Chhath Puja day 2: Celebrating Kharna with devotion and kheer

As the festival of Chhath Puja unfolds, Day 2, known as Kharna or Lohanda, deepens the devotional journey with a day-long fast and a grand meal at sunset. Falling on November 6 this year, Kharna is a time of purification, preparation, and a wholesome serving of the sweet, cherished dessert Rasiya kheer. This day brings devotees, or *vratis* closer to the heart of Chhath as they observe nirjala fasting, where no food or water is consumed from sunrise until sunset.

What happens on Kharna?

Kharna starts bright and early for the devoted women and men observing the fast. After a morning bath, they begin preparations by gathering ritual items like fruits, bamboo *soop* baskets, diyas, and offerings, including sugarcane, coconuts, and other fruits like singhara (water chestnuts) and bananas. The day holds a serene yet anticipatory atmosphere, as vratis cleanse their surroundings and cook for the evening meal, paying homage to Chhathi Maiya and the Sun God.

The sunset feast: Rasiya kheer

Once the sun sets, the time comes to break the fast with the prasad of Rasiya Kheer, a comforting dessert of rice, jaggery, and ghee, and no milk. Cooked without traditional sugar, the jaggery-laden kheer has a subtle sweetness that’s both earthy and festive. Accompanied by soft rotis or crispy puris, this simple yet soulful meal is enjoyed first by the vratis, then shared with family members, adding to the evening’s warmth and sense of togetherness.

Why Kharna is special for vratis

Kharna is a profound step into the spiritual heart of Chhath Puja, as it involves not only fasting but also personal discipline and focus on family and tradition. Many describe it as a “cleansing of the soul,” and for vratis, this day often feels deeply emotional. This sunset meal is the final sustenance before vratis embark on a challenging 36-hour fast that lasts until the morning Arghya on the fourth day.

More than just a ritual

The charm of Kharna isn’t just in the fasting or the special kheer; it’s in the connection it brings to heritage and to loved ones. For many, especially those celebrating in cities, Kharna is a chance to return to roots, to feel the warmth of tradition, and to bridge the gap between old and new. So, whether you’re celebrating Kharna in a Bihar village or replicating the rituals from an urban balcony, this day’s spirit is truly heartwarming and uniting.