Ranchi: The aroma of kheer made with jaggery and fresh chapatis wafted through homes across the city on Saturday as families observed Kharna, the second day of Chhath Puja.Evening prayers, shared prasad and Sharda Sinha’s familiar Chhath melodies added warmth and nostalgia to the festive atmosphere.Chief minister Hemant Soren greeted those observing a fast and their families on social media. “Chhath Mahaparv is not merely a festival of faith and worship, but also a symbol of dedication towards family, gratitude towards nature and the wonderful tradition of worshipping the Sun,” he said.Hemant praised the determination, sacrifice and unwavering devotion of those undertaking the arduous fast. He wished that the Sun god and Chhathi Maiya bring happiness, peace and prosperity to everyone.Across Ranchi’s neighbourhoods, devotees observed a day-long fast before preparing the traditional Kharna prasad of jaggery kheer and chapatis. After offering it to Chhathi Maiya during evening prayers, they broke their fast and distributed the prasad among family members, relatives and neighbours, turning the ritual into a celebration of community.“The beauty of Kharna is that the prasad is not restricted to the family. We share it with neighbours and relatives too. Everyone waits for the evening rituals, and the entire household gets involved in the preparations,” said Deepali Sinha, a devotee from Harmu.With Kharna over, many devotees began the 36-hour fast, abstaining from food and water.“The rigorous observance will continue through Sunday’s evening arghya to the setting Sun and conclude with Monday morning’s arghya,” said Rukmini, a devotee from Dhurwa.
