Chhath Puja: Devotees Observe Kharna Ritual On Second Day Of Four-Day Festival

Chhath Puja: Devotees Observe Kharna Ritual On Second Day Of Four-Day Festival

New Delhi, Nov 14: Devotees across Bihar and several other parts of the country are observing the second day of the four-day Chhath Puja festival on Saturday, marked by the sacred ‘Kharna’ ritual, a day of fasting, prayer and preparation for the main Sun worship ceremonies.

 Representational Image 

The festival began on Friday with ‘Nahay-Khay’, the traditional first-day ritual during which devotees take a holy bath, prepare a simple meal and begin a period of spiritual discipline and devotion.

Kharna Marks Beginning Of Rigorous Fasting

On the occasion of Kharna, devotees, known as ‘vratis’, observe a day-long fast and perform special prayers in the evening after taking a bath.

A traditional offering is prepared, usually comprising jaggery-based kheer, roti and other prasad. After offering the food to the deity, devotees break their fast by consuming the prasad and distributing it among family members and others.

The Kharna ritual is followed by a rigorous 36-hour ‘nirjala’ fast, during which devotees abstain from both food and water. The fast continues through the main Chhath rituals dedicated to offering prayers to the setting and rising Sun.

Nahay-Khay Begins Period Of Purity And Devotion

The first day of Chhath Puja, Nahay-Khay, marks the beginning of the festival’s observances, with special emphasis on cleanliness, simplicity and ritual purity.

Devotees take a ceremonial bath, wear clean clothes and, in many cases, visit the Ganga and other sacred rivers. The ritual bath is believed to purify the body and mind before the commencement of the demanding fasting rituals.

The traditional Nahay-Khay meal consists of arwa rice, chana dal and kaddu (pumpkin). Food is prepared with great care, as maintaining cleanliness and purity in the cooking process is considered an essential part of the festival.

Families Come Together For Preparations

Chhath Puja is also known for its strong community spirit and collective participation. From the first day, traditional folk songs associated with the festival fill homes and neighbourhoods as families come together to prepare for the rituals.

Markets in towns and villages witness increased activity, with devotees purchasing fruits, vegetables, bamboo winnowing baskets known as ‘soop’, ‘daura’ and other ceremonial items required for the offerings.

Rooted in folk traditions and deep religious faith, Chhath Puja is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. The festival highlights values of discipline, devotion, cleanliness and family and community bonding.