Chhath Devotees Observe 'Kharna'

Details: Category: More News; Created on Monday, 19 November 2012 02:56

Chhath crowd at the Ganges in Patna on Sunday.

Patna: Chhath devotees in Patna, on the second day of the festival on Monday, observed Kharna by taking the customary dip in the Ganges and observing day-long 'nirjala' fast.

In the evening, devotees broke their fast by eating 'roti' and 'kheer' prepared on the clay oven fueled by woods cut from mango trees, an old tradition associated with Bihar's most revered festival.

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Crowd at all ghats that had earlier been cleared safe by the local administration witnessed massive crowd as Chhath observers made a beeline to their favorite spots to pray the sun. Those who preferred to worship in the safety of their homes prayed the sun at makeshift tanks in their backyard or roof.

Like last year, among millions of other Biharis who are observing Chhath in Bihar was television film star Ratan Rajput who returned to Patna just to take active part in the festival.

Later, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar welcomed guests at his home at 1 Anne Marg where his relatives have gathered to observe Chhath. A number of his Cabinet members, including prominent leaders of the Muslim community, joined him in celebrating the festival while sharing the 'prasad' with the family members.