The sacred festival of Chhath Puja brings families and communities together with a deep sense of devotion, beginning this year on November 7, 2024. Among its four auspicious days, Kharna, or the second day, holds a special place, falling on November 6, 2024, this year. This day marks the transition from fasting to prayers, combining tradition with a strong personal commitment to wellness and discipline.
Strength in Sweetness
Kharna translates to “sweetened rice.” It marks the beginning of the strictest part of the Chhath Puja observance. Devotees, particularly women, observe a “nirjala vrat” (a complete fast without food or water) throughout the day.
They break the fast only after sunset, with a simple, fulfilling meal of sweetened rice pudding (kheer) made from jaggery, bananas, and rice. This meal, lovingly prepared without salt or spices, symbolizes the purity and simplicity that Chhath Puja embraces.
The Story Behind the Tradition
Kharna is deeply rooted in the story of Lord Surya, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya (Mother Goddess), representing nourishment, light, and vitality. According to tradition, the Chhath Vrati (devotees) offer their prayers to seek blessings for health, happiness, and harmony in the family. This reverence is a humble acknowledgment of the Sun’s power, nurturing all life.
A Story of Devotion
The story of Kharna is steeped in love and sacrifice. It narrates the tale of Draupadi, wife of the Pandavas in the epic Mahabharata. Facing a seemingly impossible situation, Draupadi observed a strict fast and offered sweet rice pudding (kheer) to the Sun God, seeking his blessings.
The Rituals and Devotion
On Kharna, devotees clean their homes and prepare their hearts for a deeper connection with the divine. They maintain silence and refrain from all distractions, focusing entirely on their devotion. This quiet period is followed by offering the kheer to family members and neighbors, exemplifying community ties and shared blessings.
Related Rituals
On the evening of Kharna, devotees prepare a special “prasad” (an offering to the Gods) of kheer, “thekua” (sweet fried flatbread), chana, and puri. The “prasad” is then offered to the setting sun, marking the breaking of the fast. This sacred meal is believed to bring strength and sustenance for the remaining fast days.
Here’s how you can connect with the spirit of Kharna this year:
- Prepare a simple offering: Whip up a batch of kheer as a sweet gesture of appreciation for the Sun God’s blessings.
- Spread the spirit: Send a heartfelt message to loved ones observing Chhath Puja, wishing them strength and successful completion of the fast.
Let’s take a moment to connect with this rich tradition of Kharna and experience a sense of calm and gratitude that stays with you.
Feature Image Credit: Photo by Dibakar Roy on Unsplash. (free for commercial use)