats facing the river, with lamps at dusk and dawn |
| Family with elders | Patna, using paved-platform ghats or parks and ponds | Firmer ground and shorter walks |
| Heritage traveller | Patna with Nalanda, Rajgir and Bodh Gaya | Festival and monuments in one trip |
| Traveller who prefers small gatherings | Darbhanga or Madhubani | Pond-side Chhath in the Mithila region |
Readers often ask us to name the single best place. If you can visit only one of the best places for Chhath Puja in Bihar, choose Patna for the evening of 15 November and the dawn of 16 November.
Itineraries for Chhath Puja Bihar 2026
These three plans cover the best places for Chhath Puja in Bihar without rushing either Arghya. They are the practical core of this Chhath Puja travel guide.
Plan A: Chhath Puja in Patna, 3 Nights
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, 13 Nov | Arrive in Patna, check in | Bihar Museum or Patna Museum | Walk through a Chhath market |
| Sat, 14 Nov | Takht Sri Patna Sahib and Kangan Ghat | Daylight visit to your chosen ghat. Note the entry and exit. | Golghar area. Early dinner and early sleep |
| Sun, 15 Nov | Rest. Light sightseeing only | Leave for the ghat by 2:30 PM | Evening Arghya at about 5:00 PM. Return on foot with the crowd |
| Mon, 16 Nov | Leave the hotel by 4:00 AM. Morning Arghya at about 6:07 AM | Rest, checkout | Depart, or stay one more night to avoid the return rush |
Plan B: Patna and Deo, 4 Nights
- 13 Nov: Arrive in Patna.
- 14 Nov: Patna sightseeing and ghat visit in daylight.
- 15 Nov: Evening Arghya in Patna.
- 16 Nov: Morning Arghya in Patna. Drive towards Aurangabad or Gaya after lunch.
- 17 Nov: Deo Surya Mandir after the crowd has thinned, then Bodh Gaya. Depart from Gaya or return to Patna.
For Chhath Puja Patna 2026, Plan A is enough. Those who want Arghya at Deo itself should reverse the plan and reach the Deo area by 14 November, because roads near the temple are congested on both Arghya days.
Plan C: Chhath and the Buddhist Circuit, 5 Nights
- 13 to 16 Nov: Patna, as in Plan A.
- 16 Nov afternoon: Drive to Rajgir.
- 17 Nov: Nalanda ruins and Rajgir.
- 18 Nov: Bodh Gaya and the Mahabodhi Temple. Depart from Gaya.
Chhath Puja Travel Guide: How to Reach Bihar and Get Around
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| Air | Jay Prakash Narayan Airport, Patna (PAT). Its new terminal became operational on 3 June 2025. The airport handles domestic flights. Gaya and Darbhanga also have airports. |
| Train | Patna Junction is the main station. Rajendra Nagar Terminal, Patliputra Junction and Danapur also serve the city. Regular trains fill early in Chhath week, and Indian Railways announces festival special trains closer to the dates. |
| Road | National highways link Patna with Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Ranchi and Kolkata. Expect heavy traffic into Bihar from 11 to 13 November and out of Bihar from 16 November. |
| Inside Patna | On the two Arghya days, roads near the ghats are restricted and parking is at designated points. Walking is the only way for the last stretch. |
Booking Timeline for Chhath Puja Patna 2026
- Now: book the hotel. Choose one within walking distance of your ghat, because vehicles cannot reach the riverfront on Arghya days.
- Now, if you start from Ayodhya: fix your station pickup or drop or airport transfer with us, so the first leg is settled.
- Now: book train or flight tickets. Check only IRCTC and the National Train Enquiry System for special trains.
- One week before: read the Patna administration's ghat list, parking plan and traffic advisory.
- 14 November: visit the ghat in daylight.
- Return: if you can, leave on 17 November or later. The evening of 16 November is the peak of the return rush.
Travelling From Ayodhya, Lucknow or Varanasi
We are a travel company based in Ayodhya. Every year, families from Bihar living in Uttar Pradesh travel east for Chhath, and visitors heading to Bihar often stop for Ram Lalla's darshan on the way.
- For the journey itself, ask us about an outstation cab from Ayodhya. We will tell you plainly whether a vehicle is available for your dates and what it will cost.
- If you are starting by train or flight from Ayodhya, we arrange railway station transfers and airport transfers.
- Arriving in Ayodhya late at night? Book the e-rickshaw or cab in advance, and see the packages page for stay-inclusive plans.
- For a short halt in Ayodhya, see our Ayodhya tour packages. An e-rickshaw is the easiest way to cover the temples and the Saryu ghats.
Many travellers add one day in Ayodhya before Chhath. Our one-day and two-day plans cover the Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi and the Saryu aarti, with an airport pickup, a cab and an e-rickshaw for the temple zone. Darshan and all passes at the Ram Mandir are free and are issued only by the Trust.
Call or WhatsApp Your Travel Partner on +91 78811 55800.
Chhath Puja Tourism and What Else to See
Bihar tourism during Chhath has drawn more attention in recent years, and the Bihar Chhath festival is now promoted to visitors as well as observed by residents. Chhath Puja tourism is still young, but it has official backing. In November 2024, Travel and Tour World reported that the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) had introduced a four-day Chhath festival package with guided cruises along the Ganga ghats, hotel stay and sightseeing, and that tour operators from other Indian states and from abroad had shown interest. Whether a similar package is offered in 2026, and at what price, should be confirmed on the BSTDC website. We have not seen a 2026 announcement at the time of writing.
Seeing the Ghats From the River
- BSTDC operates the vessel MV Ganga Vihar from Gandhi Ghat.
- During Chhath, the administration restricts private boats near the ghats for safety. In March 2026 a ban on boats was reported for Chaiti Chhath.
- Take a river trip only with an authorised operator, and confirm with BSTDC whether it runs on the Arghya days.
Bihar Tourism During Chhath: Places to Combine
Bihar tourism during Chhath works well because mid-November has clear, mild weather and the main heritage sites are within a few hours of Patna.
| Place | What it is | From Patna |
|---|---|---|
| Takht Sri Harmandir Ji, Patna Sahib | Birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and one of the five Takhts of Sikhism | Within the city |
| Bihar Museum and Patna Museum | The state's main museums of history and art | Within the city |
| Golghar | A granary built in 1786, a city landmark | Within the city |
| Nalanda Mahavihara | Ruins of the ancient university, a UNESCO World Heritage Site | South-east of Patna |
| Rajgir | Hill town associated with the Buddha and Mahavira | Near Nalanda |
| Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya | The place of the Buddha's enlightenment, a UNESCO World Heritage Site | South of Patna, near Gaya |
| Vaishali | Ancient republic and Buddhist site | North of Patna, across the Ganga |
| Sonepur Mela | The famous fair at Sonepur in Saran district. In 2026 it runs from 22 November to 23 December. | Across the river from Patna |
For heritage travellers, the best places for Chhath Puja in Bihar are the ones that pair easily with these sites, which is why Patna is the usual base. Two practical points on Bihar tourism during Chhath. First, check the opening days and hours of any museum or monument before you go, because festival days can affect them. Second, alcohol is prohibited in Bihar, and this applies to visitors as well.
Why Chhath Puja Tourism Needs Care
Chhath is a vow, and the people in the water have not had food or water for more than a day. Chhath Puja tourism is welcome when visitors come to learn and to honour, and it becomes a problem when they treat the ghat as a show. The next section explains how to be a good guest.
Visitor Etiquette and Safety at the Bihar Chhath Festival
Good Chhath Puja tourism begins with good manners. Bihar tourism during Chhath is growing, and how visitors behave at the ghats will decide how welcome they remain.
| Do | Do not |
|---|---|
| Dress modestly and remove footwear where others have | Do not touch the bamboo trays, baskets or prasad |
| Ask before photographing a person at prayer | Do not step over offerings or lamps |
| Stand behind the families, not between them and the river | Do not use flash in the faces of those in the water |
| Accept prasad with both hands if it is offered | Do not ask for prasad before the morning Arghya is complete |
| Follow the queue and the police directions | Do not cross barricades or enter a sealed ghat |
| Carry your waste back | Do not carry or consume alcohol. It is illegal in Bihar |
Safety Checklist
- Fix a meeting point with your group before entering the crowd. Mobile networks slow down at the ghats.
- Keep a card with your hotel's name and phone number on each child and elderly person.
- Carry a torch and a warm layer for the pre-dawn Arghya.
- Wear shoes with grip for the approach path and carry a bag for them.
- Note the nearest medical camp and help desk when you arrive.
- In an emergency dial 112.
What to Pack
- Light woollens for early morning
- A cotton scarf or shawl
- Reusable water bottle
- Power bank
- Photo identity card
- Small cash, since digital payments can be slow in a crowd
Keep this Chhath Puja travel guide open on your phone at the ghat. The safety checklist and the packing list above are the two parts you will use most.
Common Planning Mistakes for Bihar Chhath Puja Trips
- Booking a hotel far from the river. You will not get a vehicle to the ghat on Arghya days.
- Arriving on 15 November. Trains and roads into Patna are at their fullest. Arrive by 13 or 14 November.
- Relying on last year's ghat list. The river changes the list every year.
- Planning Deo and Patna on the same Arghya. They are about 150 km apart. Choose one for each Arghya.
- Leaving on the evening of 16 November. It is the busiest outbound slot of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is Chhath Puja in Bihar 2026?
Chhath Puja in Bihar 2026 is from Friday, 13 November to Monday, 16 November 2026. Evening Arghya is on 15 November and morning Arghya is on 16 November.
2. What time is the Arghya in Patna?
In Patna, sunset on 15 November 2026 is at about 5:00 PM and sunrise on 16 November 2026 is at about 6:07 AM.
3. Which are the best Chhath Ghats in Patna?
There is no official ranking. Collectorate Ghat and Gandhi Ghat are the best known. Darbhanga House Kali Ghat, Patna College Ghat, Krishna Ghat, Kadam Ghat, Rani Ghat and Gai Ghat have paved platforms, which were listed as safer for access in March 2026.
4. How many Patna Chhath Ghats are there?
In 2025, PTI reported 102 ghats along the Ganga in Patna district, along with 45 parks and 63 ponds prepared for the festival. The 2026 figures will be announced by the administration.
5. Which ghats in Patna are dangerous?
The list changes each year. For Chaiti Chhath in March 2026, eight ghats were sealed: LCT Ghat, Rajapur Pul Ghat, Pehalwan Ghat, Bans Ghat, Shiv Ghat, Didarganj Ghat (East), Rikabganj Ghat and Bundeltoli Ghat. Check the Patna administration's list for November 2026.
6. Which are the famous Chhath Ghats in Bihar outside Patna?
Surya Kund at Deo in Aurangabad, the pond of the Ular Sun temple in Patna district, Kastaharni Ghat in Munger, the Phalgu ghats in Gaya and the Ganga ghats of Bhagalpur are well known.
7. Which are the Chhath Puja famous places in Bihar?
The Ganga ghats of Patna and the Sun temples at Deo, Ular, Deo Barunark, Umga and Kandaha are the best-known places.
8. Why is the Deo Sun Temple special?
It faces west, towards the setting Sun, which is unusual for a Sun temple. A very large Chhath Mela is held there, and devotees bathe in its Surya Kund.
9. How far is Deo from Patna?
Deo is in Aurangabad district, about 150 km from Patna.
10. Can tourists watch Chhath Puja in Patna?
Yes. Visitors are welcome at the ghats if they follow the queue, stay behind the families, do not touch the offerings and ask before taking photographs.
11. Is there an entry fee for the ghats?
No. The ghats are public and there is no ticket.
12. Is there a boat or cruise to see the ghats?
BSTDC operates the vessel MV Ganga Vihar from Gandhi Ghat, and in 2024 it offered a Chhath package that included ghat cruises. Private boats are restricted near the ghats during Chhath. Confirm the 2026 schedule with BSTDC.
13. Where should I stay for Chhath Puja in Patna?
Stay within walking distance of the ghat you plan to visit, because roads near the river are closed to vehicles on the Arghya days.
14. Is alcohol available in Bihar?
No. Bihar is a dry state and alcohol is prohibited for residents and visitors alike.
15. Which is the nearest airport for Chhath in Patna?
Jay Prakash Narayan Airport in Patna. Its new terminal became operational on 3 June 2025.
16. What does Bihar tourism during Chhath offer besides the ghats?
Patna Sahib, Bihar Museum, Nalanda, Rajgir, Bodh Gaya and Vaishali. The Sonepur Mela begins on 22 November 2026.
17. Is it safe for senior citizens to go to the ghats?
The administration advises elderly people, pregnant women and small children to observe at home where possible. If elders do go, choose a paved-platform ghat or a designated park or pond, and go early.
18. Which are the best places for Chhath Puja in Bihar for a first visit?
Patna is the best base for a first visit because it has the airport, the main railway stations, hotels and the longest riverfront. Deo in Aurangabad district is the best-known pilgrimage site.
19. Why is the Bihar Chhath festival called the Mahaparv?
Because it is the largest festival of the state, observed in every district, with the government preparing the ghats and people returning home from across India and abroad.
20. Is Bihar Chhath Puja different from Chhath in other states?
The rituals are the same. The difference is scale: in 2025 Patna district alone prepared 102 Ganga ghats, 45 parks and 63 ponds, with 171 watch towers and 103 medical camps, as reported by PTI.
21. When should I leave Bihar after Chhath?
If possible, leave on 17 November or later. The evening of 16 November is the busiest time for outbound trains, buses and roads.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja Bihar 2026 comes down to two fixed moments, sunset on Sunday 15 November and sunrise on Monday 16 November, and one decision: where you will stand. For most visitors the answer is a Patna ghat chosen from the administration's safe list. For pilgrims it may be the Surya Kund at Deo. Book a room near the river, arrive two days early, read the official ghat list, and behave as a guest at someone else's prayer.
Bihar Chhath Puja rewards the traveller who plans. This Chhath Puja travel guide has kept to what is on record. Where the 2026 details are not yet announced, we have said so, and the official links below will carry them when they are. If your journey to Bihar starts from or passes through Ayodhya, call or WhatsApp Your Travel Partner on +91 78811 55800 for a cab, a station transfer, an airport transfer, an e-rickshaw or a short darshan package.
Official and Useful Links
- Patna district administration
- Bihar Tourism
- Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC)
- Government of Bihar
- Aurangabad district administration (for Deo)
- IRCTC train booking
- Indian Railways National Train Enquiry System
- Airports Authority of India
Our Services in Ayodhya
Disclaimer: Figures for ghats and arrangements are from press and official reports of the years stated and are given to show scale. The 2026 arrangements, ghat lists, traffic plans and tour packages are decided by the authorities and may differ. Sunrise and sunset times are astronomical calculations and may vary by a minute or two. Please confirm with official sources before you travel.
