Lucknow: The banks of Gomti were crowded on Saturday with women celebrating Kharna, the second day of the Chhath festival. Amid devotional chants and the gentle ripples of the river, devotees took a holy dip and offered prayers to Surya Dev, marking the beginning of the rigorous 36-hour Chhath fast.On Kharna, women observe Nirjala Upvaas (abstaining from both food and water) from sunrise to sunset. The 36-hour fast will end on Monday, when devotees break it after offering ‘Usha Arghya’ to the rising sun. As part of the Kharna rituals, a special prasad comprising jaggery kheer and roti or puri is prepared.For Naina Kumari, a native of Chhapra, Kharna is as much about spiritual cleansing as about religious observance. “On Kharna, I abstain from all worldly pleasures and don’t watch TV or use my mobile phone for movies, songs or news. I sit in a room and chant mantras,” she said.Newlywed Sujata Singh, stepping out of the river at Laxman Mela Ground after offering arghya, said, “Today, we are invoking Surya Dev’s blessings as we prepare to begin the Chhath fast tonight.”Holding a puja thali, Chandini Raawat said devotees had gathered for the aavahan, or invocation, of Surya Dev before beginning the 36-hour fast.For Kamini Yadav, the festival brought a special family reunion. “After a long time, we have gathered at our in-laws’ home. My four sisters-in-law, mother-in-law and I will observe the fast together. We will wear our wedding outfits on the main day,” she said.
