Predating organised temple worship, Chhath is a festival that has for the longest time announced its entry annually as autumn fades into winter. Across North India, days come alive with devotion and reverence for the Sun god as Chhath shimmers in at the turn of the calendar. The entire festival is observed over four days which involves fasting, ritual bathing, and offering arghya (water offerings) to the rising and setting sun. Throngs of people gather, knee-deep in rivers, eyeing the sun, singing folk hymns in unison — a mesmerising spectacle of spiritual dedication.
As the months amble up to the time of Chhath, we have culled together a set of 7 iconic ghats where you can witness the festival in full fervour.
The ancient capital of Bihar, Patna, is the epicentre of Chhath Puja celebrations. The banks of the Ganga, especially Gandhi Ghat, Patliputra Ghat, and Collectorate Ghat, turn into the pumping heart of the festival, illuminated by thousands of diyas and devotional songs echoing a harmonious din across the river. Locals clean and decorate ghats days in advance, and the city’s air turns electric with faith and nostalgia.
How To Reach:
Patna is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport offers regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. The Patna Junction railway station is one of India’s busiest, linking the city to all major regions. Auto-rickshaws and city buses can take you directly to the main ghats.
Already one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, Chhath in Varanasi adds an extraordinary dimension to the city’s timeless spirituality. Assi Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat become focal points where devotees stand before the Ganga to offer arghya amidst a spectacular play of oil lamps and chants. The rituals here merge seamlessly with the daily Ganga Aarti, creating an unforgettable visual of devotion and light.
How To Reach:
Varanasi is accessible via Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, around 25 km from the ghats. Trains from Delhi, Kolkata, and Lucknow reach Varanasi Junction daily. From there, auto-rickshaws or taxis can take you directly to Assi or Dashashwamedh Ghat.
The glorious confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, the Triveni Sangam, is a sacred locus that witnesses thousands of devotees during Chhath. Owing to the importance of the site, the experience here is deeply symbolic—worshippers believe that offering arghya at the Sangam cleanses sins and brings spiritual harmony. The ghats are beautifully decorated, and the rhythmic sounds of folk songs carry over the water till sunrise.
How To Reach:
Prayagraj is served by Prayagraj Junction and Bamrauli Airport (around 12 km from the Sangam). Buses and taxis frequently run to the riverfront area. From the city centre, the Sangam is a short 15-minute drive.
For those unable to travel east, Delhi and NCR host vibrant Chhath Puja gatherings along the Yamuna river. The ITO Yamuna Ghat, Kalindi Kunj, Wazirabad Bridge Ghat, and Sector 50 Ground in Noida witness massive crowds from Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh communities living in the capital. The city arranges temporary bamboo structures, lighting, and safety measures to accommodate devotees.
How To Reach:
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport connects to all major cities. The Delhi Metro (Violet Line to ITO or Magenta Line to Kalindi Kunj) provides the easiest access to the main ghats. For Noida venues, the Blue Line metro to Noida City Centre is convenient.
While Chhath is not native to Bengal, Kolkata’s Purvanchali and Bihari communities observe it with a thorough devotion. The Babughat on the Hooghly River and parts of the Howrah riverfront take up the onus of being the prayer sites adorned with flowers, lamps, and colourful tents. The festival’s inclusion here reflects the city’s diversity and its ability to embrace traditions from across India.
How To Reach:
Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport connects to major Indian cities. Howrah and Sealdah are key railway stations, and local buses or taxis can take you to Babughat, just a 15-minute ride from the city centre.
In Jamshedpur, Chhath Puja is observed with deep cultural pride. Domuhani Ghat, where the Subarnarekha and Kharkai rivers meet, turns into a luminous site for rituals. Devotees light diyas, sing Bhojpuri hymns, and offer fruits and sugarcane to the setting sun, creating a serene reflection of the festival’s essence away from urban bustle.
How To Reach:
Jamshedpur is accessible via Tatanagar Junction, which connects to Kolkata and Ranchi. The nearest airport is Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi, about 130 km away. Taxis and buses run regularly between Ranchi and Jamshedpur.
In Mumbai, the Arabian Sea is taken as a substitute for the Ganga during Chhath. Thousands gather at Dadar Chowpatty, Juhu Beach, and Versova Beach to offer prayers as the sun dips below the horizon. The sea of orange and red saris, glowing diyas, and devotional songs give the festival a distinctive coastal charm.
How To Reach:
Mumbai is connected through Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Mumbai Central railway station. Local trains on the Western and Central lines stop near Dadar and Andheri, from where the beaches are a short taxi ride away.
Q1. What is Chhath Puja and why is it celebrated?
Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya. It is celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh to thank the Sun for sustaining life and to seek blessings for health and prosperity.
Q2. Which are the best places to witness Chhath Puja in India?
The best places to witness Chhath Puja include Patna (Gandhi Ghat, Patliputra Ghat), Varanasi (Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat), Prayagraj (Triveni Sangam), Delhi-NCR (Kalindi Kunj, Yamuna Ghat), Kolkata (Babughat), Jamshedpur (Domuhani Ghat), and Mumbai (Dadar Chowpatty).
Q3. When is Chhath Puja celebrated in 2025?
In 2025, Chhath Puja will be celebrated from 27 October to 30 October, culminating in the Usha Arghya on the final morning.
Q4. Can tourists witness Chhath Puja ceremonies?
Yes, visitors are welcome at public ghats to respectfully observe the rituals. However, it’s essential to maintain decorum, avoid crowding near devotees, and not disturb worshippers during prayers.
Q5. What should I carry if I’m visiting a ghat during Chhath Puja?
Carry essentials such as drinking water, comfortable footwear, and a torch if visiting pre-dawn. Dress modestly, avoid plastics, and always follow local safety instructions and crowd management rules.
Q6. Which city has the grandest Chhath Puja celebrations?
Patna hosts the grandest Chhath Puja in India, where lakhs of devotees gather on the Ganga’s banks to perform rituals under well-coordinated civic arrangements and cultural programmes.
Q7. Is Chhath Puja celebrated outside Bihar and Uttar Pradesh?
Yes, due to migration, Chhath Puja is widely celebrated in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ranchi, and Jamshedpur, and even abroad in places like Mauritius, Nepal, and Trinidad.
