Chhath Puja 2026 in Delhi: Holiday on November 16, Traffic Advisory and Roads to Avoid

Ahead of Chhath Puja 2026 in Delhi, the Delhi government has declared a holiday on Monday, November 16, and the Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory with road restrictions for November 15 and 16. Large crowds of devotees are expected at Yamuna ghats and ponds across East, North-East and Shahdara districts, as per ANI.

If you live in or travel through these areas, here is everything you need to know.

Chhath Puja 2026 dates↑

The four-day festival runs from November 13 to November 16, according to India.com:

1. November 13 – Nahay Khay: Holy bath and a simple, pure meal
2. November 14 – Kharna: Fast during the day, broken in the evening with kheer and roti
3. November 15 – Sandhya Arghya: Prayers to the setting sun at the ghats
4. November 16 – Usha Arghya: Prayers to the rising sun; the fast ends
5. 
   

Delhi holiday on November 16↑

The Delhi government has declared Monday, November 16 a holiday for Chhath Puja, as reported in eNewsInsight's morning headlines. Since the main morning prayers fall on that day, the holiday will help lakhs of devotees reach the ghats early.

Delhi traffic advisory: roads to avoid↑

Traffic restrictions and diversions will be in place on November 15 and 16. Commuters have been asked to avoid these stretches:

1. Pusta Road from Shastri Park to Khajuri Chowk, and the reverse direction
2. Nanaksar T-Point to Sonia Vihar Toll Tax
3. The stretch from Shanti Van to Shamshan Ghat

Alternative routes↑

1. People going towards North, Central, East and New Delhi can use the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway and GT Road.
2. Residents can also use Road No. 66.
3. Commuters may take a diversion via the SDM Office U-turn towards the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, as per traffic police instructions.

Designated parking spots↑

The traffic police have marked these parking areas for devotees, as listed by Asianet Newsable and DNA India:

1. Open ground near Gaushala at the Old Iron Bridge
2. Chhath Park, B1 and B2 blocks, Nand Nagri
3. Chhath Ghat, Mandoli Teela
4. Pusta Road NHAI parking
5. MCD parking near Sai Bhawan
6. Vacant Yamuna land beside the 2nd, 3.5 and 4.5 Pusta (for Sonia Vihar residents)

Police have asked people not to park on the roadside or in restricted areas, so that emergency vehicles can move freely.

Tips for devotees↑

1. Reach the ghats early, especially for the sunrise Arghya on November 16.
2. Use public transport where possible.
3. Keep children close in crowded areas.
4. Delhi's air is still poor after Diwali, so elderly people and those with breathing problems should take care. Read about Delhi's winter pollution plan.

Travelling home to Bihar or eastern UP for Chhath? Check the festival special trains for Diwali and Chhath.

FAQ

Q1. Is November 16 a holiday in Delhi?

Yes. The Delhi government has declared Monday, November 16 a holiday for Chhath Puja.

Q2. What are the Chhath Puja 2026 dates?

November 13 to 16, with Sandhya Arghya on November 15 and Usha Arghya on November 16.

Q3. Which roads should I avoid in Delhi during Chhath?

Pusta Road (Shastri Park–Khajuri Chowk), Nanaksar T-Point to Sonia Vihar Toll Tax, and Shanti Van to Shamshan Ghat.

Q4. Which alternative routes can I use?

The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, GT Road and Road No. 66.

Q5. On which days are traffic restrictions in place?

November 15 and 16, 2026.