Chhath Puja is one of the most important Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. The second day of Chhath Puja 2026, known as Kharna, is an important part of the four-day celebration. Devotees observe a day-long fast, prepare traditional prasad and begin a strict 36-hour nirjala vrat (fast without food or water) after evening prayers.
For Hindu families living in the United States, understanding the Kharna schedule according to local sunset times is essential for performing the rituals correctly. This guide explains the expected Kharna date, fasting schedule, puja rituals, traditional offerings and important preparations for devotees in the USA.
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By Sadhana Shop Editorial Team | Published: November 15, 2026
What Is Chhath Puja 2026 Day 2 Kharna and Why Is It Important?
Kharna is the second day of Chhath Puja 2026, observed on Panchami Tithi during the Shukla Paksha of the Hindu month of Kartik. On this day, devotees worship Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, observe a day-long fast and prepare traditional offerings before beginning the main Chhath fasting period.
Kharna holds special importance because it marks the beginning of the strict 36-hour fast, which continues until the final morning rituals of Chhath Puja. Devotees perform the rituals with devotion, cleanliness and discipline.
What Is the Religious Significance of Kharna?
The word Kharna is associated with purification, devotion and fasting. Devotees traditionally wake up early, take a bath and maintain cleanliness throughout the day. They avoid regular meals and prepare for the evening puja.
After sunset, devotees worship the Sun God and offer traditional prasad. The fast is then broken by consuming the prepared offerings. Following this meal, devotees begin the nirjala vrat, which means avoiding both food and water until the final morning Arghya.
Kharna is not simply a fasting ritual. It represents self-discipline, gratitude towards nature and prayers for the health, happiness and prosperity of family members.
Why Is Kharna Special for Hindu Families in the USA?
Hindu families living in the USA often celebrate Chhath Puja away from their hometowns and traditional communities. They arrange puja samagri, prepare homemade prasad and perform rituals according to their local sunset.
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What Is the Chhath Puja 2026 Kharna Date and Schedule in USA?
Chhath Puja 2026 Day 2 Kharna falls on Saturday, November 14, 2026, according to the commonly followed festival calendar. Kharna rituals are performed in the evening after sunset, with the exact local timing depending on the city.
The four-day festival schedule is as follows:
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November 13, 2026, Friday: Nahay Khay
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November 14, 2026, Saturday: Lohanda and Kharna
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November 15, 2026, Sunday: Sandhya Arghya
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November 16, 2026, Monday: Usha Arghya and Parana
The dates above follow the 2026 festival calendar. Devotees should confirm their local Panchang because religious timings and observance dates can differ by location.
How Do Kharna Timings Differ Across USA Cities?
The United States has multiple time zones, and sunset does not occur at the same time everywhere. Therefore, devotees in New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, California and other locations should follow their city’s local sunset.
For example, the November 14 sunset in New York is approximately 4:39 PM Eastern Standard Time. This is an illustrative city-specific reference, not a universal Kharna puja time.
Why Should Devotees Follow Local Sunset?
Chhath Puja and Shiv Chalisa rituals are closely connected with the rising and setting Sun. Following local sunset helps devotees perform their evening offerings according to their geographical location rather than copying Indian timings.
How to Perform Kharna Puja Rituals at Home in USA?
Performing Kharna at home is possible when devotees maintain traditional practices and prepare the necessary ingredients in advance. Families can arrange a clean prayer space and prepare prasad using traditional methods.
Step-by-Step Kharna Puja Vidhi
The following are the main steps devotees generally follow during Kharna:
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Morning purification: Wake up early, take a bath and clean the home and puja area.
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Day-long fasting: Observe the traditional fast throughout the day according to family customs.
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Prasad preparation: Prepare traditional offerings using clean utensils and ingredients.
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Evening worship: Worship Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya after sunset.
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Prasad offering: Offer the prepared food as bhog before breaking the fast.
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Beginning the nirjala vrat: After consuming Kharna prasad, begin the strict fast that continues until Usha Arghya.
What Food Is Prepared During Kharna?
Kharna prasad is traditionally prepared with great care. The food is usually simple, vegetarian and prepared without regular table salt.
Some common offerings include:
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Gur wali kheer (jaggery-based rice pudding).
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Roti or chapati.
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Bananas and seasonal fruits.
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Pure homemade prasad.
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Clean drinking water for puja arrangements.
Why Is Gur Ki Kheer Important?
Gur ki kheer is one of the most popular Kharna offerings. It is generally prepared using rice, milk and jaggery. The preparation is considered sacred, and devotees take special care to maintain cleanliness while cooking.
What Should Devotees Prepare for Chhath Puja 2026 in USA?
Celebrating Chhath Puja in the USA requires some advance planning, especially for families who cannot easily access traditional ingredients. Preparing the puja essentials early makes the celebration more organised.
Devotees can arrange bamboo baskets, soop, fruits, sugarcane, coconuts, diyas, incense sticks, flowers and other traditional puja materials.
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How Can Devotees Maintain Traditional Practices Abroad?
Families can preserve Chhath traditions by involving children in prasad preparation, explaining the significance of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, and performing rituals together.
Devotees can also recite traditional prayers during their worship. Some families include the Shiv Chalisa in their regular devotional routine, although it is not a compulsory Kharna ritual. The primary worship during Chhath remains dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.
What Is the Connection Between Chhath Puja and Dev Uthani Ekadashi?
Dev Uthani Ekadashi and Chhath Puja are two important Hindu observances celebrated during the Kartik month. Both have significant religious importance, but their rituals and purposes are different.
Dev Uthani Ekadashi marks the traditional awakening of Lord Vishnu after his four-month cosmic rest, known as Chaturmas. Devotees observe fasting, offer prayers and celebrate the beginning of an auspicious period for religious and ceremonial activities.
Chhath Puja, on the other hand, is dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. Its main focus is gratitude, purity, fasting and offering Arghya to the rising and setting Sun.
Why Are These Festivals Important in Hindu Tradition?
Both festivals encourage devotion, self-discipline and spiritual awareness. While Dev Uthani Ekadashi focuses on Lord Vishnu, Chhath Puja celebrates the life-giving energy of the Sun.
Understanding their individual significance helps devotees follow the correct rituals without confusing their dates or religious practices.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja 2026 Day 2 Kharna is an important occasion for Hindu devotees living in the USA. Observed on November 14, 2026, it marks the beginning of the strict 36-hour fasting period and includes traditional prayers, homemade prasad and worship of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. Since sunset varies across American cities, devotees should follow their local Panchang for accurate timings.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When Is Chhath Puja 2026 Day 2 Kharna in USA?
Chhath Puja 2026 Day 2 Kharna is observed on Saturday, November 14, 2026. Devotees observe a day-long fast and perform evening rituals after local sunset. The exact puja timing depends on the city and its local Panchang.
2. What Is the Kharna Timing in USA?
Kharna puja is generally performed after sunset. However, sunset timings differ between New York, Chicago, Houston, California and other American cities. Devotees should check their local sunset and follow the appropriate regional Panchang for accurate ritual timings.
3. What Food Is Prepared on Kharna Day?
Traditional Kharna prasad includes gur ki kheer, roti, bananas and seasonal fruits. The food is prepared with devotion using clean utensils and traditional ingredients. After offering the prasad to the deity, devotees break their day-long fast.
4. How Long Is the Chhath Puja Fast After Kharna?
After completing Kharna rituals and consuming prasad, devotees begin a strict nirjala fast. This fast generally continues for approximately 36 hours until the final morning offering, known as Usha Arghya, is completed.
5. Can Chhath Puja Be Celebrated at Home in USA?
Yes, families can celebrate Chhath Puja at home in the USA by arranging traditional puja materials, preparing homemade prasad and following the prescribed rituals. Devotees can also perform prayers near a suitable clean water body, following local safety and family customs.
6. What Is the Connection Between Dev Uthani Ekadashi and Chhath Puja?
Dev Uthani Ekadashi marks the traditional awakening of Lord Vishnu after Chaturmas, while Chhath Puja is dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. Both festivals are important Hindu observances during the Kartik period but have different rituals and religious significance.
7. How Does Sadhana Shop Help Devotees Celebrate Chhath Puja?
Sadhana Shop helps devotees stay connected with Hindu traditions through devotional products and spiritual essentials. Families can explore suitable products for their prayer routines and religious celebrations while preparing for festivals such as Chhath Puja.
About the Author
The Sadhana Shop Editorial Team creates informative content about Hindu festivals, spiritual traditions, devotional practices and religious celebrations. The team aims to help readers understand important Hindu rituals and celebrate festivals while staying connected with their cultural and spiritual roots.
