Kharna Puja 2025 Canada – Second Day Fasting & Prasad Guide with city‑wise sunset windows, exact Kharna vidhi, kheer–roti recipes, safety, health, FAQs, and checklists.

Kharna Puja 2025 Canada: Second Day Fasting & Prasad Guide

Kharna is the quiet turning point of Chhath. It’s Day 2, when the vrati observes a disciplined fast, breaks it at sunset with sacred prasad, and then enters the nirjala (waterless) vow until Usha Arghya. This Kharna Puja 2025 Canada: Second Day Fasting & Prasad Guide gives you Canada‑specific sunset windows for Sunday, 26 October 2025, a 3‑minute method to find your exact minute, a precise Kharna vidhi, authentic kheer–roti recipes with vegan and gluten‑free options, and food safety and health guidance for Canadian kitchens.

If you’re a fasting devotee, ritual follower, or traditional observer in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Montreal, Ottawa, Halifax, Regina, Saskatoon, or St. John’s, you’ll find timings, checklists, and day‑of timelines you can use immediately. Keep your kitchen satvik and calm, your timing exact, and your vow steady.

Table of Contents

• Kharna 2025 Canada: date, time zones, and DST
• City sunset windows for Sunday 26 October (verify locally)
• The exact‑minute method in 3 minutes
• What Kharna means: the spiritual logic of Day 2
• 10‑step Kharna vidhi (featured checklist)
• Day‑of timelines: classic home and workday versions
• Fasting rules and permitted adaptations (health‑first)
• Kheer–roti recipes: classic, vegan, gluten‑free, diabetic‑smart
• Food safety for kheer and rice (Canada guidance)
• Health, hydration, and medical considerations in Canada
• Puja samagri and kitchen setup checklists
• Apartment living, smoke alarms, and diya safety
• Cultural notes across Bihar/UP and diaspora homes
• Common mistakes to avoid on Day 2
• City case studies from across Canada
• Key statistics and authoritative Canadian sources
• Internal and external resources

Kharna 2025 Canada: date, time zones, and DST

• Kharna (Day 2): Sunday, 26 October 2025 (Canada)

Daylight Saving Time is still active in most Canadian provinces on this date. DST ends nationally on Sunday, 2 November 2025. Use your local time zone for the sunset offering:

• PDT (UTC−7): British Columbia (most of BC observes DST; check your locality)
• MDT (UTC−6): Alberta
• CDT (UTC−5): Manitoba
• EDT (UTC−4): Ontario and Quebec (most regions)
• ADT (UTC−3): Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island
• NDT (UTC−2:30): Newfoundland & Labrador (DST active)
• CST (UTC−6): Saskatchewan (most of SK is on CST year‑round; no DST)

Your Kharna prasad offering is at local sunset. Verify your exact minute and post it to your family WhatsApp the night before.

City sunset windows for Sunday 26 October (verify locally)

Use these as planning references. Always confirm your exact minute for your suburb via Government of Canada Weather (weather.gc.ca) or timeanddate on the day.

Planning buffers:

• Families: arrive at your puja spot 30–40 minutes early.
• Medium groups: 45–60 minutes early for calm setup.
• Large gatherings: 60–90 minutes to stage, brief, and cue silence.

Sources for the final minute:

• Government of Canada Weather — weather.gc.ca (sunrise/sunset)
• timeanddate — city pages

The exact‑minute method in 3 minutes

1. Open a sun‑time site

• weather.gc.ca (search your city) or timeanddate (choose your town/nearest park).

2. Select location and date

• Choose Sunday, 26 October 2025, and note the sunset time down to the minute.

3. Share and set alarms

• Post the minute in your WhatsApp/Telegram group and write it on a small card.
• Set alarms: T–40 (start setup), T–10 (quiet sankalp), T–0 (offer and break fast).

Re‑check 2–3 hours before sunset in case of any updates.

If the yard/balcony edge is slick or windy, step a few metres inward and offer facing the sun with a shallow tray/kalash. Timing and intention come first.

What Kharna means: the spiritual logic of Day 2

Kharna transforms resolve into vow. The vrati fasts through the day, keeps the home and mind satvik, then breaks the fast at sunset with prasad—kheer and ghee‑roti—offered to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. From this meal, the vrati traditionally enters nirjala until Usha Arghya on Day 4.

Core ideas:

• Satvik simplicity: purity in ingredients and intention.
• Exactness: offering at the precise minute aligns devotion and discipline.
• Continuity: Kharna’s prasad bridges fasting and the waterless vow.

Include a quiet sankalp before the offering: “Chhathi Maiya, bless our home with health, clarity, and steady light.”

10‑step Kharna vidhi (featured checklist)

1. Cleanse: Vrati bathes; kitchen and utensils are washed and kept separate.
2. Setup: Place deity image/kalash; light enclosed lamps/LEDs; arrange flowers/fruits.
3. Kheer: Simmer rice in milk (or plant milk), sweeten with gur/sugar; cardamom optional.
4. Roti: Prepare 1–3 thin ghee‑brushed rotis (millet option if gluten‑free).
5. Thali: Plate kheer, roti, bananas/apples, and a pinch of sugar/gur.
6. Sankalp: At T–10, state your vow softly and focus the mind.
7. Offer: At the exact sunset minute, offer prasad; a brief arati is optional.
8. Break: Vrati takes a small serving of kheer–roti first; distribute prasad.
9. Begin nirjala: From this point, the waterless vow starts (traditions vary by family/health).
10. Close: Extinguish lamps safely; cool/store leftovers correctly; keep a calm, satvik space.

Direction tip: If possible, face west at sunset for the offering. Keep the setup simple and smoke‑safe.

Day‑of timelines: classic home and workday versions

Classic home flow (adjust to your city’s sunset)

• 11:30–13:00: Deep clean kitchen/utensils; soak rice; grate gur if using.
• 13:00–15:00: Prep ingredients; lay out puja items; check lamp safety.
• 15:00–16:00: Bathe; vrati changes; set up deity image/kalash.
• 16:00–Sunset–60: Start kheer; keep a gentle simmer for a creamy result.
• Sunset–30 to –20: Knead/roll/roast ghee roti; plate fruits and prasad thali.
• T–10: Quiet sankalp; light lamp(s); prepare lota/kalash.
• T–0: Offer; break the fast; share prasad; begin nirjala.
• T+30: Cool and store kheer safely; tidy the space; keep the home peaceful.

Workday compression plan

• Morning: Soak rice; pre‑measure milk/sugar/gur; lay out samagri and thali.
• Afternoon: Begin kheer early on low; knead dough; confirm your sunset minute.
• Final 45 minutes: Finish roti; set prasad thali; T–10 and T–0 cues; offer and eat small portions.
• Close: Clean up; store leftovers properly; start nirjala calmly.

Fasting rules and permitted adaptations (health‑first)

Traditional baseline (consult your family panchang)

• Vrati fasts through the day, usually without water, until Kharna prasad at sunset.
• Satvik conduct: avoid onion, garlic, non‑veg, and harsh speech; keep the space pure.
• Kitchen discipline: separate, clean utensils; minimal distractions.

Permitted adaptations (compassion + medical common sense)

• Sips of water or lime water for medical conditions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or elders—after clinician advice.
• Diabetics: smaller portions, reduced sweetener, and monitoring; a clinician may permit hydration exceptions.
• If water is taken during the day, many families resume the nirjala vow after the Kharna prasad; follow your ghar ki parampara and doctor’s guidance.

Post‑Kharna

• Traditionally nirjala starts after prasad and continues until Usha Arghya on Day 4.
• Some homes allow moistening lips or mouth rinses; clarity and consistency matter more than comparison.

Kheer–roti recipes: classic, vegan, gluten‑free, diabetic‑smart

Classic rice kheer (serves 4–6)

• Ingredients: 1 L full‑fat milk, 60–80 g basmati rice (rinsed/soaked), 80–120 g grated gur or sugar, 4–5 cardamom pods, 1–2 tsp ghee (optional), pinch saffron (optional).
• Method:
  1. Simmer milk and rice on low, stirring often (35–45 minutes).
  2. Add gur/sugar; simmer 3–5 minutes more (add gur off the boil to reduce curdling).
  3. Cardamom at the end; rest 5–10 minutes; serve warm.

Ghee roti (4–6 rotis)

• Ingredients: 180–200 g atta (whole wheat), warm water, 1–2 tbsp ghee.
• Method: Knead soft dough; rest 15 minutes; roll thin; roast on tawa; brush lightly with ghee.

Vegan kheer

• Use full‑fat oat/almond milk; sweeten with sugar or vegan jaggery; fold in 1–2 tsp coconut cream for richness.
• Simmer gently; plant milks can split on high heat—keep to a low simmer.

Gluten‑free roti

• Kuttu (buckwheat) or jowar (sorghum) with a small boiled potato mash for binding; roll between parchment; roast gently.
• Brush with warm ghee or neutral oil based on family rules.

Diabetic‑smart tweaks (consult your clinician)

• Reduce sweetener; smaller kheer portion; a few seeds/nuts for satiety (if permitted).
• Monitor glucose closely; consider a dietitian’s fasting plan.

Allergen notes

• Milk allergy: choose plant milk; omit ghee; avoid cross‑contamination.
• Nut allergy: skip nuts; sanitize prep surfaces.

Food safety for kheer and rice (Canada guidance)

Rice and milk need careful handling in Canadian kitchens.

• Cool leftovers quickly: Portion kheer into shallow containers and refrigerate within 2 hours (the sooner the better). Fridge ≤4°C. Reheat only once.
• “2‑hour rule”: Perishable foods should not be at room temperature for more than 2 hours. When in doubt, throw it out.
• Separate and clean: Wash hands, sanitize surfaces, and keep raw/ready‑to‑eat items apart.
• Watch the stove: Milk can boil over; keep simmer low and steady.
• Fire‑safe lamps: Use enclosed lamps or LEDs; keep away from curtains and paper décor; keep a small bowl of water or sand nearby.

Authoritative references:

• Government of Canada – Food safety basics (storage, leftovers)
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) – Food safety at home

Health, hydration, and medical considerations in Canada

Nirjala is rigorous. Your health comes first—dharma honours wisdom and care.

Who should talk to a clinician before fasting

• People with diabetes, kidney disease, heart conditions, eating disorders.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women; elderly vratis; those on diuretics/BP meds.
• Adolescents and first‑time vratis with low BMI.

Practical safeguards

• Discuss individualized plans (including hydration exceptions) with your doctor or 811/telehealth nurse (province‑specific).
• Avoid strenuous activity from Kharna evening through Usha Arghya dawn.
• Keep warm; rest; sit if light‑headed. If chest pain, confusion, or severe dizziness occurs, stop the fast, hydrate, and seek help.

Canada health lines

• Call 811 (Telehealth/Health Link in many provinces; Health811 in Ontario, 8‑1‑1 in BC/NS/NB/etc.).
• Emergencies: call 911.

Puja samagri and kitchen setup checklists

Puja samagri

• Deity image/kalash, diya/wicks or LED tealights, matches/long lighter
• Flowers (marigold if available), incense (optional; mind smoke detectors)
• Fruits (bananas, apples), kheer bowl, ghee roti, pinch of sugar/gur

Kitchen & hygiene

• Clean, separate cookware; serving spoons; paper towels/cloths
• Food‑safe containers; compostable bags; labels for prasad tins
• Dedicated “prasad zone” on the counter; keep raw items away

Comfort & timing

• Shawl/blanket for vrati; non‑slip footwear
• Phone alarms (T–40, T–10, T–0); printed sunset minute
• Sand/water bowl for diya safety; LED lanterns for gentle light

Apartment living, smoke alarms, and diya safety

• Use enclosed lamps or LED tealights to avoid smoke alarms in condos.
• Keep incense minimal; ventilate lightly after puja.
• If using live flame, assign an adult “fire warden.”
• Place lamps away from curtains, kids’ routes, and paper décor.

Cultural notes across Bihar/UP and diaspora homes

• Sweeteners: Gur is classic in many Bihari homes; sugar is common in diaspora kitchens—both are accepted.
• Roti style: Thin phulka brushed with ghee vs. light paratha—follow family custom.
• Prasad order: Many taste kheer first, then a roti morsel; quantities are small and symbolic.
• Rotis count: Often 1, 3, or 5 are prepared; the vrati eats minimally to ease nirjala.

Diaspora realities

• Shared kitchens and community halls often require LED lamps and low‑smoke setups.
• If a temple hosts bhajans, perform Kharna at home at the exact minute; keep lamps indoors only if permitted by the venue.

Common mistakes to avoid on Day 2

• Starting kheer too late—rushing ruins texture; simmer gently.
• Leaving kheer warm for hours—cool quickly and refrigerate.
• Missing the exact minute—post it the night before and set three alarms.
• Overeating at Kharna—keep it light to prepare for nirjala.
• Unattended flames—use enclosed lamps or LEDs; keep a safety bowl ready.

City case studies from across Canada

Toronto/Mississauga (EDT)
A GTA family soaked rice at noon, started kheer at 4:30 PM, and finished rotis by 5:40 PM. They posted the weather.gc.ca sunset minute (~6:12 PM) and ran T–10/T–0 cues. With LED lamps for safety, the vrati broke the fast exactly on time; kheer cooled in shallow tins within 45 minutes.

Vancouver/Surrey (PDT)
Two households split tasks: one cooked kheer, the other roti and fruit. They used the timeanddate minute (~6:01 PM), kept incense minimal for apartment alarms, and labelled tins “vrati/family/distribution” for smooth prasad sharing.

Calgary (MDT)
Because sunset is later (~6:20–6:30 PM), they simmered kheer longer for creaminess, brushed rotis with warm ghee, and set a bench for the vrati. Nirjala began immediately after prasad; cleanup finished by 7:00 PM.

Edmonton (MDT)
A compact thali and a single “now” cue kept the offering on time (~6:12 PM). With cooler evenings, hand warmers and shawls helped the vrati stay comfortable.

Winnipeg (CDT)
A small group at home began kheer at 4:00 PM; rotis were ready by 5:20 PM. They verified ~6:07 PM on weather.gc.ca, cooled leftovers quickly, and followed the “no more than 2 hours at room temperature” practice.

Montreal (EDT)
Families placed folding stools behind a small “puja zone,” used enclosed lamps, and offered at ~5:57 PM. The vrati ate a modest portion, then transitioned to the waterless vow calmly.

Ottawa (EDT)
They posted the exact minute a day ahead and ran a T–10 quiet cue. With LED tealights and a minimal‑smoke setup, the ritual matched ~6:03 PM precisely.

Halifax (ADT)
Sunset is earlier (~5:50–6:00 PM), so they began kheer at 3:45 PM. A simple sankalp at T–10 led to a serene offering and prompt storage—no food waste.

Regina/Saskatoon (CST)
Saskatchewan’s steady CST meant one less timing concern. The group confirmed ~6:03 PM and kept the ritual indoors due to wind, facing west with a shallow tray.

St. John’s (NDT)
With the earliest sunset (~5:50–5:55 PM), a mid‑afternoon prep worked best. They used LED lanterns for calm light and posted a “leave‑no‑trace” reminder to friends.

Key statistics and authoritative Canadian sources

• Hinduism is growing in Canada; 2021 Census data shows a larger Hindu population than 2011, reflecting vibrant diaspora observances like Chhath.
  Statistics Canada — https://www.statcan.gc.ca/
• Sun times and weather verification for the exact Kharna minute.
  Government of Canada Weather — https://weather.gc.ca/
  timeanddate — https://www.timeanddate.com/
• Food safety at home (leftovers, fridge temperature, cross‑contamination).
  Government of Canada – Food safety basics — https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-safety.html
  Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) — https://inspection.canada.ca/
• Health lines and help.
  Provincial 811/telehealth services; Emergencies — 911

These references keep your Kharna precise, safe, and satvik.

Related internal guides

• Chhath Puja Mississauga 2025: Ram Mandir Festival Events Guide
• Credit River Chhath Puja 2025: Ontario Waterfront Celebrations Guide
• Chhath Puja Montreal 2025: Quebec Indian Community Celebrations Guide
• Chhath Puja Calgary 2025: Alberta Festival Celebrations & Events Guide
• Chhath Puja Vancouver 2025: BC Festival Celebrations & Community Events

Authoritative external links

• Statistics Canada — https://www.statcan.gc.ca/
• Government of Canada Weather — https://weather.gc.ca/
• timeanddate — https://www.timeanddate.com/
• Government of Canada – Food safety — https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-safety.html
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency — https://inspection.canada.ca/
• Provincial health lines (811); Emergencies — 911

FAQ section

Conclusion with CTA

Kharna Puja 2025 Canada: Second Day Fasting & Prasad Guide is your step‑by‑step plan for a serene, punctual, and safe Day 2. Verify your sunset minute, simmer kheer without rush, brush rotis with warmth, and keep the break symbolic. From that moment, carry the nirjala vow with clarity, compassion, and community support until Usha Arghya.

Next steps:

• Check your city’s sunset minute for Sunday, 26 Oct and post it to your family group.
• Print the 10‑step Kharna vidhi and kitchen safety checklist.
• Set T–40, T–10, and T–0 alarms now; lay out your samagri tonight.
• Share this guide with your local Chhath group so every home keeps Day 2 pure and on time.

May Chhathi Maiya bless every Canadian home with purity, strength, and steady light.