Bollywood actor Sonu Sood has announced that he will celebrate Chhath Mahaparv with devotees at Mumbai's Juhu Beach on November 15, 2026. The actor shared a video message on social media, confirming his participation in the religious celebration and inviting people to join him at the event.
His announcement comes at a time when Chhath Puja celebrations at Mumbai's beaches have become a subject of political debate. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, has opposed organising religious celebrations at public beaches, citing concerns about cleanliness and the preservation of coastal areas.
Sonu's decision to participate in the Juhu Beach celebration has brought additional attention to the ongoing discussion, with political parties and entertainment personalities expressing different views on the issue.
Sonu Sood Announces His Participation in Chhath Puja
In a video message shared on social media, Sonu Sood announced that he would be present at Juhu Beach on Sunday evening, November 15, to celebrate Chhath Puja with devotees.
According to the announcement, the event will take place behind Hotel Palm Grove, a location associated with the annual Chhath celebrations in Mumbai.
The actor has invited devotees from Mumbai and other parts of the country to participate in the festival. His announcement has been welcomed by people looking forward to celebrating the occasion with the local community.
Sonu has frequently used his public platform to speak about social issues and community welfare. His participation in the festival has therefore attracted attention beyond the entertainment industry.
Why Has Chhath Puja at Juhu Beach Become a Controversy?
The controversy began after MNS raised objections to organising Chhath Puja celebrations at Mumbai's beaches and other coastal locations.
The party has argued that large public gatherings can affect the cleanliness and appearance of beaches. It has also raised concerns about the arrangements and security required for such events.
The opposition has led to a wider debate about religious celebrations in public spaces, environmental responsibility and the management of large gatherings.
Chhath Puja is an important festival for people from Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and other regions. Thousands of devotees living in Mumbai and neighbouring areas gather at designated locations to offer prayers to the setting and rising Sun.
For many families, participating in Chhath celebrations is an important way of maintaining their cultural and religious traditions while living away from their hometowns.
BJP Opposes MNS Stand on Chhath Celebrations
The MNS position has also triggered political reactions. BJP leaders have criticised the opposition to Chhath celebrations at Mumbai's beaches.
The BJP has accused Raj Thackeray's party of targeting religious festivals for political reasons. The disagreement has added a political dimension to what is traditionally a major religious and community celebration.
MNS, on the other hand, has maintained that its objections are connected to the cleanliness and preservation of public coastal spaces.
The issue has consequently developed into a broader political discussion involving cultural traditions, environmental concerns and the rights of communities to organise religious events.
What Is the Chhath Puja Programme at Juhu Beach?
The Juhu Beach celebration is scheduled for November 15, 2026, with the evening programme beginning at 5 PM, according to the event organisers.
The main evening ritual, Sandhya Arghya, will take place on Sunday. Devotees observe a fast and offer prayers to the setting Sun while standing in water and presenting traditional offerings.
The four-day Chhath festival is being observed from November 13 to November 16 this year.
The major rituals include:
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November 13 – Nahay Khay: Devotees begin the festival with ritual bathing and a traditional meal.
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November 14 – Kharna: Devotees observe a fast and perform evening prayers.
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November 15 – Sandhya Arghya: Offerings are made to the setting Sun.
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November 16 – Usha Arghya: Devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun before completing the fast.
The Juhu Beach programme is expected to attract a large number of devotees from Mumbai and nearby areas.
Sonu Sood's Association With Social Causes
Sonu Sood has built a reputation for participating in social initiatives and helping people during difficult circumstances. His humanitarian work received widespread recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he helped migrant workers and others facing difficulties with travel, accommodation and essential support.
Since then, the actor has continued to use his public presence to highlight social concerns and community-related issues.
His announcement about attending Chhath Puja has attracted attention because it comes amid the debate over organising the festival at Mumbai's beaches.
However, Sonu's public invitation has focused on participating in the religious celebration rather than making a detailed political statement about the controversy.
Chhath Puja: A Festival Dedicated to the Sun God
Chhath Puja is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and several other regions of India.
The festival is dedicated to Surya Dev, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees observe strict fasting rituals, maintain discipline and offer prayers to the setting and rising Sun.
Unlike many other festivals, Chhath is traditionally celebrated with limited ritual materials and a strong emphasis on cleanliness, devotion and nature.
The festival has also become an important cultural celebration in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi and Pune, where large communities from eastern India reside.
What Happens Next?
With Sonu Sood confirming his participation, the Juhu Beach Chhath celebration is expected to attract considerable public attention on November 15.
The debate over beach celebrations has also highlighted the need to balance religious traditions with responsible management of public spaces. Cleanliness, safety, crowd management and environmental protection will remain important considerations for organisers and authorities.
For now, the actor's announcement has added a major celebrity presence to the upcoming celebration, while the political debate surrounding Chhath Puja in Mumbai continues.
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