Patna: The second day of Chhath Mahaparva, one of the most significant festivals in Bihar, began on Sunday with Kharna Puja, marking the start of a 36-hour Nirjala fast. Devotees observed the day-long fast before offering Prasad, traditionally prepared on a clay stove using mango wood.
According to astrologers, the timing of the Kharna Puja on Kartik Shukla Panchami, coinciding with Ravi Yoga and Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga in the Jyeshtha and Moola Nakshatras, is considered highly auspicious. The ceremony will be observed between 5:35 pm and 8:22 pm.
During Kharna, devotees worship Lord Bhaskar and Chhathi Maiya before partaking of the Prasad, which typically includes kheer and roti, prepared in the evening. “Kharna Prasad serves as a final sattvik meal, preparing devotees physically and mentally for the rigorous 36-hour fast that follows,” said an astrologer.
He added that consuming the Prasad, including raw sugarcane juice and jaggery, is believed to relieve ailments such as skin diseases, eye pain, and body blemishes, while enhancing health, brilliance, and intellectual capacity.
The third day of the festival will see devotees offering Arghya (prayers) to the setting sun, while local markets remain crowded with Chhath-related shopping.
