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Bihar's Chhath Puja: Devotees Begin 36-Hour Nirjala Fast After Kharna

The Chaiti Chhath festival has entered its second day with devotees performing Kharna Puja and partaking of a prasad of roti and kheer. They have now commenced a rigorous 36-hour Nirjala fast, praying for happiness and prosperity. The rituals emphasize purity, with devotees taking holy dips and using traditional bamboo baskets for offerings. The festival will culminate with offerings to the setting and rising sun before the fast is broken.

Key Points: Chaiti Chhath 2024: Kharna Puja, 36-Hour Fast Begins

  • 36-hour Nirjala fast begins
  • Kharna Puja with roti-kheer Prasad
  • Eco-friendly bamboo baskets essential
  • Arghya to setting & rising sun
2 min read

Bihar: Chhath devotees offer Kharna Puja, 36-hour Nirjala fast begins​

Devotees in Bihar observe Kharna Puja, starting a strict 36-hour Nirjala fast during Chaiti Chhath. Rituals include holy dips and eco-friendly offerings.

"Just as bamboo grows rapidly, it symbolises the expansion and prosperity of one's family. - Acharya Gopal Pandey"

Patna, March 23

The sacred festival of Chaiti Chhath has entered its second day, marked by the observance of the Kharna Puja, after which devotees begin a rigorous 36-hour Nirjala fast.​

On this occasion, devotees prepared Prasad comprising roti and kheer made from milk and jaggery, which was first offered to Surya Dev and then distributed among family members and visitors.​

After partaking of the Prasad, devotees commenced their strict fast, praying for happiness, prosperity, and well-being.​

The second day, also known as Lohanda, witnessed devotees taking a holy dip in rivers, ponds, or wells, followed by the preparation of offerings with utmost purity and devotion.​

The spiritual atmosphere across regions like Patna has become deeply devotional, with people visiting households to observe the fast and seek blessings.​

On Tuesday, the third day of the festival, devotees will offer Arghya to the setting sun, followed by offerings to the rising sun on the final day, after which the fast will be concluded with Paran.​

The festival began with the Nahay-Khay ritual on Sunday, during which devotees ate a simple meal of kaddu-bhat (pumpkin and rice).​

Known for its emphasis on purity, Chaiti Chhath strongly promotes the use of natural, eco-friendly materials. Bamboo baskets (daura) and winnowing fans (sup) hold deep ritual significance and are considered symbols of purity and prosperity.​

According to Acharya Gopal Pandey of the Shri Ram Janaki Thakurwadi Temple, Masaudhi, bamboo is associated with lineage and growth in Hindu belief.​

"Just as bamboo grows rapidly, it symbolises the expansion and prosperity of one's family. Hence, bamboo-made items are considered auspicious and are essential for offering Arghya during the rituals," Pandey said.​

Markets across Patna, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Darbhanga, and Bhagalpur are witnessing large crowds as devotees purchase bamboo baskets, fruits, and other Puja essentials.​

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

Chaiti Chhath remains one of the most revered festivals of folk faith, where strict discipline, purity, and devotion form the core of the rituals, creating an atmosphere of spiritual unity and cultural richness across the region.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Aman W
It's heartening to see the emphasis on eco-friendly materials. In a world full of plastic, festivals like Chhath show us how to live in harmony with nature. The bamboo baskets are not just ritual items but a lesson in sustainability.
R
Rohit P
The 36-hour fast without water is a true test of devotion and discipline. Hats off to all the devotees. The spiritual atmosphere in Bihar during Chhath is something unique and must be experienced. Jai Surya Dev!
S
Sarah B
As someone new to Indian culture, I find the rituals and symbolism fascinating. The connection between bamboo and family growth is beautiful. It's more than a festival; it's a profound philosophy of life and nature.
V
Vikram M
While the devotion is commendable, I hope the administration ensures safety at the ghats. Every year we hear about accidents during the holy dip. Tradition is important, but so is the safety of our people.
N
Nisha Z
My mother is observing the fast. The entire household is charged with positive energy. The preparation, the purity, the prayers – it brings the family together like nothing else. Feeling blessed.

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