The spirit of Chhath—a grand festival of public faith—is spreading across the country. On Saturday, November 14, the second day of this four-day festival, devotees will observe the ritual of ‘Kharna’. Within the Chhath festival, which begins with ‘Nahay-Khay’, the ‘Kharna’ ritual holds special religious and spiritual significance.
On this day, after fasting throughout the day, devotees prepare an offering (prasad) consisting of gur ki kheer (jaggery-based rice pudding) and roti (flatbread), following traditional customs. After offering this to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, the devotees partake of the prasad. This marks the beginning of a rigorous, approximately 36-hour nirjala (waterless) fast, during which the devotees abstain from both food and water while worshipping the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.
The Rigorous Nirjala (Waterless) Observance Begins with ‘Kharna’
‘Kharna’, observed on the second day of the Chhath festival, holds immense importance for those observing the fast. On this day, devotees bathe in the morning, don clean attire, and observe a fast for the entire day. After spending the day in contemplation of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, preparations for the evening worship begin.
Following sunset, the devotees bathe, cleanse the place of worship, and prepare the traditional prasad. Strict adherence to rules of purity and sanctity is maintained throughout the process—from the preparation of the prasad to the conclusion of the worship.
Offering of Gur ki Kheer and Roti
The most distinctive feature of ‘Kharna’ is its traditional prasad. On this day, the offerings primarily consist of gur ki kheer and roti made from wheat flour. In many families, there is also a tradition of preparing the kheer (using rice) on an earthen stove, fueled by mango wood. Great care is taken to ensure absolute purity while preparing the prasad; ingredients such as garlic and onion are strictly excluded.
Clean utensils and pure, untainted ingredients are used for the preparation. Once the prasad is ready, the devotees worship the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, offer the food to them, and subsequently partake of the prasad themselves. Devotees to abstain from food and water for 36 hours
After consuming the Kharna prasad, devotees begin a rigorous nirjala (waterless) fast. During this period, they abstain from consuming any food or water for approximately 36 hours. This observance of the Chhath vrat (fast) is considered a symbol of devotion, resolve, self-restraint, and discipline. Throughout this time, the devotees meditate upon the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya with complete dedication.
The grand festival begins with Nahay-Khay
The first day of the grand Chhath festival, Friday, November 13, was marked by the Nahay-Khay ritual. On this day, devotees bathed, cleaned their homes and kitchens, and partook in a satvik (pure/simple) meal, thereby commencing the four-day festival. It is customary on Nahay-Khay to prepare a dish of pumpkin, chana dal (split Bengal gram), and arwa rice (sun-dried, unboiled rice). In many households, this meal is prepared on a traditional earthen stove.
Offering Arghya to the setting sun on November 15
On the third day of the festival, Sunday, November 15, the Sandhya Arghya (evening offering) ritual will take place. From the morning of this day, the devotees and their family members will be engaged in preparations for the worship. Traditional prasad—including thekua, rice-flour laddus, and other delicacies—will be prepared at home.
Additionally, items for the ritual—such as bananas, coconuts, sugarcane, and seasonal fruits—will be arranged in bamboo baskets (soop and daura). In the evening, the devotees, accompanied by their family members, will head to the Chhath ghats—the banks of rivers, ponds, or other water bodies—where they will stand in the water and offer arghya to the setting sun.
Conclusion with an offering to the rising sun on November 16
The fourth and final day of the Chhath festival will be observed on Monday, November 16. On this day, the devotees will arrive at the Chhath ghats before sunrise, carrying the necessary ritual offerings. As the first rays of the sun appear, they will offer arghya to the rising sun. This is known as ‘Usha Arghya’. Devotees stand in the water to worship the Sun God, praying for the well-being of their families, the health and longevity of their children, and for overall happiness and prosperity.
The Cultural Heritage of Chhath Reflected in Folk Songs
The grand festival of Chhath is also defined by its traditional folk songs. From the villages of Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh to the major metropolitan cities across the country, the echoes of Chhath songs can be heard. These songs celebrate the glory of the Sun God, the worship of Chhathi Maiya, a mother’s deep affection for her children, and prayers for the family’s well-being.
Through these folk songs, this tradition has been passed down from one generation to the next. Folk singers like Sharda Sinha have brought widespread recognition to Chhath songs; even today, her renditions are especially cherished in homes and at the ghats (worship sites) during the festival.
A Message of Social Unity and Environmental Conservation
Beyond its religious significance, the Chhath festival serves as a symbol of social harmony and collective cooperation. During this festival, people come together to worship, transcending barriers of caste, class, and economic status. Local committees, social organisations, and volunteer groups collaborate to clean and decorate the ghats, arrange lighting, and ensure the comfort of the devotees.
By worshipping the Sun and water, the festival also conveys a message of gratitude toward nature. Since the Sun and water are the fundamental pillars of life, Chhath Puja offers an opportunity to recognise the importance of natural resources and fosters awareness regarding their conservation. Devotees are encouraged to ensure that no plastic or other waste is left behind in the water bodies after the rituals, and to maintain the cleanliness of the ghats.
