Chhath Puja Day 2 Lohanda and Kharna 2026: Date, Rituals, Food and Significance

Introduction: Lohanda and Kharna – The Second Day of Chhath Puja

After the beginning of Chhath Puja with Nahay Khay, devotees prepare for the next important stage of the festival: Lohanda and Kharna. This is the second day of Chhath Puja and holds a special place in the hearts of devotees.

The day is known for its simplicity, devotion and traditional food. While the first day focuses on cleanliness and preparation, Lohanda and Kharna mark a more demanding stage of the festival. Devotees observe a fast throughout the day and prepare a special meal in the evening, which is offered as prasad before being consumed.

For many families, the aroma of freshly prepared jaggery kheer, the preparation of traditional roti and the evening prayers make Kharna one of the most memorable parts of Chhath Puja.

In 2026, Lohanda and Kharna will be observed on Saturday, November 14, 2026.

The evening meal is especially important because, after completing Kharna, devotees traditionally begin the strict Nirjala fast that continues until the morning rituals of the fourth day.

Let's explore the date, meaning, rituals, traditional food, fasting practices and religious significance of Lohanda and Kharna 2026.

Lohanda and Kharna 2026: Date and Day

Lohanda and Kharna will be celebrated on Saturday, November 14, 2026.

It is the second day of the four-day Chhath Puja festival. Devotees generally observe a fast during the day and prepare traditional prasad in the evening after completing their household and religious preparations.

Here is the complete Chhath Puja 2026 schedule:

Kharna is an important turning point in the festival. After the evening prasad, devotees traditionally begin their approximately 36-hour Nirjala fast, which concludes after Usha Arghya on the final morning.

What Do Lohanda and Kharna Mean?

Lohanda and Kharna are commonly used together to describe the second day of Chhath Puja.

Lohanda refers to the daytime fasting and preparations followed by devotees. Kharna refers to the evening observance when the Vratin completes the day's fast, performs prayers and consumes the specially prepared prasad.

The exact customs and the use of these names may vary between regions and families. However, the central practice remains similar: devotees maintain discipline throughout the day and complete the Kharna ritual in the evening.

For many households, this day is particularly important because it prepares the Vratin for the longer fast that follows.

Why Is Kharna Celebrated During Chhath Puja?

Kharna is celebrated as an important part of the traditional Chhath Puja observance. It represents devotion, self-discipline, purity and preparation for the main Sun worship rituals.

There are several reasons why devotees consider this day significant.

1. Preparation for the Main Chhath Vrat

Kharna marks the transition from the initial preparations to the strict fasting stage of Chhath Puja.

After consuming the evening prasad, the Vratin traditionally begins the Nirjala fast. This continues through Sandhya Arghya and ends after Usha Arghya.

2. Expression of Devotion

The day is observed with prayers and dedication to Chhathi Maiya and Lord Surya. Devotees follow their family traditions and prepare the Kharna prasad with great care.

3. Importance of Purity and Discipline

From cleaning the kitchen to preparing the food, every activity is carried out carefully. The day reminds devotees that faith is reflected not only in prayers but also in discipline and everyday actions.

4. Family Participation

Kharna brings family members together. Some help prepare the ingredients, others arrange the puja materials, and everyone takes part in the evening observance according to their household traditions.

Lohanda and Kharna 2026: Important Rituals and Traditions

Kharna rituals are performed with great devotion. Although some details differ from one family to another, the main practices are widely followed across regions where Chhath Puja is celebrated.

1. Observing a Fast Throughout the Day

The Vratin observes a fast during the day. Traditionally, no food or water is consumed until the evening Kharna ritual is completed.

The fast is an expression of devotion and self-discipline. Devotees spend the day preparing for the evening prayers and the traditional prasad.

2. Cleaning the Kitchen and Preparing Ingredients

Cleanliness is considered especially important during Chhath Puja.

Before preparing Kharna prasad, the kitchen, cooking utensils and food preparation area are cleaned properly.

Ingredients such as rice, milk, jaggery and wheat flour are arranged in advance. Families generally follow their own traditional methods of cooking.

3. Preparing Traditional Kharna Prasad

The preparation of prasad is one of the most important activities of the day.

The traditional Kharna meal commonly includes:

Jaggery-based rice kheer, also known as Gud Ki Kheer or Rasiya.

Roti or chapati.

Bananas.

Other fruits or traditional offerings according to family customs.

The kheer is generally prepared using rice, milk and jaggery. In many households, it is cooked without refined sugar.

Some families use a traditional wood-fired stove, while others prepare the food using their usual cooking arrangements.

4. Offering Prasad and Performing Evening Prayers

After the food is prepared, the Vratin offers it to Chhathi Maiya and performs the evening prayers according to family traditions.

The atmosphere is often peaceful and devotional. Family members gather, diyas may be lit and traditional Chhath songs are sung in many homes.

5. Consuming the Kharna Prasad

After the prayers are completed, the Vratin consumes the Kharna prasad.

In many households, the Vratin eats first, and the prasad is then shared with family members and others.

This meal marks the completion of the day's fast.

6. Beginning the Nirjala Vrat

After Kharna, devotees traditionally begin the strict Nirjala fast.

During this period, they avoid both food and water until the morning rituals of Usha Arghya are completed.

The fast is traditionally observed for approximately 36 hours, although the exact duration depends on the timing of the rituals and local customs.

What Is Kharna Prasad? Traditional Foods Prepared on This Day

Food has a special place in Chhath Puja, and Kharna is particularly known for its traditional prasad.

The dishes are usually simple, vegetarian and prepared with devotion. Recipes can differ between regions, but some foods are commonly associated with the occasion.

1. Gud Ki Kheer or Rasiya

Gud Ki Kheer, also known as Rasiya in many households, is one of the most important Kharna preparations.

It is a traditional rice pudding made with milk, rice and jaggery. Its natural sweetness and soft texture make it a favourite part of the evening meal.

Unlike regular rice pudding, many traditional Kharna recipes use jaggery instead of refined sugar.

2. Roti or Chapati

Roti is commonly served with Kharna kheer.

It is generally prepared using wheat flour and water, with some families following their own traditional methods.

The combination of roti and jaggery kheer is a familiar part of Kharna celebrations.

3. Bananas

Bananas are commonly included in the Kharna offerings.

They are also among the fruits traditionally associated with Chhath Puja. The exact fruits offered may vary depending on regional customs and availability.

4. Seasonal Fruits

Some families include other seasonal fruits as part of their Kharna preparations.

Fresh fruits are arranged carefully and offered according to household traditions.

How to Prepare Traditional Kharna Gud Ki Kheer

Gud Ki Kheer is one of the most recognisable dishes associated with Kharna. Although recipes vary, here is a simple traditional-style preparation.

Ingredients

1 litre milk

¼ cup rice

½ to ¾ cup grated or crushed jaggery, adjusted to taste

Water, as required

A little cardamom powder, if used in the family's tradition

Preparation Method

Step 1: Wash the rice

Wash the rice thoroughly and soak it for a short time. Drain the water before cooking.

Step 2: Heat the milk

Pour the milk into a clean, heavy-bottomed pan and bring it to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Add the rice

Add the washed rice to the milk. Cook on a low to medium flame, stirring occasionally so that the milk does not stick to the bottom.

Step 4: Cook until soft

Allow the rice to cook until it becomes soft and the milk thickens. Stir gently at regular intervals.

Step 5: Add the jaggery

Turn off the heat and allow the kheer to cool slightly. Add the jaggery and stir until it dissolves.

Adding jaggery after reducing the heat helps lower the chance of the milk curdling. Some families prepare jaggery syrup separately and mix it into the kheer according to their preferred recipe.

Step 6: Prepare the prasad

Once the kheer is ready, arrange it with roti and other traditional offerings.

Offer the prasad during the evening Kharna prayers according to your family's customs.

Important: For religious observance, follow the preparation method and ingredients traditionally used in your household.

How Is Kharna Roti Prepared?

Roti is another common part of the Kharna meal. It is usually prepared fresh and served with Gud Ki Kheer.

Ingredients

1 cup wheat flour

Water, as required

A small amount of ghee, if used in the family tradition

Preparation Method

Place the wheat flour in a clean bowl.

Add water gradually and knead it into a soft dough.

Cover the dough and let it rest briefly.

Divide it into small portions and roll them into round rotis.

Cook each roti on a clean, heated tawa until properly cooked.

Serve fresh with Kharna kheer.

Some families prepare the roti without ghee, while others follow their own established customs.

Fasting Rules During Lohanda and Kharna

Fasting is one of the most important parts of the second day of Chhath Puja.

The Vratin generally observes a daytime fast and consumes the Kharna prasad in the evening after prayers.

After completing Kharna, the traditional Nirjala fast begins.

Here are some commonly followed practices:

Observe the daytime fast according to family tradition.

Prepare the Kharna meal in a clean kitchen.

Use fresh ingredients for the prasad.

Avoid onion and garlic in traditional festival preparations.

Complete the evening prayers before consuming the prasad.

Share the prasad with family members and others.

Begin the Nirjala fast after Kharna, according to the traditional observance.

Complete the fast after Usha Arghya on the final morning.

These customs can vary between families and regions. Devotees generally follow the practices passed down through their household traditions.

A health reminder: A prolonged fast without water can cause dehydration and other serious health problems. People with medical conditions, pregnant individuals, children and older adults should not attempt a strict Nirjala fast without appropriate medical guidance. Religious observance should never come at the cost of personal safety.

What Happens After Kharna?

Kharna is followed by the third day of Chhath Puja, known as Sandhya Arghya.

After completing the evening meal, the Vratin traditionally continues the Nirjala fast. On the third day, devotees prepare bamboo baskets filled with fruits, thekua, sugarcane and other traditional offerings.

In the evening, families visit nearby rivers, ponds, lakes or designated Chhath ghats.

Devotees stand in the water and offer Arghya to the setting sun. This is one of the most important and visually beautiful moments of Chhath Puja.

The festival then concludes on the fourth day with Usha Arghya, when prayers are offered to the rising sun.

Spiritual Significance of Lohanda and Kharna

Kharna is not simply a day of fasting and eating traditional food. It represents an important stage in the spiritual journey of Chhath Puja.

Its deeper meaning can be understood through a few important values.

Devotion: The evening prayers and offerings express faith in Chhathi Maiya and Lord Surya.

Self-discipline: Observing the fast requires commitment and patience.

Purity: Careful food preparation and cleanliness reflect the importance of purity in religious practices.

Gratitude: The traditional prasad and prayers remind devotees to be thankful for the blessings of life.

Family unity: Preparing food and participating in rituals together strengthen family relationships and preserve cultural traditions.

For many devotees, Kharna is a deeply personal experience that connects faith, family and heritage.

How Is Kharna Celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh?

Lohanda and Kharna are celebrated with great devotion in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh.

In many homes, the day begins quietly with fasting and preparations. Family members arrange the ingredients, clean the kitchen and help prepare the traditional evening meal.

As the evening approaches, the smell of jaggery kheer and freshly prepared roti fills many households.

In places such as Patna, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Ranchi and Varanasi, Kharna is an important part of the wider Chhath celebrations.

The festival is also observed in Delhi, Mumbai and other cities where families from these regions live.

For people who have moved away from their hometowns, preparing Kharna prasad is often a way to stay connected with their roots. Even when families are far from home, they continue to follow the customs they grew up with.

Important Preparations for Kharna 2026

A little preparation can make the day's rituals easier and more organised.

Here are some useful things to arrange before Kharna:

Clean the kitchen and cooking utensils.

Purchase fresh rice, milk, jaggery and wheat flour.

Arrange bananas and other fruits.

Keep the required puja materials ready.

Prepare a clean space for cooking and offering prasad.

Follow your family's traditional recipe for Kharna food.

Arrange the evening prayers according to local customs.

Prepare the items needed for the following day's Sandhya Arghya.

Planning ahead helps devotees focus on the religious observance without unnecessary last-minute difficulties.

Conclusion: Kharna Is a Day of Devotion, Discipline and Tradition

Lohanda and Kharna form one of the most meaningful parts of Chhath Puja. The second day brings together fasting, prayer, traditional food and family participation.

From observing the daytime fast to preparing Gud Ki Kheer and offering the evening prasad, every activity reflects the devotion and discipline associated with Chhath Mahaparv.

In 2026, Lohanda and Kharna will be observed on Saturday, November 14. After completing the Kharna ritual, devotees traditionally begin the strict Nirjala fast in preparation for Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya.

Beyond its religious importance, the day also reminds us of the value of family traditions, patience, simplicity and gratitude.

May Chhathi Maiya and Lord Surya bless every family with happiness, peace, good health and prosperity.

Wishing everyone a blessed Lohanda and Kharna 2026!

Jai Chhathi Maiya! Jai Surya Dev!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lohanda and Kharna 2026

Q1. When is Lohanda and Kharna in 2026?

Lohanda and Kharna will be observed on Saturday, November 14, 2026. It is the second day of the four-day Chhath Puja festival.

Q2. What is the meaning of Kharna?

Kharna refers to the evening ritual when the Vratin completes the day's fast, offers prayers and consumes the traditional prasad.

Q3. What is Lohanda during Chhath Puja?

Lohanda is commonly used to describe the daytime fasting and preparations associated with the second day of Chhath Puja, which concludes with the Kharna observance.

Q4. What food is prepared on Kharna?

Traditional Kharna prasad commonly includes jaggery-based rice kheer, also called Gud Ki Kheer or Rasiya, along with roti, bananas and other offerings.

Q5. Can we eat during Kharna fasting?

Traditionally, the Vratin observes a fast during the day and consumes the specially prepared prasad in the evening after completing the prayers.

Q6. When does the Nirjala fast begin?

The strict Nirjala fast traditionally begins after the Vratin consumes the Kharna prasad in the evening.

Q7. How long does the Chhath Nirjala fast last?

It traditionally lasts approximately 36 hours, beginning after Kharna and ending after Usha Arghya. The exact duration depends on local ritual timings.

Q8. Why is jaggery used in Kharna kheer?

Jaggery is a traditional sweetener used in many Kharna recipes. It gives the kheer its characteristic flavour and is preferred over refined sugar in many households.

Q9. Is Kharna prasad distributed among family members?

Yes. After the evening prayers, the Vratin consumes the prasad, and it is commonly shared with family members and others according to household traditions.

Q10. What happens after Kharna?

After Kharna, devotees traditionally begin the Nirjala fast. The next day is Sandhya Arghya, when prayers are offered to the setting sun.

Q11. Can everyone observe the Nirjala fast?

No. A prolonged fast without water can be unsafe for some people. Anyone with a medical condition, pregnancy or other health concerns should seek medical advice before attempting it.

Q12. What is the main significance of Kharna?

Kharna represents devotion, self-discipline, purity and preparation for the main Chhath Puja rituals. It is also an important time for family participation and preserving traditional customs.