Kharna observed with devotion on second day of Chhath festival

Dhangadhi: The second day of the four-day Chhath festival, known as Kharna, is being observed today with great devotion by worshippers of Surya Bhagwan and Dinanath. In the evening, devotees prepare and consume Kheer—a sweet dish made of rice, sugar, and milk—as Prasad.

Chhath devotees, who fast throughout the day, prepare Kheer with dedication and offer it to themselves and their family members. The festival, celebrated for the well-being, happiness, and prosperity of children and families, formally began on Saturday with devotees bathing and consuming Arba Arbain and Chokho food, following an earlier meal of fish and millet.

The main day of Chhath falls on Monday, when worship materials are taken to the Jalasay Ghat and offerings are made to the setting and rising sun. The four-day festival includes: the first day of bathing and consuming Chokho and Arba Arbain, the second day of Kharna with Kheer as Prasad, the third day of offering Argha to the setting sun, and the fourth day of offering Argha to the rising sun in the morning.

The main ritual day, offering Argha to the setting sun, is called Saujhakarak, while the final day, offering Argha to the rising sun, is called Paran. Devotees offer various items including bamboo dhaki, dagri, clay kosiya kurbar, and materials of Hatilagayat. Fruits, sweets, thakuwa, bhusuwa, banana, khaja, sugarcane, turmeric, and ginger are also offered as Prasad to the Sun God, Dinanath.

During Argha, devotees observe a 48-hour fast without water. Since all dishes for offering to the Sun God must be prepared with strict discipline and devotion, Chhath is regarded as a festival of integrity, dedication, and spiritual rigor.