Chhath Puja 2023: Exploring Day 2 – Kharna or Lohanda Rituals
The auspicious Chhath Puja has commenced, marking the beginning of a four-day celebration with the traditional Nahay Khay ritual. Devotees observing this fast kick off the festivities by taking a holy dip in water as a prelude to the upcoming rituals. Today, we delve into Day 2 of Chhath Puja, known as Kharna or Lohanda, where devotees undertake a day-long fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from both food and water.
Kharna involves the preparation of a special prasad called Rasiya Kheer, made with arwa chawal, jaggery (gud), and ghee. This delectable offering is dedicated to Chhathi Maiyya and the Sun God. The fast is broken after sunset, as devotees partake in this sacred dessert, sharing it with their family members.
Chhath Puja, falling on the sixth day of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik, holds significant importance, being celebrated approximately six days after Diwali. This vibrant festival is marked by the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiyya, bringing joy and fervor to regions such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Chhathi Maiyya, revered as the daughter of Lord Brahma and the sister of Lord Surya, is believed to bestow good health, success, and long life upon the children of those observing the fast. This year, Chhath Puja is observed from November 17th to 20th.
Understanding Chhath Puja Kharna or Lohanda
Kharna or Lohanda, the second day of the Chhath Puja festival, involves devotees having a single meal of Rasiya Kheer, roti, or puri after a day of nirjala fasting, post-sunset. Women observing the fast begin their day early, taking a bath, and making preparations for the ensuing days of the festival. This includes gathering fruits like sugarcane, daab nimbu, singhara, and others, placing them in bamboo baskets and offered to Chhathi Maiyya and the Sun God.
In the evening, after the puja, devotees break their fast with Rasiya Kheer and roti, which serves as their last meal before embarking on a 36-hour fasting period. The necessary items for Chhath Puja Kharna, known as Kharna Samagri, include bamboo baskets, incense sticks, bamboo soop, suthni, whole grain wheat, jaggery, deepak, ghee, honey, coconut, betel leaves, rice, fruits like banana and pear, vermillion, raw turmeric, and sweets.
Shubh Muhurat for Chhath Puja Kharna
- Sunrise at 6:46 am
- Sunset at 5:26 pm
On Kharna, the fast can be concluded after sunset, paving the way for the final two days of Chhath Puja—Sandhya Ghat (November 19) and Usha Ghat (November 20). During these days, devotees observe a rigorous 36-hour fasting period, going without food and water. The rituals include offering arghya to the setting sun and the rising sun. Following the early morning arghya, Chhath Puja reaches its culmination.
As Lohanda signifies, the fasting duration lasts from 8 to 12 hours, adding a profound spiritual dimension to this unique and culturally rich celebration.
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