The second day of Chhath Puja, known as Kharna or Lohanda, holds a significant place in the four-day festival, as it marks the beginning of a strict fasting period that devotees undertake with profound dedication. Observed with great devotion in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and his sister, Chhathi Maiya, who are believed to bestow health, prosperity, and happiness upon devotees. Each day of Chhath Puja has its distinct rituals and meaning, and the second day is a time for inner cleansing and preparation, setting the spiritual tone for the days of worship that follow. This essay explores the importance of Kharna, its rituals, and the spirit of self-discipline that makes the second day unique in the journey of Chhath Puja.

The Significance of Kharna: Beginning of the Fast

Kharna is considered one of the most important days of Chhath Puja as it marks the beginning of a rigorous fast that the devotees will maintain for the next 36 hours. The day is devoted to self-discipline, simplicity, and complete dedication to the divine. Fasting during Chhath Puja is not merely abstaining from food but an expression of purity, surrender, and self-restraint. The purpose is to purify the body and soul, allowing devotees to connect more deeply with Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.

The word "Kharna" is often associated with "purification" and “abstinence.” It signifies the devotees’ willingness to set aside material comforts and worldly desires to achieve spiritual focus. Observing Kharna is seen as an offering of one’s body, mind, and soul to the Sun God and an attempt to cleanse oneself of negative influences. Through this dedication, devotees believe they can gain the divine blessings of health, prosperity, and well-being for themselves and their families.

Breaking the First Fast: Preparing the Prasad

On the morning of Kharna, devotees begin with personal and environmental cleansing. They clean their homes and prepare the space where they will perform the evening rituals. Special attention is given to cleanliness in the kitchen and the area where the prasad (sacred offering) will be prepared. This prasad will be offered to the deity and later consumed by the devotees as the only meal before they begin the 36-hour fast.

The prasad prepared on this day is a simple yet sacred meal that holds deep symbolic significance. Traditionally, the offerings include kheer (a rice pudding made with jaggery and milk), roti (a type of Indian bread), and fruits, which are prepared with utmost cleanliness and dedication. The use of jaggery instead of sugar symbolizes simplicity and purity, while the absence of garlic, onion, and spices in the preparation is intended to maintain the sattvic (pure) nature of the food, aligning with the ideals of Chhath Puja.

The process of preparing the prasad on Kharna is more than just cooking; it is an act of devotion. Devotees often prepare the food in new or specially cleaned vessels to ensure purity, and the kitchen is treated as a sanctified space. Some families prepare prasad on a wood-fired stove or clay stove, reinforcing the humble, traditional, and sacred elements of the ritual. This prasad is first offered to the Sun God, and only after this offering do the devotees consume it, marking the end of the first fasting period.

Evening Ritual: Offering the Prasad to the Sun God

In the evening of the second day, once the prasad is prepared, devotees arrange a small ritual to offer it to Surya Dev. This ritual is often performed with family members, as Chhath Puja is very much a community and family-centered festival. The offerings are made with deep reverence, with chants and prayers to the Sun God, expressing gratitude and seeking blessings for good health, prosperity, and the well-being of the family.

After the prasad is offered to Surya Dev, the devotees consume it as the only meal of the day. This meal, eaten with the family, is a moment of togetherness and devotion. It is said that by eating the prasad, devotees take in the blessings of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, strengthening their spirits and preparing them for the intense fasting period that begins immediately after. The simple meal represents the spirit of humility and gratitude that lies at the heart of Chhath Puja.

Beginning of the 36-Hour Nirjala Fast

The most notable aspect of Kharna is the initiation of a 36-hour fast that begins after the prasad is consumed. During this period, devotees abstain from both food and water, dedicating themselves fully to the worship of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. This fast, known as the Nirjala Vrat (fasting without water), is a testament to the dedication, discipline, and willpower of the devotees.

The Nirjala Vrat is one of the most rigorous fasts observed in Hindu tradition, and it requires a high level of mental and physical endurance. For many devotees, this fast is not just a religious obligation but a deeply personal and spiritual experience. It is believed that those who observe the fast with true devotion are blessed by Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya with inner strength and peace. The fasting period is a time for introspection, self-purification, and spiritual connection, as devotees refrain from all distractions and focus solely on worship and devotion.

The Spirit of Discipline and Devotion

Kharna embodies the spirit of discipline and devotion that characterizes Chhath Puja. Observing this fast is an act of surrender to the divine, and the devotees’ endurance reflects their faith in the blessings of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. Chhath Puja demands discipline in every aspect—from cleanliness and purity in food preparation to strict fasting and abstinence. This level of dedication creates a powerful spiritual environment, allowing devotees to transcend their physical needs and focus solely on their spiritual journey.

The devotion displayed during Kharna extends beyond personal rituals and is visible in the sense of community that the festival fosters. Many families gather together for the prasad, sharing their devotion and experiences with each other. The collective observance of Kharna strengthens bonds between family members, neighbors, and the community as a whole. In many neighborhoods, people come together to help each other prepare for the festival, creating a spirit of unity and collective worship.

Conclusion

The second day of Chhath Puja, Kharna, is a profound and spiritually significant day that prepares devotees for the challenging and rewarding fast to come. Through the acts of cleanliness, prasad preparation, and the beginning of the Nirjala Vrat, Kharna emphasizes the core values of Chhath Puja: purity, discipline, and surrender. The day serves as a reminder of the strength of human will and the depth of devotion that can be achieved through faith and commitment.

The rituals and fasting of Kharna reflect the unique relationship between the devotees and the Sun God, celebrating the divine energy that sustains life on earth. Through their devotion, devotees seek the blessings of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, believing that their self-sacrifice will bring health, prosperity, and happiness to their families. The journey of Kharna, from preparing the prasad to observing the Nirjala Vrat, is not merely a set of rituals but a spiritual transformation that enhances the devotees’ connection to the divine and strengthens their inner resolve.

Chhath Puja, with its emphasis on self-discipline and reverence for nature, remains a celebration of life, energy, and community. Kharna, as the second day of this festival, embodies the ideals of devotion and humility, setting the stage for the days of intense worship that follow. Through Kharna, devotees embark on a journey of self-purification and spiritual awakening, reinforcing the enduring faith and collective spirit that make Chhath Puja a unique and cherished festival.