What Is Chhath Puja 2026 Usha Arghya Morning Time in USA?

By Sadhana Shop Editorial Team

Chhath Puja is one of the most meaningful Hindu festivals dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. One of its most important rituals is Usha Arghya, when devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun early in the morning. For Indian families celebrating Chhath Puja in the United States, knowing the correct local sunrise time is an important part of preparing for this ritual.

In 2026, Usha Arghya for the Kartik Chhath observance is expected on Monday, November 16. Since sunrise differs across American cities, devotees should follow the local sunrise time rather than using the timing from India.

What Is Usha Arghya in Chhath Puja?

Usha Arghya is the morning offering made to the rising Sun on the final day of Chhath Puja. The word “Usha” refers to dawn, and “Arghya” means a devotional offering.

Devotees gather before sunrise, carry their traditional offerings, and pray to Surya Dev for health, happiness, prosperity, and family well-being.

This ritual is also associated with gratitude for the light and energy that support life on Earth.

When Is Usha Arghya in the USA in 2026?

For the commonly followed Kartik Chhath observance, Usha Arghya is expected on Monday, November 16, 2026.

The offering is made around local sunrise. Here are indicative sunrise times for selected US cities:

• New York: Approximately 6:44 AM EST.
• Edison, New Jersey: Approximately 6:45 AM EST.
• Chicago: Approximately 6:41 AM CST.
• Houston: Approximately 6:47 AM CST.
• Dallas: Approximately 6:58 AM CST.
• Los Angeles: Approximately 6:27 AM PST.
• San Jose: Approximately 6:48 AM PST.
• Seattle: Approximately 7:16 AM PST.
• Atlanta: Approximately 7:10 AM EST.
• Washington, DC: Approximately 6:52 AM EST.

These are reference sunrise times, not a substitute for the local Panchang or the exact venue’s sunrise calculation. Weather, the horizon, and local conditions can affect when the Sun becomes visible.

How Should You Prepare for Usha Arghya in America?

Since the ritual takes place early in the morning, preparation the previous evening can make the experience easier.

1. Arrange Puja Samagri in Advance

Keep the bamboo soop, fruits, coconut, sugarcane, thekua, and other traditional offerings ready.

2. Check Local Sunrise Time

Confirm the sunrise time for your exact city and date. Do not use an Indian sunrise schedule for a US celebration.

3. Reach the Venue Early

If you are attending a community event, plan to arrive before sunrise. Allow time for parking, walking, and arranging the offerings.

4. Wear Suitable Clothing

November mornings can be cold in many parts of the USA. Wear warm traditional clothing and comfortable footwear.

5. Follow Water-Side Safety Rules

If the ritual is held near a lake or pond, use only permitted areas and follow the organiser’s safety instructions.

What Happens During Usha Arghya?

The morning ritual generally follows these steps:

1. Devotees gather at the chosen location before sunrise.
2. Traditional offerings are arranged in baskets or soop.
3. The devotee offers Arghya to the rising Sun.
4. Prayers are offered to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.
5. The main fast is concluded according to family tradition.
6. Prasad is shared with family members and the community.

Specific practices may vary by region and family.

What Should Families Carry for Morning Arghya?

A typical preparation list includes:

• Bamboo soop or dala.
• Seasonal fruits.
• Coconut and sugarcane.
• Thekua and other traditional prasad.
• Puja utensils and an Arghya vessel.
• Clean traditional clothing.
• Warm jackets and towels.
• A flashlight for the early-morning gathering.

Families can explore chhath puja 2026 to learn more about the festival’s rituals and preparation.

For a Hindi explanation of the traditional observance, read छठ पूजा 2026.

Conclusion

Usha Arghya is the concluding and deeply meaningful ritual of Chhath Puja. For Indian families in the USA, checking the local sunrise time, preparing offerings in advance, and reaching the venue safely can help make the morning celebration peaceful and organised. In 2026, the commonly followed Kartik observance places Usha Arghya on November 16.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is Usha Arghya in the USA in 2026?

It is expected on Monday, November 16, 2026, for the commonly followed Kartik Chhath observance.

2. What time is Usha Arghya in New York?

The indicative sunrise time in New York is approximately 6:44 AM EST on November 16, 2026. Confirm the local Panchang before the ritual.

3. What time is Usha Arghya in California?

For Los Angeles, the indicative sunrise time is approximately 6:27 AM PST. Other California cities may have different sunrise times.

4. Why is Usha Arghya offered?

Devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun as an expression of gratitude and seek blessings for health, happiness, and prosperity.

5. What happens after Usha Arghya?

The devotee concludes the main fast according to family tradition, and prasad is shared with family and community members.

About Sadhana Shop: Sadhana Shop helps families explore traditional puja essentials and celebrate Hindu festivals while staying connected with their spiritual roots.