Chhath Puja is one of the most revered festivals in India, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. This multi-day festival is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, Surya, and his consort, Usha. It involves fasting, rituals, and offerings that express gratitude towards nature, the Sun, and the elements. The second day of Chhath Puja is especially significant because of the ritual known as Kharna.
What is Kharna?
Kharna marks the end of a 36-hour long fast observed by devotees, particularly women, in preparation for the main rituals of Chhath Puja. It typically falls on the fourth day of the festival, after the first day, which is dedicated to fasting and purification. On Kharna, the devotees break their fast after sunset with a meal that consists of thekua (a traditional sweet made of wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee), rice kheer, and fruits. The offerings are prepared with great devotion and are shared with family and friends.
Rituals of Kharna
On the evening of Kharna, devotees gather near their homes or in temples. A sacred Havan (fire ritual) is conducted, and offerings are made to the Sun God, thanking him for the blessings of health and prosperity. The meal served during Kharna symbolizes the beginning of the final phase of the fast, which continues for another day until the main offerings are made to the Sun.
After the Kharna meal, devotees enter the final phase of fasting, where they prepare for the Nahay Khay (the main day of offering) by completing the purification process. Women typically wear new clothes, and the rituals are performed in a very structured and disciplined manner.
Significance of Kharna
Kharna holds immense spiritual and cultural significance. It’s not only a moment of breaking the fast but also a time for expressing gratitude to the Sun, whose rays are believed to be a source of life, vitality, and health. The offerings of Kharna, especially the thekua, which is prepared with natural ingredients, are said to signify the importance of purity, hard work, and gratitude.
Kharna also symbolizes the triumph of devotion and discipline, as it marks the culmination of an intense period of fasting and rituals. It unites families and communities, strengthening the bonds of unity and collective faith.
Kharna in Chhath Puja is a beautiful expression of devotion, gratitude, and community spirit. It is a significant part of the Chhath Puja rituals, leading devotees into the final day of worship, which culminates in offering prayers to the Sun God for blessings of prosperity, health, and longevity.
