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Chhath Puja 2026: The Role of Daughters-in-Law, Mothers and Family Members in Preparing for the Mahaparv
Chhath Puja preparations bring Bihari families together as mothers, daughters-in-law, children and other family members contribute to the four-day Mahaparv. From preparing traditional prasad like thekua and kasar to cleaning ghats, arranging offerings and singing Chhath geet, every activity reflects devotion, family bonding and cultural traditions passed down through generations.
Chhath Puja in Mithilanchal and Bhojpur: How Maithili and Bhojpuri Traditions Make the Festival Special
Chhath Puja is celebrated with distinct cultural traditions across Bihar's Mithilanchal and Bhojpur regions. While Maithili folk songs and family customs define celebrations in Mithilanchal, Bhojpuri devotional songs and community gatherings give Bhojpur its unique identity. Explore regional food traditions, thekua, traditional offerings and four-day rituals that make Chhath an important part of Bihar's cultural heritage.
Chhath Puja 2026: Why Sugarcane, Turmeric Plants and Banana Leaves Are Used in Traditional Worship
Sugarcane, turmeric plants and banana leaves are important elements of traditional Chhath Puja celebrations in Bihar. These natural ingredients are associated with prosperity, purity, abundance and gratitude towards nature. From decorating puja spaces to arranging traditional offerings, discover why these agricultural products hold cultural and religious significance during the four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.
Chhath Puja Song Sharda Sinha: Popular Folk and Devotional Songs Sung During Nahay Khay, Kharna and Arghya
Chhath Puja Geet are an integral part of the four-day festival dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. From traditional Bhojpuri folk songs sung during Nahay Khay and Kharna to devotional melodies accompanying Sandhya and Usha Arghya, these songs reflect faith, gratitude and cultural heritage. Discover popular Chhath songs and the legacy of legendary folk singer Sharda Sinha.
Chhath Puja 2026 Date: 4-day calendar, rituals, puja samagri, significance and arghya timings
Chhath Puja 2026 will begin on November 13 with Nahay Khay and conclude on November 16 with Usha Arghya and Parana. The four-day festival includes Kharna, the evening offering to the setting Sun and prayers to the rising Sun. Here is the complete day-wise calendar, New Delhi timings, rituals and list of puja samagri.
No longer just non-AC train: Indian Railways' first Amrit Bharat Express 3.0 with AC coaches hits tracks between Delhi and Patna to ease Chhath Puja rush
Indian Railways has introduced its first Amrit Bharat Express 3.0 featuring AC coaches on the New Delhi-Patna route to manage the Chhath Puja rush. The special train, which departed on November 11, has a 22-coach configuration comprising First AC, Second AC, Third AC, Sleeper and General coaches. The upgraded train features push-pull technology, improved suspension, modern toilets and mobile charging points.
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Online festive sales miss estimates; Munjal steps down as Unacademy CEO
Happpy Thursday! Online festive sales grew, but fell short of expectations amid weak smartphone demand.This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Chhath Puja Katha 2026: Why Is the Festival Celebrated? Know the Story of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya
From November 13 to November 16 in 2026, Chhath Puja will be joyfully celebrated in multiple states throughout India. This significant four-day festival honors the Sun God, Surya Dev, and Goddess Chhathi Maiya through heartfelt offerings and prayers. Participants will partake in essential rituals such as the Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya, emphasizing family connections and communal unity in this cherished cultural celebration.
Why Chhath Puja Has No Idols or Priests: The Sun-Worship Ritual That's Different From Every Other Festival
Chhath Puja stands apart from many Hindu festivals because devotees do not depend on temple idols or priest-led ceremonies to worship. Instead, they offer prayers directly to the setting and rising Sun while standing in rivers or other water bodies. But why does Chhath Puja follow this unusual tradition? From its connection with nature and ancient Sun worship to significance of Chhathi Maiya, here is what makes this festival different.
Chhath Puja 2026: Ghat Preparations, Traditional Songs and Evening Rituals
Chhath Puja 2026 will bring vibrant celebrations with beautifully decorated ghats, traditional folk songs and age-old rituals. As devotees prepare for Sandhya Arghya on November 15, families will gather near rivers and ponds to offer prayers to the setting Sun. From bamboo baskets and traditional prasad to devotional music, explore the festival's cultural and spiritual significance.
‘Everyone was celebrating Diwali, but I locked myself in a room’: Bengaluru CA recalls emotional exam-day sacrifice
Bengaluru-based CA Meenal Goel recalled missing Diwali celebrations in 2018 to prepare for her CA final exams. With her cousins celebrating and crackers bursting outside, she struggled to concentrate. Her mother requested everyone to maintain silence. Goel kept motivating herself, reminding herself that Diwali would return every year. Two months later, she became a CA.
Care for Nature
Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, is celebrated on the fourth day of Diwali and marks Lord Krishna’s act of lifting Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Braj from heavy rains sent by Indra. The festival highlights the importance of respecting nature, staying humble and being grateful for the resources that sustain life.
Chhath Puja 2026 Date: Check four-day calendar, significance of each day, rituals from Nahay Khay to Usha Arghya
Chhath Puja will be celebrated from November 13 to November 16 in 2026. The festival involves fasting, prayers, and traditional offerings to the Sun God. Each day has specific rituals, beginning with Nahay Khay and culminating in Usha Arghya. Devotees clean their homes and prepare special food offerings during this period. The festival emphasizes gratitude for nature's blessings and prayers for family health and prosperity.
From family portraits to noodles: Sobhita Dhulipala gives a peek into Diwali with Naga Chaitanya
Sobhita Dhulipala shared glimpses of her Diwali celebrations with husband Naga Chaitanya and the Akkineni family, including Nagarjuna Akkineni. Her festive album featured family photographs, traditional decorations, diyas, sparklers and an unexpected bowl of noodles. The actress also shared pictures of her blue embroidered outfit and extended festive wishes to fans.
Why Does Bhai Dooj Fall Two Days After Diwali? The Yamraj-Yamuna Story Behind This Unique Tradition
Bhai Dooj is traditionally celebrated two days after Diwali, but the reason behind this timing goes beyond the festival calendar. Observed on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, the festival is associated with the story of Yamraj, the God of Death, visiting his sister Yamuna. Here is how their legendary reunion gave Bhai Dooj its name, rituals and significance.
BlueStone strikes gold this festive season, clocks 45% business growth
BlueStone Jewellery and Lifestyle reported 45% year-on-year business growth between October 1 and November 8, driven primarily by an increase in buyers during the festive season. Average realisations remained unchanged, while demand for everyday jewellery and entry-level products gained momentum during the Dhanteras-Diwali period.
Govardhan Puja 2026 today or tomorrow: Is it on November 9 or 10? Check correct date, puja muhurat and timings
Is Govardhan Puja 2026 today or tomorrow? The festival will be observed on November 10, although some calendars list November 9. Check the correct date, why the two dates appear, city-wise puja muhurat, important tithi timings and other details.
Diwali rush lifts rapid delivery orders for last-minute shopping, gifting
Platforms such as Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart, Amazon Now and Flipkart Minutes revamped their apps for Diwali, introducing interactive interfaces, gamified rewards and other features to drive consumer engagement and orders.
Longer Diwali breaks: companies give employees more time to celebrate
Many companies are providing extended breaks for their employees during Diwali to promote well-being and family connections. Embassy Group is giving its employees a nine-day break, emphasizing a people-first culture. CashKaro is offering six days off to help employees recharge after the busy festive season. Myntra plans to recognize employee contributions with two additional holiday days following its sales period.
Diwali 2026: From Ayodhya’s sea of diyas to Goa’s fiery Narkasurs, India celebrates the festival in splendour
India celebrates Diwali on November 8 with spectacular displays of devotion and tradition, from lakhs of diyas illuminating Ayodhya’s Saryu ghats to giant Narkasur effigies burning in Goa. As families prepare for Lakshmi Puja, security is tightened, special trains ferry festive travellers and temples across Uttar Pradesh host elaborate celebrations.
Why Is the Setting Sun Worshipped Before the Rising Sun During Chhath Puja? Know the Significance
Chhath Puja follows a tradition rarely seen in other Hindu festivals: devotees offer Arghya to the setting Sun before worshipping the rising Sun the next morning. But why does the festival begin its most important solar offerings with sunset? The answer lies in its understanding of gratitude, nature, life's cycles and the belief that the Sun deserves reverence at every stage.
Quick commerce emerges beyond Diwali shopping panic to breathe on the necks of e-commerce giants
Quick-commerce platforms in India are increasingly including fashion, beauty, and gifting items for Diwali shopping. Myntra and Amazon are experiencing significant growth in orders and customer engagement during the festive season. Quick-commerce is projected to account for a larger share of online retail, boosting convenience for consumers. The demand for immediate shopping solutions is prompting a shift in purchasing behaviours.
Diwali 2026 Gift Ideas: What India Is Actually Buying This Year — From Gourmet Hampers to Smart Gadgets
In 2026, Diwali gifting trends are shifting towards practical and personalized choices, moving away from the classic sweets. Gifts in demand now include gourmet food, home décor, electronics, and items reflecting personal style. Additionally, many are opting for wellness products and experiential gifts. It’s important to align gifts with the recipient's tastes and budget, as meaningful selections carry more weight than opulent choices.
Healthier goes Kaju Katli as sweets too catch the trend
Healthier versions of traditional sweets, such as protein-rich laddoos and sugar-free gulab jamuns, are gaining popularity. Consumers now prefer sweets that combine health benefits with indulgence during celebrations. Major brands like Haldiram's and Amul are adapting to this trend by offering guilt-free options. Online sales of date-sweetened and sugar-free mithais have seen significant growth recently. This shift reflects a broader change in consumer preferences as festive seasons approach.
Winning at Diwali gifting: Ditch the mithai, bring on the bling
Diwali is celebrated with vibrant decorations, festive gatherings, and traditional rituals in India this year. Businesses are experiencing a significant increase in online sales leading up to the holidays. Families gather to enjoy rich cultural customs and unique gifting practices during this festive season. Various products, ranging from gold coins to luxury home items, are popular during this time.
Choti Diwali 2026: Check puja time, significance, importance and other key details
Narak Chaturdashi tithi: Choti Diwali, observed on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura. Rituals include an early morning oil bath called Abhyanga Snan and prayers for blessings. Homes are decorated with rangolis and illuminated with lamps, welcoming happiness and prosperity. Some regions also observe Kali Chaudas, worshiping Goddess Kali on this day.
India Inc lights up Diwali with longer weekends, flexible work and extra pay for festive shifts
Companies across India are making Diwali more employee-friendly through extended holidays, work-from-home options, practical gifts and workplace celebrations. Zepto advanced its holiday, while Hitachi India offered employees a choice of gifts. NoBroker.com organised celebrations involving support staff, and Trev Mobility announced additional payouts for driver-partners working during the festival.
Diwali 2026 Date: When is Deepavali? Check date, Lakshmi Puja muhurat, significance, rituals and home decoration tips
Diwali, or Deepavali, is a vibrant festival celebrated on November 8, 2026, symbolizing light and prosperity. As families engage in cleaning and decorating their homes, they prepare for the revered Lakshmi Puja. The festival highlights communal joy through the exchange of gifts and indulging in delicious sweets. The excitement builds in the days leading up to the event, creating an enchanting atmosphere filled with anticipation and joy.
Diwali Abroad 2026: How NRIs in the US, UK and Gulf Are Keeping Indian Traditions Alive Thousands of Miles From Home
Diwali 2026 is bringing Indian communities together across the US, UK and Gulf, with celebrations ranging from Times Square and London's Trafalgar Square to Dubai's Festival of Lights and temple gatherings in Abu Dhabi. As November 8 approaches, NRIs are marking the festival through cultural performances, traditional food, diya lighting, family pujas, festive shopping and community events. Here is how the Indian diaspora is celebrating Diwali abroad this year.
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