With a daylong fast and a lavish supper at sunset, Day 2, also known as Kharna or Lohanda, deepens the devotional journey as the Chhath Puja celebration progresses. Kharna, which falls on November 6 this year, is a time for preparation, cleansing, and a hearty portion of the beloved, sweet dessert Rasiya kheer. Observing nirjala fasting, which involves abstaining from food and liquids from dawn until sunset, puts devotees, or vratis, closer to the heart of Chhath on this day.
What takes place on Kharna?
For the devout men and women keeping the fast, Kharna begins bright and early. Following a morning bath, people start getting ready by gathering offerings, bamboo soop baskets, sugarcane, coconuts, and other fruits like bananas and singhara (water chestnuts), as well as other ritual things like fruits and diyas. The day is calm but full with anticipation as the Vratis honor Chhathi Maiya and the Sun God by cleaning their surrounds and preparing the evening feast.
Rasiya kheer, the feast at sunset
When the sun sets, it’s time to break the fast with Rasiya Kheer, a hearty dessert made with rice, ghee, and jaggery without any milk. The jaggery-filled kheer, which is cooked without conventional sugar, has a delicate sweetness that is both celebratory and earthy. This straightforward yet hearty lunch, which is served with crispy puris or soft rotis, is first had by the vratis and then shared with family members, enhancing the coziness and sense of community of the evening.
Why Vratis find Kharna unique
Kharna, which includes fasting as well as self-discipline and an emphasis on family and tradition, is a significant step into the spiritual core of Chhath Puja. For Vratis, this day frequently feels extremely emotional, and many refer to it as a “cleansing of the soul.” Before the Vratis begin a difficult 36-hour fast that lasts until the morning of the fourth day, Arghya, this sunset feast serves as their last meal.
Not merely a custom
Kharna’s allure lies not just in the unique kheer or the fasting, but also in the bond it creates with family and friends. Many people see Kharna as an opportunity to connect with their roots, experience the warmth of tradition, and close the gap between the old and the new, especially for those who celebrate in urban areas. Therefore, the spirit of Kharna is incredibly warm and unifying, whether you’re enjoying it in a Bihar hamlet or reenacting the customs from an urban balcony.
What to do on Kharna
