Introduction
Chhath Puja is a special festival for Hindus, especially in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and even parts of Nepal. During this festival, people come together to worship the Sun God (Surya) and the goddess known as Chhathi Maiya. They offer prayers and show gratitude for health, happiness, and prosperity.
One of the most important days of this celebration is called Kharna. It’s the second day of the four-day festival, and it involves a fast and some special rituals. Kharna is about preparing oneself physically and spiritually for the rest of Chhath Puja. On this day, people break their fast in the evening with a simple but blessed meal, which is shared with family and friends. This day is all about purity, self-control, and connecting with nature and the divine.
What is Kharna in Chhath Puja?
Kharna is the second day of Chhath Puja, and it’s very meaningful. It’s a day of cleansing and devotion. On this day, devotees first break their fast in the evening, enjoying a meal of simple prasad (food offerings), which often includes kheer (a type of rice pudding), rice, and chapati. After this meal, they begin a strict fast that lasts until the next evening, without any food or water.
This prasad is prepared with love and simplicity, without onion or garlic, to keep it pure and holy. For those who observe Chhath, Kharna is a time to come together with family, pray to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, and share blessings and good wishes.
The Rituals of Kharna in Chhath Puja 2024
Preparing for Kharna Puja
On the day of Kharna, people clean their homes thoroughly to create a pure environment. In many households, the kitchen area is given extra attention to ensure cleanliness. For cooking prasad, traditional utensils like clay or brass pots are often used to keep the ritual as authentic as possible.
Family members join in the preparations, making it a group effort and a chance to bond. This day isn’t just about fasting—it’s about creating a peaceful, clean space and sharing love and unity with family.
The Evening Ritual of Kharna
As evening approaches, families set up a small, simple altar at home. This is where they place the Kharna prasad to offer it to the Sun God. The prasad usually includes kheer made with jaggery (a type of unrefined sugar), rice, and milk. This special kheer is cooked with great care, often over a wood fire, which adds a rustic flavor.
Once the prasad is ready, it’s placed on the altar with other offerings, like fruits and flowers. People light lamps or incense sticks and say prayers, asking for blessings from the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. After the prayers, the prasad is shared with family and sometimes even with neighbors, creating a feeling of togetherness.
Significance of Kharna in Chhath Puja
Kharna is more than just a day of rituals—it’s a time for spiritual cleansing and reflection. By fasting and following the rituals, devotees clear their minds of negative thoughts and connect more deeply with their faith. It’s a way of thanking the Sun for giving life to all beings on Earth and asking for health, happiness, and prosperity.
The use of simple, natural ingredients like jaggery and rice in the prasad reminds people to respect nature and live in harmony with it. These ingredients are symbols of the Earth’s abundance, and by offering them, devotees show gratitude for nature’s gifts.
How to Perform Kharna Puja: A Simple Guide
Start with Cleanliness: Before performing the Kharna puja, devotees clean their homes and especially the kitchen. A clean space symbolizes a pure heart and mind.
Prepare Kharna Prasad: For the prasad, simple ingredients like rice, jaggery, and milk are used to make kheer. Many families cook this over a traditional wood fire, which adds an earthy flavor. The kheer is usually served in small clay pots or brass bowls, keeping the ritual close to its roots.
Offer the Prasad and Pray: In the evening, the prasad is offered to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. Families gather around, say a short prayer, and ask for blessings. Devotees may sing traditional songs or chant mantras, inviting positive energy and blessings into their homes.
Share the Prasad with Loved Ones: After the prayer, the prasad is shared among family members, and sometimes with neighbors too. This sharing of prasad brings people together and reminds them of the importance of unity and gratitude.
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| Kharna Chhath Puja 2024: Rituals and Significance |
Kharna Prasad Recipe: Traditional Sweet Kheer
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice
- 1 liter milk
- 1 cup jaggery (can adjust to taste)
- Optional: dry fruits like cashews or raisins
Instructions:
- Wash the rice well and set it aside.
- In a large pot, bring the milk to a boil. Add the rice and let it cook on a low flame until it softens.
- Add the jaggery and stir well. Let the kheer thicken to your desired consistency.
- You can garnish it with dry fruits if you like, though many families keep it plain for simplicity.
Serve the kheer in clay or brass bowls to give it a traditional touch.
Conclusion
Kharna is a beautiful part of Chhath Puja that reminds us of the importance of simplicity, faith, and family. By observing this day with devotion, fasting, and sharing prasad, people renew their spiritual connection and feel a sense of inner peace. Kharna brings families and communities together in prayer, reinforcing bonds and spreading positivity. For those who celebrate Chhath, Kharna is more than a ritual—it’s a day to purify the heart, reconnect with nature, and embrace the blessings of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.
Wishing you all a peaceful and blessed Chhath Puja 2024!
