The second day of Chhath Puja, celebrated as Kharna or Lohanda, is of immense importance within the four-day festival for the worship of Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Celebrated today on October 26, 2025, devotees observe a strict fast during the day, lifting it at dusk with offerings of jaggery (gur) kheer, roti, and fruits cooked in the purest of conditions.
Spiritual Significance of Kharna
Kharna is the cleansing of body and mind prior to the commencement of the principal offering ceremonies. It is a sign of self-control, gratitude, and reaffirmation of faith. Fasting and worship of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya are believed to welcome light, health, and prosperity into one’s life by the devotees. The evening prasad, particularly the sweet gur ki kheer and chapati, are exchanged between members of the family and neighbours as a symbol of blessings from above.
Sacred Rituals of Kharna Day
The evening is spent by the devotees taking a sacred bath, praying in front of the westward sunset, and observing Arghya with deep devotion. A small earthen fireplace known as the chulha is employed to cook prasad, highlighting simplicity and purity. The fast is broken during sunset with kheer, roti, and fruits, followed by a full-night nirjala vrat (waterless fast) for the next day’s Sandhya Arghya ritual.
Heartfelt Kharna Wishes
- “May this Kharna usher peace, purity, and the blessings of the Sun God into your life.”
- “Strength, devotion, and divine light, wish you on this hallowed Kharna.”
- “May your prayers ascend to Surya Dev and bless your home with joy and prosperity.”
- “Let the kheer’s sweetness and diya’s glow enliven your soul this Kharna.”
- “On this sacred day, let your discipline bring devotion, and devotion bring divine grace.”
- “Faith makes every ritual divine – Happy Kharna 2025!”
- “Chhathi Maiya bless you with harmony, purity, and love.”
Strong Sanskrit Mantras for Kharna
Mantra chanting during Kharna requests divine energies of purification. Some powerful sacred verses are given below:
- ॐ सूर्याय नमः (Om Suryaya Namah) – Greetings to the Sun God who keeps all life going.
- ॐ मित्राय नमः (Om Mitraya Namah) – A prayer for friendship, peace, and kindness.
- ॐ भास्कराय नमः (Om Bhaskaraya Namah) – Salutations to Surya Dev, the bright one who clears the darkness.
- जय छठी मइया नमः (Jai Chhathi Maiya Namah) – A thanksgiving chant to Chhathi Mata for food, fertility, and power.
Repeating these mantras while performing arghya at dawn and dusk intensifies spiritual concentration and inner calm.
Marking Devotion and Renewal
Kharna reminds us that pure worship resides in purity, forbearance, and genuine faith. Fasting is surrender, while prasad sharing indicates harmony and goodwill. When devotees sing folk songs and set up diyas by riversides, the twilight becomes a radiant celebration of devotion and harmony in nature.
May this Chhath Puja: Kharna 2025 illuminate every household with light, tranquility, and spiritual enlightenment. जय छठी मइया की! (Jai Chhathi Maiyya Ki!)
