Chhath Mahaparva: Devotees observe day-long fast as Kharna is celebrated today

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Kharna, the second day of the four-day Chhath Puja festival, will be observed on Saturday. Devotees will observe a day-long fast and perform evening prayers before consuming the traditional prasad.

The prasad generally includes jaggery kheer, roti and other offerings. After offering it to the deity, devotees consume the food and share it with family members. This ritual is followed by a strict 36-hour waterless fast, which continues through the main prayers dedicated to the setting and rising Sun.

The festival began on Friday with Nahay-Khaay, during which devotees take a holy bath, wear clean clothes and prepare traditional food comprising rice, gram lentils and pumpkin. Chhath Puja also brings families and communities together as they arrange fruits, bamboo baskets and other ritual materials while traditional folk songs fill homes with a festive atmosphere.