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Hindu festival · San Francisco Bay Area

Chhath Puja - Kharna

Why it matters

Kharna is the second stage of Chhath, when the vratin completes a day fast and offers a simple evening prasad before beginning the long nirjala fast.

The story behind it

Chhath is an ancient solar observance centered on gratitude to Surya and Chhathi Maiya, discipline, purity and family well-being.

Prayers and worship

Surya and Chhathi Maiya prayers, evening worship and distribution of Kharna prasad.

Fasting and devotional customs

A day fast is commonly broken after evening worship with kheer, roti and fruit; afterward the more rigorous fast begins.

What is typically offered

Thekua, seasonal fruit, sugarcane, coconut, lamps and offerings arranged in bamboo baskets are common.

Visiting a temple that day

When held outdoors, respect water-edge safety, maintain silence during arghya and avoid obstructing the vratins. Temple practices vary by region and sampradaya. Dress modestly, remove footwear where required, follow priest/volunteer directions, ask before photography, and check the temple’s event page for exact pooja, fasting and prasādam arrangements.

Spiritual themes

Gratitude, discipline, purity, family well-being and reverence for the Sun.

This date was derived for the Fremont anchor from standard tithi, nakṣatra and solar-ingress rules. Dates are compiled for the Fremont / Bay Area location and checked against Northern-California Panchāṅgam references. They can differ from a calendar computed for another city or another sampradāya. Please confirm any date on which you plan a ceremony with Sri Kumar Gurukkal. How these dates are calculated →