Chhath Puja 2025: Kharna Date, Time, Rituals And Significance

According to the Hindu Calendar, the Chhath Puja is observed on the 6th day of the Shukla Paksha (bright phase) of the Kartik month. This year, the grand festival of faith, Chhath Puja, begins on Saturday, 25th October 2025. The second day of Chhath is marked by Kharna, a significant ritual where the devotees maintain complete purity and cleanliness in preparation for the main puja.

Here are the key rituals, Date and Time (muhurat), and details about Kharna. Let’s learn more about this auspicious festival.

Kharna Date and Time

For those observing the fast or seeking to understand this sacred day, mark your calendars:

Event	Date & Time (Standard for New Delhi)
Kharna 2025 Date	Sunday, October 26, 2025
Kharna Fast	Day-long Nirjala Vrat (fast without water) from sunrise until sunset.
Sunset Time (Kharna Paran)	Approx. 05:41 PM (Varies by location)
Next Fast Begins	Immediately after breaking the Kharna fast, the rigorous 36-hour Nirjala Vrat begins.

Rituals of Kharna Chhath Puja

Kharna, also known as Lohanda, is a key ritual of Chhath Puja where devotees fast all day and break their fast with a sacred meal. This day symbolizes deep purification and devotion, preparing the Vratis mentally and physically for the demanding main Arghya offerings that follow.

• Day-Long Nirjala Vrat: Devotees, known as Vratis, observe the strict Nirjala Vrat by fasting without food or water from sunrise to sunset; they break the fast only after sunset with a prasaad. The feast is shared with the family, and then the 36-hour-long waterless (nirjala) fast begins.

• Evening Worship (Arghya): As evening falls, Vratis gather for a heartfelt puja, offering prayers to Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev. This sacred ritual marks a moment of deep devotion and spiritual connection.

• Prepration of Prasaad: The highlight of Kharna is preparing prasad, including Rasiaav, a jaggery kheer, and whole wheat roti, made with utmost purity on traditional mud or wood stoves using new utensils.

• Paran (Breaking the Fast): After the puja, the Vrati eats the sacred prasad, ending the Kharna fast. This final meal prepares them for the intense thirty six hour waterless fast during Chhath Puja.

Significance of Kharna

Kharna: A deeply spiritual experience that sets the stage for Chhath Puja.

This is a powerful spiritual practice that marks the beginning of Chhath Puja. It holds great significance, cleansing the mind and body while honoring the divine. The following points highlight the deep meaning and importance of this sacred ritual in the festival.

• A Day of Cleansing: Kharna is all about purifying the body and mind. Devotees believe this inner and outer cleansing prepares them to take on the intense fast ahead while inviting blessings from Chhathi Maiya.

• The Divine Arrival: Many believe Chhathi Maiya comes down to Earth on this day. The vibe feels sacred, calm, and full of positive energy. This moment truly connects the devotee with the divine.

• The Gratitude: Chhath Puja is a heartfelt way to thank the Sun God for giving life, energy, and nature’s blessings that help us live, grow, and stay healthy.

• The Blessings: Devotion to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya is believed to bring good health, wealth, and happiness. Many devotees pray with faith, hoping their wishes and dreams will come true through their sincere worship.

• More Than a Meal: The prasad is sacred and believed to give strength for the next thirty six hours without food or water. It sets the tone for the spiritual journey that follows.

Kharna Prasad: A Taste of Devotion

The Kharna Prasad (Kheer and Roti) are the symbol of simplicity and purity. The kheer, sweetened with jaggery, represents the sweetness of devotion, while the roti signifies sustenance and health. Sharing this prasad after the puja is also an integral part of the tradition, spreading blessings among family members.

The Eco-Friendly Kharna Chhath Puja 2025

Celebrate with devotion while caring for the environment. Here are a few simple yet powerful ways:

• Use Natural Materials: Choose bamboo baskets and clay lamps instead of plastic to keep rituals traditional and eco-safe.

• Pick Clean Water Spots: Perform rituals at clean ghats or use a clean tub or pool if celebrating at home.

• Offer Naturally: Use only natural, biodegradable items for offerings. Avoid immersing anything that harms water bodies.

• Involve the Family: Festivals are incomplete without loved ones. Indian culture celebrates this by bringing families together, creating lasting memories, and strengthening bonds during every celebration.

Align your devotion with destiny. Speak to an Astroyogi astrologer on the “Talk to Astrologer” feature to receive personalized Chhath blessings and auspicious time recommendations!

Kharna Chhath Puja 2025 is a cornerstone of the Chhath festival, acting as a gateway to deeper spiritual commitment. Understanding its date, time, rituals, and profound significance allows us to appreciate the immense devotion and faith that define Chhath Puja. May this Kharna bring purity, peace, and blessings to all.