What to Wear for Chhath Puja 2026

Chhath Puja is one of the most sacred and ancient festivals of India, observed primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and among the diaspora communities worldwide. The dress code for Chhath Puja is deeply rooted in tradition and simplicity — this is not a festival for heavy embellishment or trend-driven fashion.

What is the traditional dress code for Chhath Puja?

Women traditionally wear a plain cotton or silk saree in yellow or saffron for the evening arghya (sunset ritual) and white or yellow for the morning arghya (sunrise ritual). The saree must be worn without a petticoat blouse in some traditional practices, or with a simple blouse without embellishment. The emphasis is on purity, simplicity, and devotion — not decoration.

What colour saree should I wear for Chhath Puja?

Yellow and saffron are the most traditional and auspicious colours for Chhath Puja. These colours represent devotion to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya. Many women also wear white, which symbolises purity. Avoid heavily embroidered or printed sarees — plain woven sarees in natural fabrics are most appropriate.

Can I wear a salwar kameez for Chhath Puja?

While a saree is most traditional, a simple salwar kameez or kurta set in yellow, saffron, or white is acceptable, particularly for those who are not comfortable draping a saree. The key is simplicity and modesty — avoid anything heavily embellished, low-cut, or too fitted.

What fabric is appropriate for Chhath Puja?

Cotton is ideal because Chhath Puja rituals involve standing in water, and cotton dries more easily and is more comfortable. Pure cotton sarees in saffron or yellow are considered most sacred. Silk is also traditional and acceptable for those who are not entering the water.

What jewellery should I wear for Chhath Puja?

Minimal and simple jewellery is appropriate for Chhath Puja. Traditional gold jewellery — a simple necklace, bangles, and earrings — is fine. Avoid heavy or ostentatious jewellery. The festival is about devotion, not display.

What should men wear for Chhath Puja?

Men traditionally wear a dhoti and kurta in yellow, saffron, or white. A simple kurta with churidar or pyjama is also acceptable. Like women, men should dress modestly and avoid heavily embellished clothing.

Chhath Puja 2026 Date

Chhath Puja 2026 falls in late October/early November. The four-day festival includes Nahay Khay, Lohanda and Kharna, Sandhya Arghya (sunset ritual), and Usha Arghya (sunrise ritual). The main arghya rituals are when traditional dressing is most important.

At Haus of Handmade, we understand the sacred nature of Chhath Puja and offer handwoven cotton and silk sarees in traditional festival colours that honour the spirit of this important occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What colour is worn for Chhath Puja?
A: Yellow and saffron are the primary traditional colours. White is also worn, especially for the morning ritual.

Q: Can I wear a stitched garment for Chhath Puja?
A: Traditional practice prefers unstitched garments like sarees for women and dhotis for men, but simple stitched garments in appropriate colours are widely accepted.

Q: Is it okay to wear synthetic fabric for Chhath Puja?
A: Natural fabrics like cotton and silk are preferred. Avoid synthetic fabrics, especially if you will be participating in the water rituals.