Chhath Puja 2026 Kharna: How Is Prasad Prepared? Know Traditional Foods And Puja Vidhi

Kharna is the second day of Chhath Puja, a spiritually significant festival celebrated by millions in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. This day is dedicated to fasting, prayer, and offering Prasad to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya. As the day commences with a strict fast from sunrise to sunset, devotees break their fast with a special offering called Kharna Prasad after sunset.

The traditional preparation of Kharna Prasad involves a variety of ingredients, including ghee, jaggery, rice, and milk. The most cherished dish is Rasiya Kheer, a sweet delicacy made by cooking rice in milk or water with jaggery. This unique preparation is conducted in an earthen or bronze vessel, adhering to age-old practices. No regular sugar is used in making the kheer, as the tradition is to avoid refined sugar during this auspicious occasion.

Apart from the sweet kheer, devotees also prepare simple rotis using wheat flour to accompany the offerings. Seasonal fruits, particularly bananas, are also prepared and offered to the deities. It is essential for the cooks not to taste the prasad while cooking, as they first offer it to Chhathi Maiya and Lord Surya before sharing it with their loved ones. This sacred act symbolizes respect and gratitude towards the gods and the nature-centric values that Chhath Puja represents.