About Hal Shashthi
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According to the Purnimanta Hindu calendar, the Shashthi Tithi of Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha is celebrated as Hal Shashthi. In the Amanta Hindu calendar, this festival is celebrated on the Shashthi Tithi of Shravana Krishna Paksha. However, the day of Hal Shashthi remains the same in both calendars, only the name of the month differs because of different calendar systems. Hal Shasthi is also known as Hal Chhath or Har Chhath, Lalahi Chhath, Chandan Chhath, Kamar Chhath and Khamar Chhath. In various communities and regions, this festival is also celebrated as Ub Chhath, Chandra Chhath, Tinchhathi or Tinni Chhath and Chanan Chhath or Chana Chhath. On this day, Hindu women observe a daylong fast, which is dedicated to Lord Balarama, the elder brother of Lord Krishna. The Vrat of Hal Shashthi is observed for longevity, good health and happiness of one’s children. As per the belief, couples who do not have children can also observe this fast. Lord Balarama blesses everyone who observes this fast with devotion. On this day, women who observe the fast refrain from consuming any food item cultivated in a field tilled by a plough, because plough is regarded as the weapon of Lord Balarama. Therefore, food articles obtained from ploughed fields are prohibited during Hal Shashthi. Thus, the fast is observed by consuming food items that are grown in ponds, lakes, reservoirs and other water bodies. As per the belief system, the consumption of cow's milk and curd is also prohibited during the fast. Therefore, women use buffalo milk and curd during the fast. In many regions, women follow a traditional practice of using Mahua twig for teeth cleaning or just consuming Mahua. On this day, devotees put Tilak of sandalwood paste on their forehead, due to which it is also called Chandan Chhath. Thereafter, following one's belief system, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Chhathi Maiya or one's favored deity is worshipped. However, on the day of Hal Shashthi, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, Nandi, Simha and boat are also worshiped by people of different regions.
Deities & divine forms
The Puja involves offering of vermilion, sandalwood paste, flowers, fruits, areca nut, unbroken rice, and a coin to the deity. Afterwards, Dhupa and Deepaka are lit, and then devotees put some sandalwood paste in their hands and listen to the story of Hal Shashthi in the standing position. It is also common to put sandalwood in the mouth. After the recitation of the story, devotees don’t sit on the floor or drink water till moonrise. After moonrise, Arghya is offered to the Moon which completes the fast and devotees are allowed to sit. In Shekhawati region, Hal Shashthi is called Ub Chhath or Chana Chhath. Married women observe the fast of Ub Chhath for the long life of their husbands, while unmarried girls observe this fast for getting a desired life partner. On this occasion, women go to temples and perform special worship. Thereafter, Arghya is offered to the Lord Chandra when it rises above the horizon. The fast is completed only after the offering of Arghya. This fast is called Ub Chhath because women who observe this fast remain in standing position from sunset till moonrise. To begin the Puja, complete morning rituals, then lay the floor with clay paste and prepare a small Kund filled with water. If this is not possible, just draw Chowk with flour. Thereafter, tie together one branch of each Jharberi, Palash and Gular and install them in the Kunda. These branches are called Harchhath. Wrap a raw cotton thread or Janeo around Harchhath and tie a knot.
How to celebrate Hal Shashthi 2026
On this day, women who observe the fast refrain from consuming any food item cultivated in a field tilled by a plough, because plough is regarded as the weapon of Lord Balarama. Therefore, food articles obtained from ploughed fields are prohibited during Hal Shashthi. Thus, the fast is observed by consuming food items that are grown in ponds, lakes, reservoirs and other water bodies. As per the belief system, the consumption of cow's milk and curd is also prohibited during the fast. Therefore, women use buffalo milk and curd during the fast. In many regions, women follow a traditional practice of using Mahua twig for teeth cleaning or just consuming Mahua. On this day, devotees put Tilak of sandalwood paste on their forehead, due to which it is also called Chandan Chhath. Thereafter, following one's belief system, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Chhathi Maiya or one's favored deity is worshipped. However, on the day of Hal Shashthi, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, Nandi, Simha and boat are also worshiped by people of different regions. The Puja involves offering of vermilion, sandalwood paste, flowers, fruits, areca nut, unbroken rice, and a coin to the deity. Afterwards, Dhupa and Deepaka are lit, and then devotees put some sandalwood paste in their hands and listen to the story of Hal Shashthi in the standing position. It is also common to put sandalwood in the mouth. After the recitation of the story, devotees don’t sit on the floor or drink water till moonrise. After moonrise, Arghya is offered to the Moon which completes the fast and devotees are allowed to sit.
Hal Shashthi 2026 — FAQs
Hal Shashthi is observed on 2026-09-02.
According to the Purnimanta Hindu calendar, the Shashthi Tithi of Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha is celebrated as Hal Shashthi. In the Amanta Hindu calendar, this festival is celebrated on the Shashthi Tithi of Shravana Krishna Paksha. However, the day of Hal Shashthi remains the same in both calendars, only the name of the month differs because of different calendar systems. Hal Shasthi is also known as Hal Chhath or Har Chhath, Lalahi Chhath, Chandan Chhath, Kamar Chhath and Khamar Chhath. In various communities and regions, this festival is also celebrated as Ub Chhath, Chandra Chhath, Tinchhathi or Tinni Chhath and Chanan Chhath or Chana Chhath. On this day, Hindu women observe a daylong fast, which is dedicated to Lord Balarama, the elder brother of Lord Krishna. The Vrat of Hal Shashthi is observed for longevity, good health and happiness of one’s children. As per the belief, couples who do not have children can also observe this fast. Lord Balarama blesses everyone who observes this fast with devotion.
