Kamal Ghorui
Patna: Devotees observed the “kharna” ritual of Chaiti Chhath with devotion on Monday, beginning the rigorous 36-hour “nirjala fast” after sunset, while the district administration completed elaborate preparations at 49 major ghats and water bodies across Patna for the four-day festival.Kharna, the second day of the festival, involves a day-long fast without water that is broken after sunset with prasad of jaggery kheer, roti and fruits. After this ritual meal, devotees begin the 36-hour “nirjala vrat”, during which they will offer prayers to the setting Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. The festival will conclude on March 25 with morning arghya, when devotees will offer prayers to the rising sun.“Kharna is a significant part of our tradition. We are grateful to Chhathi Maiya for her blessings. We’re observing this fast for the well-being of our family. It’s a test of our devotion and willpower,” said Ritu Devi, a devotee from Patna’s Kankarbagh area.In the evening, the vratis partook of the prasad of jaggery kheer and roti, after which their family members also received the prasad. Chhath folk songs echoed in many households across the city, creating an atmosphere of devotion. On the day of Kharna, devotees prepare the prasad with complete purity, using earthen stoves.Acharya Rakesh Jha said the consumption of raw sugarcane juice and jaggery in Kharna prasad is believed to have health benefits. “The Surya Shashthi fast is observed for good health, good fortune, and progeny. According to Skanda Purana, King Priyavrat also observed this fast. He contracted leprosy. He observed the Chhath fast to seek relief from this disease from Bhagwan Bhaskar (Lord Sun). In Skanda Purana, the fast is mentioned as Pratihar Shashthi. The description of Chhath is also found in Varshakrityam,” he said.Meanwhile, the district administration has prepared 49 major ghats across the city for the festival and divided Patna into five circles for better crowd management. Officials will remain present at the ghats in three shifts.Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) spokesperson Priya Saurabh said, “Fogging is being done continuously at all the ghats; three-level barricading for safety has already been completed.”Municipal commissioner Yashpal Meena said a 1-km radius around every ghat has been declared a no-littering zone and violators will face disciplinary action. PMC has also ensured cleanliness, high-mast lighting, drinking water and temporary changing rooms at all designated ghats.
