Chaiti Chhath: Devotees Celebrate Kharna Puja and Begin 36-Hour Waterless Fast

Key Takeaways

Chaiti Chhath is a revered festival emphasizing purity and devotion.

Devotees observe a 36-hour Nirjala fast after Kharna Puja.

Eco-friendly materials like bamboo are integral to the celebrations.

Rituals include offering Arghya to the sun on designated days.

The festival fosters a sense of community and spiritual unity.

Patna, March 23 (NationPress) The revered festival of Chaiti Chhath has reached its second day, characterized by the performance of Kharna Puja. Following this, devotees initiate a stringent 36-hour Nirjala (waterless) fast.

This special occasion sees devotees preparing Prasad consisting of roti and kheer made from milk and jaggery. The offerings are first dedicated to Surya Dev before being shared with family and guests.

After enjoying the Prasad, devotees enter into their disciplined fast, seeking blessings for happiness, prosperity, and wellness.

The second day, referred to as Lohanda, involves devotees taking sacred dips in rivers, ponds, or wells, followed by meticulously preparing offerings with purity and devotion.

The spiritual ambiance in areas like Patna is filled with devotion, as individuals visit homes to observe the fast and solicit blessings.

On Tuesday, the third day of the festival, devotees will present Arghya to the setting sun, leading to offerings to the rising sun on the final day, culminating in the fast with Paran.

The festival commenced with the Nahay-Khay ritual on Sunday, when devotees consumed a simple meal of kaddu-bhat (pumpkin and rice).

Renowned for its focus on purity, Chaiti Chhath advocates the use of natural, eco-friendly materials. Items such as bamboo baskets (daura) and winnowing fans (sup) carry profound ritual importance, symbolizing purity and abundance.

According to Acharya Gopal Pandey from the Shri Ram Janaki Thakurwadi Temple in Masaudhi, bamboo is tied to lineage and growth within Hindu belief.

“As bamboo grows swiftly, it represents the expansion and prosperity of one’s family. Consequently, items crafted from bamboo are regarded as auspicious and integral for offering Arghya during rituals,” explained Pandey.

Markets in Patna, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Darbhanga, and Bhagalpur are bustling with activity as devotees acquire bamboo baskets, fruits, and other essential Puja items.

Notably, the use of plastic or metal is eschewed during the festival, reinforcing its eco-friendly and traditional essence.

Chaiti Chhath remains a deeply cherished festival of folk faith, where strict discipline, purity, and devotion are at the heart of the rituals, fostering an atmosphere of spiritual unity and cultural richness across the region.

Point of View

Emphasizing its cultural significance and the deep-rooted traditions that shape the observances, reflecting the unity and devotion of the community.

NationPress

9 May 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kharna Puja?

Kharna Puja is a ritual performed on the second day of the Chaiti Chhath festival, where devotees prepare and offer Prasad to Surya Dev before beginning a 36-hour waterless fast.

What does a Nirjala fast entail?

A Nirjala fast is a stringent waterless fast observed by devotees, lasting for 36 hours, during which they refrain from consuming both food and water.

Why is bamboo significant during Chaiti Chhath?

Bamboo is considered auspicious in Hindu rituals, symbolizing lineage and growth. It is used to make items for offerings and rituals during the festival.

What is the importance of the Arghya offering?

The Arghya offering is a significant ritual performed to honor the sun during the Chaiti Chhath festival, reflecting devotion and gratitude.

How do devotees prepare for Chaiti Chhath?

Devotees prepare for Chaiti Chhath by observing rituals, preparing eco-friendly offerings, and engaging in fasting and prayers for well-being and prosperity.