Fri Nov 08 02:05:00 UTC 2024: ## Chhath Puja 2024: Kharna Celebrated Today, Second Day of Four-Day Festival

**New Delhi, October 28, 2024:** The second day of the four-day Chhath Puja, a significant festival dedicated to the Sun God, was observed today. Known as ‘Kharna,’ this day marks a ritual of purification. Women observe a fast and prepare offerings for Chhathi Maiya, the Goddess of fertility and well-being.

A key tradition of Kharna is the preparation of ‘gud ki kheer,’ a sweet pudding made with rice, milk, and jaggery. Cooked on a clay stove, this delicacy is infused with tulsi leaves for sanctity.

The day also includes a dedicated ritual to the Sun God. After meticulously cleaning their surroundings, devotees wear clean clothes and worship using sugarcane, which is also used to prepare offerings.

The offerings for Kharna typically consist of gud ki kheer, roti (flatbread), and a variety of fruits. The cooked prasad (offering) is first offered to the deities and then distributed amongst the community. Devotees then partake in the prasad themselves.

During sunset, the devotees offer water mixed with Ganga jal (sacred water from the Ganges river) and milk to the Sun God. This is followed by the offering of prasad.

**Important Considerations:**

* It is crucial to avoid using any food or utensils touched with unclean hands, especially those of children.
* The prasad should only be distributed after offering it to the deities.
* The consumption of onions and garlic is prohibited throughout the four-day festival.
* Maintaining strict hygiene is essential, particularly during Kharna.
* Women are advised to sleep on the floor throughout the festival duration.

The Chhath Puja continues for another two days with significant rituals dedicated to the Sun God.

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