Kharna Chhath 2025 UK – Day 2 fasting & breaking rules: exact UK sunset windows, step‑by‑step vidhi, prasad recipes, health/safety, FAQs, and checklists.

Kharna Chhath 2025 UK: Day 2 Fasting & Breaking Rules Guide

Kharna is the heart of discipline in the Chhath cycle—the silent day of resolve that begins the vrati’s journey into the final, waterless fast. If you’re a fasting devotee, a traditional follower, or a meticulous organiser in the UK, this Kharna Chhath 2025 UK – Day 2 Fasting & Breaking Rules Guide gives you everything you need: the exact day and sunset windows after the clock change, a precise step-by-step vidhi, what you can and cannot do while fasting and when breaking it, prasad recipes (kheer–roti) with dietary adaptations, and UK-specific health and safety tips.

You’ll also get time-saving checklists, timelines for busy households, food hygiene guidance for kheer and thekua, and practical answers to the most asked Kharna questions (water sips, kids and elders, diabetics, working devotees). Use this to keep the ritual pure, the kitchen calm, and the timing exact—so Day 2 flows into the nirjala vow with clarity.

Table of Contents

• UK date, clock change, and sunset windows for Kharna
• Kharna meaning and the spiritual logic of Day 2
• Day 2 timeline (home and workday versions)
• Fasting rules on Kharna: what’s prescribed and what’s allowed
• Breaking the fast correctly: complete Kharna vidhi
• Kheer–roti: authentic recipes + vegan/gluten-free options
• Kitchen hygiene and food safety (UK guidance)
• Health, hydration, and medical considerations
• Puja samagri and setup checklist
• Cultural nuances across regions (Bihar, UP, diaspora)
• Practical planning for UK homes (space, smoke, fire safety)
• Common mistakes to avoid on Day 2
• Case studies from UK families
• Key statistics and authoritative sources
• Internal and external resources

UK date, clock change, and sunset windows for Kharna

• Kharna (Day 2): Sunday, 26 October 2025 (UK clock change occurs at 02:00 on 26 Oct—clocks go back to 01:00; the evening Kharna puja is in GMT)

Approximate Kharna sunset reference windows (verify on the day):

• London & South East: ~16:45–16:55 GMT
• West Midlands (Birmingham/Coventry): ~16:45–16:55 GMT
• East Midlands (Leicester/Nottingham/Derby): ~16:45–16:55 GMT
• North West (Manchester/Liverpool): ~16:50–17:00 GMT
• Yorkshire & Humber (Leeds/Bradford/Sheffield): ~16:45–16:55 GMT
• Wales (Cardiff/Newport): ~16:50–17:00 GMT
• Scotland (Glasgow/Edinburgh): ~16:40–16:55 GMT
• Northern Ireland (Belfast): ~16:50–17:00 GMT

How to finalise your exact minute

• Check timeanddate or the Met Office for your town/park on Sun 26 Oct.
• Post the exact sunset minute to your family/group the night before.
• Set phone alarms: T–40 (start puja setup), T–10 (quiet sankalp), T–0 (offer, break the fast).

Sources:

• timeanddate – UK sun times
• Met Office – sunrise/sunset

Kharna meaning and the spiritual logic of Day 2

Kharna is the moment when restraint ripens into resolve. The vrati observes a day-long upvaas (typically without water), then breaks the fast at sunset with a sanctified, simple prasad—kheer (milk–rice pudding, often sweetened with gur) and ghee‑smeared roti—offered to Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev. From this meal onward begins the nirjala (waterless) vow through Day 3 evening and Day 4 dawn. The sequence encodes discipline (fast), purity (satvik prasad), and endurance (nirjala)—a progression from intention to embodiment.

Core principles

• Satvik simplicity over lavish spreads.
• Cleanliness of body, kitchen, and intention.
• Exact timing at sunset—discipline meets devotion.

Day 2 timeline (home and workday versions)

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

• 11:30–13:00: Deep clean of kitchen/utensils; soak rice; grate gur if using.
• 13:00–15:00: Prep prasad ingredients (kheer mise en place, dough).
• 15:00–16:00: Bathe; vrati changes into clean, modest clothing; set up puja space.
• 16:00–16:30: Begin cooking kheer; slow simmer to thicken.
• 16:30–16:40: Roll/roast ghee roti; plate fruits.
• T–10 (e.g., 16:40): Quiet sankalp; light lamp(s); prepare for offering.
• T–0 (e.g., 16:50): Offer prasad; vrati breaks the fast with kheer–roti.
• 17:15–17:45: Clean up; store leftovers safely; begin nirjala vow.

Workday compression plan

• 07:00: Soak rice; grate gur; pre‑measure milk/sugar.
• 12:30: Quick clean of cooking area; layout thali; confirm exact sunset minute.
• 15:30: Start kheer (low simmer); knead dough; set fruits/flowers.
• 16:30: Finish roti; plate prasad; T–10 sankalp; T–0 offering.
• Post‑puja: Traditional sharing, then immediate cleanup and safe storage.

Fasting rules on Kharna: what’s prescribed and what’s allowed

Traditional baseline (consult your family’s tradition)

• Vrati fasts the whole day, typically without water (up to the Kharna prasad).
• No grains, fruits, or sips before Kharna prasad; satvik purity in thoughts and conduct.
• Kitchen and utensils kept separate/clean; non‑veg, onion, garlic avoided.

Permissible adaptations (family/tradition/health dependent)

• Sips of water or plain lime water during the day for medical conditions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or elderly vratis (consult doctor).
• Diabetics may adjust sweetener and portion sizes; see Health section below.
• If water is taken during day, resume the nirjala vow after the Kharna prasad (unless medically advised otherwise—health first).

Post‑Kharna rule

• Once Kharna prasad is taken, the nirjala fast begins—no water or food until Usha Arghya concludes on Day 4 (traditional).
• Some families allow moistening lips or mouth rinses; follow your ghar ki parampara (house tradition) and health needs.

Conduct and environment

• Calm, clean, satvik home atmosphere.
• Keep media/noise minimal; bhajans/Chhath geet are appropriate.
• Maintain kindness and restraint; avoid anger or harsh speech.

Breaking the fast correctly: complete Kharna vidhi

The aim is a precise, pure, and peaceful offering at the sunset minute.

Featured Snippet: 10-step Kharna vidhi

1. Cleanse: Vrati bathes; kitchen and utensils washed and kept separate.
2. Setup: Place deity image/kalash; light enclosed lamps; arrange satvik flowers/fruits.
3. Kheer: Simmer rice in milk (or plant milk), sweeten with gur/sugar; cardamom optional.
4. Roti: Prepare 1–3 thin ghee‑smeared rotis (or millet roti if gluten‑free).
5. Thali: Plate kheer, roti, fruits (banana, apple), a pinch of sugar/gur; keep water separate.
6. Sankalp: At T–10, state your vow softly—gratitude, resolve, and specific prayers.
7. Offer: At the exact sunset minute, offer prasad to Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev; a short arati is optional.
8. Break: Vrati eats a small, mindful portion of kheer–roti first; distribute prasad to family.
9. Nirjala begins: From the end of the prasad, the waterless vow starts (traditional).
10. Close: Extinguish lamps safely; store leftovers; keep the house calm and satvik.

Direction and posture

• Face west at sunset if possible (traditionally aligned to the setting sun), seated or standing reverently.
• Keep the offering area uncluttered and smoke‑safe.

Kheer–roti: authentic recipes + vegan/gluten-free options

Classic rice kheer (serves 4–6)

• Ingredients: 1 L whole milk, 60–80 g basmati rice (rinsed/soaked), 80–120 g gur (or sugar), 4–5 green cardamom pods, 1–2 tsp ghee (optional), few chopped nuts (optional if allowed).
• Method:
  1. Bring milk to simmer; add rice; stir to prevent sticking.
  2. Simmer 35–45 minutes on low until creamy.
  3. Add grated gur/sugar; simmer 3–5 minutes more (add gur off the boil to avoid curdling).
  4. Cardamom at the end; rest 5–10 minutes; serve warm.

Ghee roti (phulka/paratha style; 4–6 rotis)

• Ingredients: 180–200 g atta (whole wheat flour), warm water to knead, 1–2 tbsp ghee, pinch of salt (optional).
• Method: Knead soft dough (10–12 min); rest 15 min; roll thin; roast both sides on tawa; brush lightly with ghee.

Vegan kheer

• Swap milk with full‑fat oat or almond milk; use sugar or vegan jaggery; add 1–2 tsp coconut cream for richness.
• Note: Plant milks may thicken differently; simmer gently to avoid splitting.

Gluten‑free roti

• Use kuttu (buckwheat) or jowar (sorghum) flour mixed with a touch of boiled potato for binding; roll between parchment; roast gently.

Diabetic‑smart tweaks (discuss with clinician)

• Reduce sweetener; use smaller portion of kheer; add a tiny sprinkle of chopped nuts for satiety (if permitted).
• Monitor sugars closely; consider a dietitian’s input before starting the vow.

Allergen notes

• Milk allergy: use plant milk; avoid ghee; ensure no cross‑contamination.
• Nut allergy: omit nuts; keep prep area strictly nut‑free.

Kitchen hygiene and food safety (UK guidance)

• Rice safety: Cool leftover kheer rapidly (within 1 hour) and refrigerate; reheat only once. Cooked rice can harbour Bacillus cereus if left warm too long.
• Hand hygiene: Wash hands before handling prasad; keep raw/ready‑to‑eat separate.
• Milk handling: Keep milk chilled until use; avoid boiling over; wipe spills to prevent scorching odour.
• Fire safety: Use enclosed lamps or tealights; keep away from curtains; have a sand/water bowl ready.

Authoritative guidance:

• Food Standards Agency (FSA) – chilling and leftovers
• NHS – food safety and hand hygiene basics

Health, hydration, and medical considerations

Nirjala after Kharna is rigorous. Prioritise wellbeing—dharma honours wisdom and care.

Who should seek medical advice before the vow

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

Practical safeguards

• Discuss a tailored plan with your GP if needed; consider supervised hydration exceptions.
• Avoid strenuous activity Day 2 evening through Day 4 dawn.
• Rest adequately; keep warm; use hand warmers; sit when light‑headed.

If symptoms arise (dizziness, chest pain, confusion)

• Stop the fast; hydrate sensibly; seek urgent medical advice (NHS 111 or 999 for emergencies).
• Compassion and prudence are part of dharma—health comes first.

Puja samagri and setup checklist

Puja

• Deity image/kalash, diya and wicks, matches/long lighter
• Flowers (marigold preferred), incense (optional, watch smoke alarms)
• Fruits (banana, apple, seasonal), thekua (optional if already prepared)
• Kheer in a clean bowl, ghee roti, a pinch of sugar/gur

Kitchen & hygiene

• Separate, cleaned cookware and ladles
• Paper towels/cloths; food‑safe storage containers
• Compostable waste bags; clean serving spoons

Comfort & safety

• Shawl/blanket for the vrati, non‑slip footwear
• Enclosed lamps/LED tealights; sand/water bowl for safety
• Phone alarms (T–40, T–10, T–0); power bank

Cultural nuances across regions (Bihar, UP, diaspora)

• Sweetener choice: Gur (jaggery) is traditional in many Bihari homes; sugar is common too.
• Roti style: Some prefer thin ghee phulkas; others use paratha‑style with brushed ghee.
• Prasad order: Many vratis taste kheer first, then a morsel of ghee roti; follow your family custom.
• Count of rotis: Often odd numbers (1, 3, 5) are prepared; the vrati eats minimally.

Diaspora realities

• Flats with smoke alarms favour LED lamps over open flame.
• Shared kitchens: request a quiet, clean slot; keep samagri separate and labelled.
• If you attend temple bhajans: complete Kharna at home; avoid doing prasad service inside sanctums unless arranged by the mandir.

Practical planning for UK homes (space, smoke, fire safety)

• Smoke alarms: Keep incense minimal; use enclosed lamps; ventilate lightly after puja.
• Worktop management: Dedicate a clean “prasad zone”; keep raw surfaces away.
• Kids and pets: Set boundaries kindly; create a calm corner for the vrati.
• Sharing prasad: Use small reusable tins; label for neighbours/friends.

Common mistakes to avoid on Day 2

• Starting kheer too late—rushing spoils texture; simmer low and slow.
• Letting kheer sit warm for hours—cool rapidly, refrigerate.
• Missing the exact sunset minute—post it the night before; set three alarms.
• Overeating at the break—keep it symbolic and light to prepare for nirjala.
• Using strong, smoky diyas indoors—opt for enclosed lamps/LEDs.

Case studies from UK families

Leicester family, tight schedule

• They pre‑soaked rice at 11:00, bathed and set up by 15:00, and started kheer at 15:05. With rotis finished by 16:30 and T–10 sankalp at 16:40, the vrati broke the fast at 16:50 precisely. A rapid cool‑down of kheer into shallow containers prevented waste.

Manchester apartment, smoke‑aware setup

• In a compact kitchen, they used LED lamps, simmered kheer on induction, and plated prasad near a window without drafts. The offering matched 16:54, and cleanup finished by 17:25—stress‑free and safe.

London elder‑friendly approach

• The vrati was 68 with diabetes; the GP approved small‑portion kheer with reduced sugar and allowed water sips during the day. The family ran the exact ritual at 16:49 and transitioned into a modified fast with close monitoring—devotion with prudence.

Glasgow community pair‑up

• Two households combined: one handled kheer, the other roti and fruit. They shared a single puja space, kept the ritual simple at 16:47, and the vrati began the vow with peace and warmth.

Key statistics and authoritative sources

• Hindus in England & Wales: ~1.0 million (2021 Census)—strong festival participation across UK cities.
  Office for National Statistics — https://www.ons.gov.uk/
• UK food safety guidance (leftovers, chilling, rice safety).
  Food Standards Agency — https://www.food.gov.uk/
• NHS guidance on fasting and when to seek help.
  NHS — https://www.nhs.uk/
• Sun times and UK clock change tools for exact Kharna timing.
  timeanddate — https://www.timeanddate.com/
  Met Office — https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

These links help you verify timing and keep Day 2 safe and satvik.

Related internal guides

• Chhath Puja UK Temples 2025 – Hindu Mandir Celebrations Guide
• Chhath Puja Arghya 2025 UK: Sunset & Sunrise Prayer Guide
• Leeds Chhath Puja 2025: Yorkshire Bihar Community Celebrations Guide
• Birmingham Chhath Puja 2025 – West Midlands Community Events
• Chhath Puja London 2025 – Events & Community Celebrations

Authoritative external links

• Office for National Statistics — https://www.ons.gov.uk/
• Food Standards Agency — https://www.food.gov.uk/
• NHS — https://www.nhs.uk/
• timeanddate — https://www.timeanddate.com/
• Met Office — https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

FAQ section

Conclusion with CTA

Kharna Chhath 2025 UK is the quiet turning point—discipline forged into a vow at sunset. With the UK on GMT for Day 2, your best plan is simple: verify your exact sunset minute, prepare a clean, satvik kitchen, simmer kheer without rush, and keep the break symbolic. From that moment, the nirjala phase begins—carry it with calm, warmth, and community support.

Next steps:

• Check your city’s sunset for Sun 26 Oct and post the minute to your group.
• Print a one‑page Kharna checklist for the kitchen.
• Prep ingredients today; set T–40, T–10, T–0 alarms.
• Share this guide with your family/mandir group so Day 2 is serene and exact.

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