Chhath Puja 2025: Kharna Puja Rituals, Sunset Timings & Why Day 2 Fast Is So Important

Why is Day 2 of Chhath Puja — the sacred Kharna fast — considered the heart of devotion? Discover the Vedic rituals, sunset timings, and the Sanatangyan wisdom behind this powerful day of purity and surrender in 2025.

Chhath Puja is one of the oldest and most spiritually important Hindu festivals. It celebrates the worship of Surya Dev, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya. The second day of the festival, called Kharna, is very special. On this day, devotees observe a strict nirjala vrat, which means fasting without water. This fast is meant to promote purity, discipline, and devotion. Kharna is deeply rooted in Sanatangyan, the eternal wisdom of the Vedas. It signifies the harmony between body, mind, and nature. By observing this fast, devotees obtain inner cleansing and blessings from God.

The Essence of Chhath Puja: A Four-Day Journey of Faith

Chhath Puja in India is celebrated for four days. Each day is religiously important and holds much significance to Sanatangyan and old shastras. The festival is mainly observed by women. They pray for the long life, health, and prosperity of their children and families. Men and elders also take part in the celebrations. They join to seek blessings from Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.

According to Vedic tradition, the Sun is the visible form of divine energy — Pratyaksha Devata — who sustains all life. The Rigveda proclaims:

“सूर्यो अत्मा जगतस्तस्थुषश्च।”

Translation: "The Sun is the soul of all that moves and does not move." (Rigveda 1.115.1)

This holy verse is a great lesson in itself. Sun is not only a source of heat and light. It also represents the divine aspect of life.

Day 1: Nahay Khay — Purification of Body and Mind

Nahay Khay is the very first day of Chhath Puja. It starts with a ritual bath in the Ganga river or some other holy water bodies. The believers then move forward to purify their bodies along with the souls. They focus on purity in their thoughts and actions. After the bath, they eat a simple satvik meal. This usually includes rice, pumpkin curry, and lentils cooked in ghee. Nahay Khay marks the start of the devotee’s vow. It is the first step on a sacred path of devotion.

According to the guru and sadhu traditions of Sanatangyan, purifying the body is the first step toward spiritual awakening. Taking a holy bath, called snan, helps in this purification. Eating a simple satvik meal, or satvik bhojan, supports the same purpose. These practices follow the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.

“योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय।”

 Translation: "Perform your duties established in yoga, abandoning attachment." (Bhagavad Gita 2.48)

Day 2: Kharna Puja — The Heart of Chhath Devotion

The second day, Chhath Puja's most important day, is called Kharna, which is when the devote holders of the celebration prepare a nirjala vrat.  This year, the Kharna will be observed on 26th October, 2025. Nahay Khay is the first day of Chhath Puja.

• Sunrise: Around 6:29 AM

• Sunset: About 5:41 PM

During the course of the day, followers spend time in prayer and meditation. They recall Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. Abstaining from food keeps them connected with nature. It also serves as a reminder that real nourishment is of divine energy, and not of food.

When the sun sets, devotees break their fast. Before eating, they offer arghya, or water, to Surya Dev. A sacred meal called rasiya kheer is prepared. It is a sweet porridge made of rice, jaggery, and milk. The kheer is cooked on a fresh clay stove using mango wood, mango tree wood. The smell of this humble dish reminds everyone of the warmth and piety of the atmosphere.

The prasad is first and foremost presented to Surya Dev and Chhathi Mata. After this offering, it is distributed to the rest of the family. After this, devotees prepare for the first of the two 36-hour nirjala vrat. This fast, by the way, is on the next day, so it is from the dawn of the day to the sunset of the next day.

This act of fasting and devotion shows the deep principles of Sanatangyan. By controlling the senses, one can awaken the higher self. The Shastras also teach the same lesson.

“तपसा ब्रह्म विजिज्ञासस्व।”

Translation: "Through austerity, seek the realization of the Supreme." (Taittiriya Upanishad 3.1)

Kharna Puja Vidhi: The Sacred Process

• The devotee starts the day by taking a cleansing bath at dawn.

• Perform arghya to the rising Sun with folded hands and prayers.

• In the evening, light an earthen lamp close to the stove.

• Prepare rasiya kheer using rice, jaggery, and milk.

• Pray to Surya Dev and Chhathi Mata with devotion and offer the prasad.

• Break the fast after sunset and share prasad with family and neighbors.

This divine process shows respect to the Sun. It also helps in cultivating humility, discipline, and peace in oneself. These are the basic virtues of Sanatangyan's real path.

In short, Kharna Puja is the essence of Chhath worship. Fasting, prayer, and discipline unite on this day to offer worship to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. It was born out of Sanatangyan and is the result of the teachings of the shastras. This festival puts us in touch with the fact that pure surrender together with the internal and external radiance of the divine is what gives us true nourishment.