Residents celebrate Kharna across Noida and Greater Noida

Kharna, the second day of the 4-day festival was marked zealously in Noida and Greater Noida on the evening of October 29, 2022. On this day, people undertake Nirjala vrat, which means fasting without water from the time of sunrise to sunset and then offering the bhog to the ascending sun.

Prashad is an important aspect of Kharna rituals. On the second of Chhath, a prasad of kheer, prepared on an earthen stove with gud and Arwa Chawal is served. The person observing the fast must prepare and serve the prasad as bhog.

Residents enjoyed Prasad in the evening after worshipping Chhathi Maiya. Nitesh Ranjan, AOA President of Prateek Wisteria says, "Kharna is referred to as the second day of the Chhath puja, during which the vratis observe a lengthy fast from sunrise to sunset, breaking it only after the sun has set and after giving prasad to the Sun god. It was observed in our society with the vratis breaking their fast in the evening."

Also read: Noida- Residents conclude Chhath with morning Arghya

Rajeev Sharma, President of Sector-62, Rajat Vihar C Block says, "The most beautiful thing about Chhath puja is Kharna Prasad, people whoever is celebrating Chhath invites people from all around the society to have the tasty Prasad which is Ghee roti or Puri and Jaggery kheer. The prasad makes us feel like it's Amrit"

Rahul Garg, Vice President of NEFOWA says, "Kharna Puja Prasad brings a wonderful vibe. The aroma of Ghee spread all around in the air, all the Prasad which includes puri, fruits or ghee roti with the Gud kheer was cooked on Earthen stoves with mango tree wood. The vratis broke their fast in the evening and had this prasad before the 36 hours long fast."

Munna Kumar Sharma, President of the Shree Surya dev Puja Committee says, "In the past, only females used to do this vrat but now males also perform the vrat. Vratis made Jaggery Kheer with Arwa Rice, and Ghee puris. Young ones took blessings from the vratis. "

Akhilesh Kumar Singh, the Vice President of Pravasi Mahasangh says, "Kharna was performed by the vratis in their respective houses where they offered prasad to the Sun God."