Kharna, or Lohanda, is the second day of Chhath Puja. Devotees prepare an evening offering of rasiya kheer (jaggery rice pudding) and roti or puri. After offering this prasad to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, a strict 36-hour nirjala fast (no food or water) begins.
Meaning of Kharna
- Purity & Discipline: Devotees reinforce self-control before the long fast.
- Gratitude: The first complete offering of the festival to the Sun God.
- Sharing Joy: Prasad is distributed to family and neighbors for blessings.
Puja Items You Need
- Clay or steel pot, clean ladle & plates
- Rice, Jaggery (Gur), Ghee, milk and cardamom
- Whole wheat flour for roti/puri
- Diya set and cotton wicks, incense sticks
- Seasonal fruits, tulsi, and a clean cloth for the altar
How to Perform Kharna Puja
- After bath and cleaning the kitchen, cook rasiya kheer and roti/puri without tasting.
- Light a diya lamp, offer incense, and pray to Surya Dev & Chhathi Maiya.
- Serve the prasad on a steel plate (thali) and offer with devotion.
- After the offering, share the prasad with family and neighbors before starting the fast.
Simple Rasiya Kheer Recipe
- ½ cup rice
- 4 cups milk (or 3 cups water + 1 cup milk)
- ⅓ cup jaggery
- 1–2 tsp ghee, cardamom, and optional nuts
- Boil rice in milk till soft and creamy.
- Add ghee and melted jaggery, stirring well on low heat.
- Flavour with cardamom and serve as prasad after offering.
🌞 Spiritual Significance
Kharna symbolizes the transition from material to spiritual discipline. After sharing the sweet kheer and roti, devotees embrace a journey of complete detachment and faith. The night is spent in devotional songs and prayers, awaiting the setting Sun arghya the next day.
Kharna / Lohanda
Rasiya Kheer & Roti
36-Hour Fast Begins
