Kharna, a significant Hindu ritual, is observed during the Chhath Puja festival. Kharna rituals are not just a set of traditions but a spiritual journey that fosters purity of mind, body and soul. This ritual holds great cultural and spiritual importance, as it involves fasting and performing prayers to the Sun God.
This year, devotees will observe Kharna ritual on November 18 as Chhath puja will commence on November 17 and conclude on November 20. To ensure a meaningful and successful Kharna, it is essential to know the auspicious timings, gather the right puja samagri (items), and follow the dos and don’ts associated with this important ritual. Here’s the detailed information mentioned below:
Chhath Puja 2023: Sunrise, Sunset Time
- Sunset Time on Friday, November 17: 5:50 PM
- Sunrise Time on Monday, November 20: 06:20 AM
Kharna Shubh Muhurat
The ideal time to perform Kharna is during sunrise. Devotees break their fast only after offering prayers to the rising sun.
- Sunrise on Chhath Puja Day – 06:46 AM
- Sunset on Chhath Puja Day – 05:26 PM
- Shashthi Tithi Begins – 09:18 AM on November 18, 2023
- Shashthi Tithi Ends – 07:23 AM on November 19, 2023
Kharna Rituals: Puja Samagri (Items)
- Fruits, especially bananas and sugarcane, are common offerings.
- Homemade sweets, such as thekua, are traditionally prepared for the occasion.
- Collect water from a sacred river or any clean water source for purification purposes.
- Light lamps to symbolise divine energy and seek blessings.
- Use red cloth for offering prasad and covering the puja items.
Kharna Rituals: Dos and Don’ts
Do’s:
1. Before engaging in any of the rituals, ensure to take a bath all four days.
2. Consume Satvik food, avoiding ingredients like onion and garlic.
3. On the first day, Nahay Khay, clean every nook and cranny of your home.
4. Worship Surya Dev or the Sun God and seek blessings from elders in the family.
5. Prepare the prasad using rock salt.
6. Listen to the Vrat Katha during the night.
Don’ts:
1. Avoid using onion and garlic in your cooking.
2. Avoid consuming the prasad before offering it to Chhathi Maiya (Usha) and the Sun God.
3. Abstain from non-vegetarian food throughout these four days.
4. Do not handle puja samagri without washing your hands.
5. Abstain from smoking or consuming alcohol on the days of the puja.
Kharna Rituals: Wishes and Messages to Share
1. Let’s all pray to Sun God and Chhathi Maiya and ask for blessings, happiness, prosperity and success in life. Chhath Puja ki shubhkamnaye.
2. As you celebrate Kharna, may the Sun God bless you with good health, wealth, and prosperity.
3. May the positivity of Chhath Puja spread in your life and fill it with success and glory. Happy Chhath Puja to you and your loved ones.
4. May this Chhath Puja mark the beginning of life, fortune, and success for you. May you be blessed by Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.
5. All that exists was born from the sun, there is nothing apart from it. Sending you blessings and love on the auspicious occasion of Chhath Puja.
