During Chhath Puja, some families build a small, decorated canopy known as Kosi on the evening of Sandhya Arghya, when devotees offer prayers to the setting Sun. The structure, often made using sugarcane stalks and decorated with earthen lamps, fruits and other offerings, is a distinctive part of Chhath celebrations in several households.

The Kosi ritual is generally associated with the evening before Usha Arghya, the final morning offering to the rising Sun. While it is observed with devotion in many families, it is not a compulsory ritual for every Chhath vratin. Its form and the customs followed around it can differ by region and family tradition.

Must Read: Chhath Puja 2026 Date: November 15 or 16? Check 4-Day Calendar, Nahay Khay, Kharna and Arghya Timings

What Is Kosi in Chhath Puja?

Kosi is a small canopy-like structure traditionally prepared using sugarcane stalks. Families arrange the stalks to create a frame and decorate it with lamps, fruits and other puja offerings. In some traditions, an earthen pot or other ritual items are also placed beneath or around the structure.

The arrangement is usually made at the home or near the Chhath ghat, depending on the family's custom. Once prepared, the Kosi becomes the focal point of a special evening prayer.

Also Read: Why Is the Setting Sun Worshipped Before the Rising Sun During Chhath Puja? Know the Significance

Why Do Families Build a Kosi During Chhath?

For many families, Kosi Bharai is connected with a mannat, or a religious vow made to Chhathi Maiya. A family may undertake this ritual after a wish has been fulfilled, as an expression of gratitude and devotion.

Some regional traditions also associate Kosi with important family milestones, such as a birth or marriage. However, the reason for performing it is not identical in every household. It is best understood as a family and regional tradition rather than a compulsory part of Chhath Puja.

The canopy also gives the family a dedicated space for the evening's prayers. The lamps, sugarcane and prasad together create a small ceremonial arrangement in honour of Chhathi Maiya and the Sun God.

You Might Also Like: Chhath Nahay Khay 2026: November 13 or 14? Check Day 1 Date, Rituals, Kaddu Bhaat and Vrat Rules

How Is Kosi Bharai Performed?

The exact method varies, but a commonly followed practice involves these steps:

• Arrange the sugarcane stalks: Five or more sugarcane stalks are tied together at the top to create a small canopy or mandap.
• Prepare the offerings: A small arrangement of prasad, fruits and other customary puja items is placed beneath it. Some families also use a traditional earthen Kosi pot or figurine.
• Light the diyas: Earthen lamps are placed under or around the canopy as part of the worship.
• Offer prayers: The vratin and family members gather around the Kosi and perform the customary prayers. Chhath folk songs may also be sung.
• Continue the observance until morning: In households that follow this practice, the Kosi arrangement is maintained through the night, and the ritual may be repeated at the ghat before Usha Arghya.

Also Read: Chhath Puja Complete Samagri List: Check All Items Required for Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya

What Is Placed Under the Kosi Canopy?

The items can differ according to family tradition, but the arrangement commonly includes:

• Earthen diyas
• Thekua and other Chhath prasad
• Seasonal fruits
• Sugarcane stalks forming the canopy
• An earthen Kosi pot or other traditional ritual items, where customary

Some regional practices include a decorated earthen elephant with lamps. The number of stalks, lamps and offerings is not uniform across all communities.

You Might Also Like: Chhath Puja Katha 2026: Why Is the Festival Celebrated? Know the Story of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya

Is Kosi Puja Compulsory During Chhath?

No. Kosi Puja is not mandatory for every family observing Chhath. It is a specific tradition followed by some households, often in connection with a vow or a family custom.

The central Chhath observance includes Sandhya Arghya to the setting Sun and Usha Arghya to the rising Sun. Families that do not perform Kosi can complete the main Chhath rituals according to their own tradition.

When Is Kosi Built During Chhath Puja 2026?

In 2026, Chhath Puja's Sandhya Arghya falls on Sunday, November 15, and Usha Arghya falls on Monday, November 16. Families that observe Kosi traditionally prepare the canopy on the evening of November 15, after the evening offering to the setting Sun. The ritual may continue through the night before the final morning prayers.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Kosi Bharai in Chhath Puja?
  Kosi Bharai is a traditional Chhath ritual in which families create a small canopy using sugarcane stalks and place earthen lamps, prasad and other offerings beneath it. It is observed by some families on the night of Sandhya Arghya.
• Why do people use five sugarcane stalks for Kosi?
  Five sugarcane stalks are commonly used to make the canopy in several traditions. However, the number and arrangement can vary. The five-stalk structure is a familiar regional form, not a universal requirement for every Chhath household.
• Is Kosi Puja performed at home or at the ghat?
  It can be performed at either place, depending on family custom. Some families prepare the Kosi in their courtyard after returning from the ghat, while others also arrange it near the water body before the morning Arghya.
• Does every Chhath vratin have to perform Kosi Bharai?
  No. Kosi Bharai is an additional regional or family ritual. It is not a compulsory requirement for completing Chhath Puja.
• Does the Kosi remain lit throughout the night?
  In some households, the diyas are kept lit until the morning Arghya. Practices differ, and lamps should always be placed securely and supervised to prevent fire accidents.