A Journey of Devotion, Purity, and Cosmic Connection
As the festive season sweeps across India, the sacred four-day Chhath Puja stands out as a profound celebration of nature and devotion. Central to this ancient Vedic festival is Kharna, the second day, which in 2025 falls on October 26. Known also as Lohanda or Rasiaav-roti, Kharna is a pivotal moment of spiritual purification, intense fasting, and preparation for the rigorous rituals dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Dive with us into the intricate Kharna rituals that embody self-control, gratitude, and a deep connection to cosmic energy, offering a unique glimpse into one of the most revered Hindu festivals.
What is Kharna? The Spiritual Gateway of Chhath Puja
Kharna serves as the spiritual gateway on the second day of the revered Chhath Puja festival. Following ‘Nahay Khay’ (the first day of ritual bathing and one meal), Kharna sets the stage for the intense devotion that culminates in the worship of the setting and rising sun. Celebrated with immense fervor, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, this day is all about spiritual and physical cleansing, embracing self-discipline, and expressing heartfelt gratitude. It’s an initiation, aligning devotees with nature’s vital forces and preparing them for the profound 36-hour Nirjala Vrat that lies ahead.
The Rigorous Fast: Embracing the Nirjala Vrat
The essence of Kharna rituals begins with a stringent Nirjala Vrat (waterless fast). From the moment of sunrise on October 26, 2025 (approximately 6:12 AM), devotees abstain completely from both food and even a single drop of water until sunset (around 5:55 PM). This day-long, arduous fasting is not merely a physical challenge; it’s a powerful act of spiritual cleansing, a purification of the body and soul. It symbolizes a deep commitment to shed worldly desires, foster self-control, and surrender fully to divine will, seeking blessings from Surya Dev for health, life, and prosperity.
Preparation and Purity: Setting the Sacred Stage
Beyond the individual fast, Kharna rituals demand meticulous preparation. The day often commences with devotees undertaking a ritual bath, symbolizing external purification, often in holy rivers or clean water sources. Simultaneously, homes are thoroughly cleaned and sacred spaces are meticulously prepared for the evening puja. This emphasis on cleanliness extends to the devotee’s attire; many will take another bath in the evening and adorn new or freshly laundered clothes, with some women traditionally wearing a dhoti-like saree during this significant phase of Chhath Puja.
The Evening Puja: Offerings to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya
As the sun begins its descent on October 26, 2025, families gather, often at riverbanks, ponds, or within their courtyards, to perform the evening puja. This sacred assembly is a moment of profound reverence, where devotees offer jaggery water, fragrant incense, and lit lamps to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Usha, the dawn goddess. Heartfelt prayers are directed towards Chhathi Maiya, the revered sister of Surya, seeking her blessings for fertility, prosperity, and the protection of children. This collective act of devotion creates an atmosphere charged with spiritual energy and community bonding.
Kharna Prasad: A Meal of Purity and Devotion
A cornerstone of Kharna rituals is the preparation of the special ‘Kharna Prasad’ – a satvik meal embodying purity and devotion. This sacred food is traditionally cooked in new utensils, often on a mud or clay stove, using mango wood for fire, adhering to strict sanctity. The preparation meticulously avoids salt, onions, garlic, or any strong spices, focusing purely on natural ingredients. The key items include:
- Rasiyaav (Jaggery Kheer): A sweet, creamy rice pudding made with jaggery (gur) and milk, often enhanced with pure ghee. It symbolizes purity, prosperity, and the sweet essence of devotion.
- Roti: Flatbreads made from whole wheat flour, typically without salt or oil, representing sustenance and humble effort.
- Fruits: Seasonal offerings such as bananas, guavas, and apples, adding natural sweetness and freshness.
Other traditional sweets like laddoos or coconut-based items may also be prepared, all contributing to this uniquely pure offering for Chhath Puja.
Breaking the Fast and Community Sharing
Once the evening puja is complete and the Kharna Prasad has been reverently offered to Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev, the fasting devotee (Vrati) breaks their day-long Nirjala Vrat by consuming this sacred meal. This singular meal is profoundly significant, as it marks their last intake of food and water before commencing an even more arduous 36-hour waterless fast. This intense period of fasting will continue without interruption until the final ‘Usha Arghya’ (morning offering) on the fourth and concluding day of Chhath Puja. Following the Vrati’s consumption, the blessed Kharna Prasad is lovingly distributed among family, friends, and neighbors, reinforcing community bonds and spreading peace and happiness. It’s believed that partaking in this prasad removes sorrows and brings profound well-being.
The Profound Significance of Kharna
The name ‘Kharna’ itself resonates with ‘purification’ and ‘abstinence,’ encapsulating the profound spiritual journey of this day. It represents a crucial stage of spiritual growth and discipline, enabling devotees to cleanse their minds and bodies, aligning intimately with solar energy. Observing Kharna rituals is believed to bestow fertility, prosperity, and the divine protection of children, making it a powerful act of faith for families seeking blessings. It signifies a complete surrender to divine will, an offering of one’s body, mind, and soul to Surya Dev, aiming to cleanse negative influences and gain divine grace for health, prosperity, and overall well-being. This profound connection to cosmic power and nature’s vital forces makes Kharna a truly transformative experience within the larger Chhath Puja celebrations.
Kharna 2025: Key Dates and Timings for Devotion
For those observing, Kharna in 2025 falls on Sunday, October 26th. Understanding the timings is crucial for adhering to the Nirjala Vrat. While specific timings can vary slightly by geographical location, the approximate sunrise on October 26 is around 6:12 AM, and the sunset is expected to be approximately 5:55 PM. Devotees will undertake their day-long waterless fast from sunrise and break it only after the evening puja and the consumption of the sacred Kharna Prasad. Always check local timings for precise adherence to these revered Chhath Puja traditions.
Conclusion
Kharna on October 26, 2025, is far more than just the second day of Chhath Puja; it’s a profound spiritual milestone. Through its rigorous Nirjala Vrat, meticulous preparations, and the sacred Kharna Prasad, devotees embark on a journey of purification, self-control, and deep gratitude to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. This day, often known as Lohanda or Rasiaav-roti, encapsulates the core values of this ancient festival: aligning with nature, seeking cosmic blessings for prosperity and well-being, and strengthening community bonds. As the sun sets on Kharna, it heralds the onset of an even more intense devotion, solidifying the spiritual resolve that defines the incredible Chhath Puja.
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