The second day of Chhath Puja begins with Kharna. Each of the four days of Chhath has its own significance. Kharna will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 6. Kharna holds special importance during this grand festival, as a special offering is prepared on this day.

What is Kharna?Kharna falls on the second day of Chhath Puja, which is November 6, Wednesday. On this day, a nearly 36-hour long Nirjala (waterless) fast begins in the evening. On this day, offerings of roti (wheat chapatti), jaggery rice pudding (gud ki kheer or rasiya), and fruits are made. Only those who observe the fast prepare the special offering, which is then offered to the deities in the evening before it can be consumed. The fast initiated with Kharna concludes with the offering (Arghya) on the day of Saptami. Rules and Rituals for Kharna

• On this day, jaggery rice pudding is prepared on a clay stove. A brass vessel is used for this purpose. The pudding is made with great purity and sanctity, hence the use of a clay stove. Besides pudding, other sweets made from jaggery, such as thekua and laddus, are also prepared.

• This special pudding is prepared exclusively by the fasting person. After observing the fast throughout the day, the person consumes the jaggery pudding in the evening. The fasting individual eats the pudding alone in a closed room. Afterward, the entire family takes blessings from the fasting person, and married women apply sindoor (vermilion) on the fasting women's foreheads.

• In the evening, portions of the pudding are placed on a banana leaf. Portions are allocated for different deities, including Chhath Maiya and Surya Dev (the Sun God). Along with this, bananas, milk, and other dishes are also placed on the leaf. After offering these to Chhathi Maiya with reverence, the fasting women consume the pudding in a closed room.

• The fasting person allocates portions of pudding for various deities, including Chhath Maiya and Surya Dev, on a banana leaf in the evening. Other items like bananas, milk, and other dishes are also placed on top. This is then distributed as prasad (offering) among all family members.

• After the fasting person offers the jaggery pudding, all family members take blessings from them. This marks the beginning of the main fast, lasting approximately 36 hours, during which no food or water is consumed until the morning offering.