Kharna Puja 2025 USA: Second Day Fasting & Prasad Preparation Guide with city sunset windows, exact Kharna vidhi, kheer–roti recipes, safety, health, and checklists.

Kharna Puja 2025 USA: Second Day Fasting & Prasad Preparation Guide

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

You’ll also get day‑of timelines for busy households, apartment lamp safety, printable checklists, and answers to the most asked questions (water sips, diabetics, kids/elders, working vratis). Keep your kitchen satvik and calm, your timing exact, and your vow steady.

Table of Contents

• Kharna 2025 USA: date, time zones, and DST
• City sunset windows for Sunday, October 26 (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 (US guidance)
• Health and medical considerations in the USA
• Puja samagri and kitchen setup checklists
• Apartment living, smoke alarms, and diya safety (US tips)
• Cultural notes across Bihar/UP and diaspora homes
• Common mistakes to avoid on Day 2
• City case studies from across the USA
• Key statistics and authoritative US sources
• Internal and external resources

Kharna 2025 USA: date, time zones, and DST

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

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is still active in most US states on this date. DST ends the following Sunday, November 2, 2025. Use your local time zone for the sunset offering:

• Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC−4)
• Central Daylight Time (CDT, UTC−5)
• Mountain Daylight Time (MDT, UTC−6) and Arizona on MST (UTC−7)
• Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, UTC−7)
• Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT, UTC−8)
• Hawaii Standard Time (HST, UTC−10; no DST)

Your Kharna prasad offering is at local sunset on October 26. Verify your exact minute and post it to your family/mandir group the night before.

City sunset windows for Sunday, October 26 (verify locally)

Use these as planning references. Always confirm your exact minute for your neighborhood via the National Weather Service 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 volunteers, and cue silence.

Sources for the final minute:

• National Weather Service (NWS) – local offices
• timeanddate – city pages

The exact‑minute method in 3 minutes

1. Open a sun‑time site

• timeanddate (choose your city/nearest park) or NWS local office sunrise/sunset.

2. Select location and date

• Sunday, October 26, 2025; note the exact sunset 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/break fast).

Re‑check 2–3 hours before sunset in case of weather or visibility updates.

If your yard/balcony edge is slick or windy, step a few feet 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 sacred meal onward, the vrati traditionally begins nirjala (no food or water) until Usha Arghya on Day 4.

Core ideas:

• Satvik simplicity: pure ingredients, gentle flavors, and a calm atmosphere.
• Exactness: one precise minute aligns attention, intention, and devotion.
• Continuity: Kharna bridges fasting (upvaas) to nirjala with gratitude and steadiness.

Optional sankalp line:

• “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 cleaned and kept separate.
2. Setup: Place deity image/kalash; light enclosed lamps/LED tealights; 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 quietly; center the mind.
7. Offer: At the exact sunset minute, offer prasad; a brief aarti is optional.
8. Break: Vrati takes a small serving first; distribute prasad to family.
9. Begin nirjala: From now, the waterless vow begins (traditions and health needs vary).
10. Close: Extinguish lamps safely; cool/store leftovers correctly; keep a calm satvik space.

Direction tip: If possible, face west (sunset) during the offering. Keep the setup simple, steady, and smoke‑safe.

Day‑of timelines: classic home and workday versions

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

• 11:30–1:00 PM: Deep clean kitchen/utensils; soak rice; grate gur if using.
• 1:00–3:00 PM: Prep ingredients; lay out puja samagri; check lamp safety.
• 3:00–4:00 PM: Bathe; vrati changes; set up deity image/kalash.
• Sunset–90 to –60: Start kheer; simmer low for creaminess.
• Sunset–40 to –20: Knead/roll/roast ghee roti; plate fruits and prasad thali.
• T–10: Quiet sankalp; light lamp(s); ready lota/kalash.
• T–0: Offer; break the fast; share prasad; begin nirjala.
• T+30: Cool/store kheer safely; tidy; 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/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 noise/distractions.

Permitted adaptations (compassion + medical wisdom)

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

Post‑Kharna

• Traditionally, nirjala starts immediately and continues until Usha Arghya on Day 4.
• Some homes allow moistening lips or a gentle mouth rinse; be consistent with your tradition.

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

Classic rice kheer (serves 4–6)

• Ingredients: 1 L (about 4¼ cups) whole 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. Add cardamom; 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 a tawa/griddle; 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 if overheated—keep heat low.

Gluten‑free roti

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

Diabetic‑smart tweaks (consult your clinician)

• Reduce sweetener; smaller kheer portion; add a small sprinkle of seeds/nuts for satiety (if permitted).
• Monitor glucose; 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 and tools.

Food safety for kheer and rice (US guidance)

Rice and milk need careful handling to avoid foodborne illness.

• Chill quickly: Portion kheer into shallow containers and refrigerate promptly—within 2 hours (within 1 hour if room temp is above 90°F/32°C). Keep fridge at or below 40°F (4°C).
• Reheat safely: Reheat leftovers only once and until steaming hot (165°F/74°C). When in doubt, throw it out.
• “Danger Zone” reminder: Perishable foods between 40°F and 140°F can grow bacteria rapidly—limit time in this range.
• Clean and separate: Wash hands, sanitize surfaces, and keep raw/ready‑to‑eat items apart. Use clean ladles for prasad.
• Stove & flame safety: Milk boils over easily—simmer low and stir. Keep lamps away from curtains and paper décor; have a small bowl of water/sand nearby.

Authoritative references:

• USDA Food Safety & Inspection Service (FSIS) – Leftovers & Food Safety
• FDA – Food Safety for Consumers
• CDC – Food Safety

Health and medical considerations in the USA

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

Who should consult a clinician before fasting

• People with diabetes, kidney disease, heart conditions, or eating disorders.
• Pregnant/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 nurse line.
• 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.

Emergency numbers (US)

• Emergencies: 911
• Non‑emergency medical advice: your insurer’s nurse line or local clinic; many states offer 211 resource lines for community services.

Puja samagri and kitchen setup checklists

Puja samagri

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

Kitchen & hygiene

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

Comfort & timing

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

Apartment living, smoke alarms, and diya safety (US tips)

• Open flames: Many apartment leases/HOAs restrict or ban open flames (candles) on balconies and in common areas. Use enclosed lamps or LED tealights indoors.
• Smoke detectors: Keep incense minimal; ventilate lightly after puja; avoid placing lamps directly under detectors.
• Fire safety: Assign an adult as “fire warden.” Keep flames away from curtains and children’s routes; never leave lamps unattended.
• Community rooms/temples: Confirm their lamp policy; many allow LEDs only.

When in doubt, choose LED tealights—the devotion is in your intention and timing, not the size of the flame.

Cultural notes across Bihar/UP and diaspora homes

• Sweeteners: Gur (jaggery) 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 symbolic.
• Rotis count: Often 1, 3, or 5 are prepared; the vrati eats minimally to ease nirjala.

Diaspora realities

• Shared kitchens or community halls often require LED lamps and low‑smoke setups.
• If a temple hosts bhajans on Day 2, perform Kharna at home at the sunset minute; attend satsang before/after if timings allow.

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 safely.
• Missing the exact minute—post it the night before and set three alarms.
• Overeating at Kharna—keep it small and symbolic to prepare for nirjala.
• Unattended flames—use enclosed lamps or LEDs; keep a safety bowl ready.

City case studies from across the USA

New Jersey (Edison/Iselin, EDT)
Families soaked rice at noon, started kheer at 4:30 PM, and finished rotis by 5:40 PM. They posted the timeanddate minute (~6:08 PM) and ran T–10/T–0 cues. With LED lamps for safety, the vrati broke the fast exactly on time.

Bay Area (Fremont/San Jose, PDT)
Two households split tasks: one handled kheer, the other rotis and fruit. They used the exact minute (~6:20 PM), kept incense minimal for apartment alarms, and labelled tins “vrati/family/distribution” for smooth prasad sharing.

Dallas (Plano/Irving, CDT)
Because sunset is closer to ~6:45 PM, they simmered kheer longer for creaminess, brushed rotis with warm ghee, and set a bench for the vrati. Nirjala began right after prasad; cleanup finished by 7:10 PM.

Chicago (Schaumburg, Naperville, CDT)
A compact thali and a single “now” cue kept the offering on time (~5:58–6:03 PM). With cool air, hand warmers and shawls kept the vrati comfortable.

Atlanta (Alpharetta, Johns Creek, EDT)
Families placed folding stools behind a small “puja zone,” used enclosed lamps, and offered around ~6:55 PM. The vrati ate a modest portion, then transitioned into the waterless vow.

Seattle (Bellevue, Redmond, PDT)
They posted the minute (~6:05 PM) a day early and ran a T–10 quiet cue. LED tealights and a minimal‑smoke setup kept the ritual serene.

Phoenix (Chandler, MST)
Arizona’s no‑DST time makes planning simple. The group confirmed ~5:43 PM and moved indoors due to breeze, facing west with a shallow tray for the offering.

Honolulu (HST)
With sunset near ~6:00 PM, a mid‑afternoon prep worked best. LED lanterns created a calm light and a leave‑no‑trace cleanup took 10 minutes.

Key statistics and authoritative US sources

• Hinduism is growing in the USA, with active diaspora communities celebrating festivals like Chhath across major metros.
  Pew Research Center – Religious Landscape Study — https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/religious-landscape-study/
• Sun times and weather verification for your exact Kharna minute.
  National Weather Service (NWS) — https://www.weather.gov/
  timeanddate — https://www.timeanddate.com/
• Food safety at home (leftovers, fridge temperature, cross‑contamination).
  USDA FSIS — https://www.fsis.usda.gov/
  FDA Food Safety — https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers
  CDC Food Safety — https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/
• Fire safety and candle guidance.
  National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) — https://www.nfpa.org/

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

Related internal guides

• Illinois Chhath Puja 2025 – Chicago Lake Michigan Celebrations
• Virginia Chhath Puja 2025 – DC Metro Area River Celebrations
• Texas Chhath Puja 2025 – Dallas Houston Community Events Guide
• New York Chhath Puja 2025 – Queens Flushing Meadows Celebrations
• New Jersey Chhath Puja 2025: Edison Papaianni Park Celebrations

Authoritative external links

• Pew Research — https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/religious-landscape-study/
• NWS — https://www.weather.gov/
• timeanddate — https://www.timeanddate.com/
• USDA FSIS — https://www.fsis.usda.gov/
• FDA — https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers
• CDC — https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/
• NFPA — https://www.nfpa.org/

FAQ section

Conclusion with CTA

Kharna Puja 2025 USA is your moment of focus—discipline forged into vow at one exact sunset minute. With DST still active and clear city windows, your best plan is simple: verify your minute, simmer kheer without rush, brush rotis with warmth, keep lamps safe (LED if needed), 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 Sun, Oct 26 and post it to your family group.
• Print the 10‑step Kharna vidhi and the 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 US home with purity, strength, and steady light.