In Bihar, the ritual of Kharna is being performed today on the second day of Chhath Puja celebrations. After offering prayers to Sun God and her mother Chhati Maiya, devotees will consume Kheer and Roti as Kharna prasad. After the Kharna a 36 hours fast of devotees will begin in which they abstain water and food.
Akashvani’s correspondent reports that tomorrow, evening oblations or Sandhya Arghya will be offered to the setting Sun. The festival will culminate on 8th November with morning oblation to the rising Sun. Majority of devotees perform Chhath puja on the banks of rivers on specially decorated ghats. The festival symbolizes equality and respect without any discrimination in the society.
This year several inmates in different jails are also observing Chhath Puja. In Khudiram Central jail in Muzaffarpur several muslim inmates are observing Chhath puja inside jail premises, where a small water body has been set up by the jail administration.