Guwahati, 14 November (H.S.): The Kharna ritual, the second day of the four-day Chhath Puja festival, is being observed with deep religious fervour and devotion across Assam on Saturday. Devotees are performing the traditional rituals with great faith and dedication as the festival enters its most rigorous phase.

On the occasion of Kharna, devotees observe a day-long fast, abstaining from food and water. In the evening, after taking a ritual bath and wearing new clothes, they perform special prayers at their homes. As part of the rituals, offerings of jaggery-based kheer and roti are prepared and offered to Lord Surya and Ranna Maiya.

After completing the prayers, devotees partake of the sacred prasad and distribute it among family members and other devotees.

With the conclusion of Kharna, devotees undertake a rigorous fast lasting approximately 36 hours without food or water. The third day of the festival will witness devotees offering Arghya to the setting sun, while the festival will conclude on the fourth and final day with prayers and Arghya to the rising sun.

A devotional atmosphere prevails at homes and Chhath Puja ghats across the state, with devotees making preparations for the upcoming rituals. Chhath Puja, regarded as a symbol of faith, purity, discipline and family unity, holds special significance among devotees and conveys a message of devotion, dedication and gratitude towards nature and

the Sun God.-------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash