Ludhiana Devotees Observe Kharna Ritual with Devotion Ahead of Chhath Puja
Ludhiana, October 26, 2025 (The Trending People): The festival of faith and purity, Chhath Puja, entered its second day on Sunday as devotees across Ludhiana observed Kharna, a significant ritual performed with devotion, discipline, and deep reverence for Chhathi Maiya and the Sun God.
From Sherpur and Basti Jodhewal to Focal Point, Dugri, and Gyaspura, the air resonated with the sounds of devotional Chhath songs and chants of “Jai Chhathi Maiya!” as hundreds of families observed the sacred fast and performed traditional rituals at home and near local ghats.
A Day of Purity, Faith, and Fasting
The Kharna ritual marks the penultimate stage of preparation for the main Chhath Puja Arghya, when devotees offer prayers to the setting and rising Sun. The day holds immense importance, especially for those hailing from Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, who have made Ludhiana their home.
On this day, devotees known as vratis observe a day-long nirjala fast — abstaining from both food and water — from sunrise to sunset. In the evening, after preparing the sacred offerings or prasad, they conclude the fast through a ritual called “Paaran.”
“The discipline and purity required for Kharna symbolize devotion and control over the senses,” said Suman Devi, a resident of Basti Jodhewal. “We prepare everything in complete cleanliness and offer it to Chhathi Maiya with faith.”
Traditional Preparation of Sacred Offerings
As the sun set on Sunday, homes across Ludhiana glowed with diyas (lamps), and the aroma of jaggery kheer, puri, and banana offerings filled the air. Devotees prepared these items on clay or brass stoves, using firewood from mango or sacred trees, ensuring the food was cooked in a pure and satvik environment — without onion or garlic.
The kheer, a sweet dish made from rice, milk, and jaggery, is considered the centerpiece of the Kharna prasad. Jaggery is used instead of sugar for its satvik and purifying qualities. The prasad is placed in clay or bronze vessels along with bananas, sugarcane pieces, thekua, and tulsi leaves before being offered to Chhathi Maiya.
Community Spirit and Cultural Unity
Kharna in Ludhiana is not merely a religious observance but a moment of community bonding. In several localities, neighborhood committees organized collective Kharna celebrations, where families gathered to sing devotional songs and share prasad.
At a community event in Focal Point, around 300 devotees participated in the evening prayers. “This festival connects us back to our roots,” said Anil Kumar, one of the organizers. “Even though we live far from our native places, we celebrate Chhath here with the same emotion and faith.”
Many women dressed in traditional sarees while men assisted in the rituals, symbolizing gender unity in devotion. Children also participated enthusiastically, decorating diyas and helping prepare prasad.
Spiritual Significance and Symbolism
Kharna is not just about ritual purity — it embodies self-discipline, inner cleansing, and gratitude. Devotees believe that through fasting and prayer, Chhathi Maiya blesses their families with health, prosperity, and happiness.
Following Kharna, devotees begin a 36-hour long nirjala fast, during which they refrain from consuming even water. The next two days are dedicated to offering Arghya — prayers to the setting and rising Sun.
“Every Chhath reminds us of the power of faith and purity,” shared Poonam Singh, a devotee from Sherpur. “It’s not just worship; it’s a lifestyle of discipline and positivity.”
Why It Matters
The celebration of Kharna in Ludhiana reflects how cultural and religious traditions from eastern India have integrated into Punjab’s social fabric. As migration connects states across India, festivals like Chhath have become symbols of unity in diversity, spreading the message of devotion and discipline far beyond their regional origins.
The participation of hundreds of devotees also highlights Ludhiana’s growing multi-cultural identity, where traditional festivals are celebrated with respect and inclusivity.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The observance of Kharna in Ludhiana underscores India’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions and the collective emotion that binds communities together. As diyas illuminated homes and hymns echoed through the night, devotees renewed their faith in simplicity, purity, and devotion.
From fasting with faith to sharing prasad with neighbors, Kharna is more than a ritual — it’s a reflection of human endurance, belief, and unity that continues to shine brightly in every corner of the nation.
Image source: Google Image