Patna: Homes across the city were filled with the aroma of ‘gur ki kheer’ as devotees observed Kharna, the second day of Chhath, on Saturday. The ritual marked the beginning of the 36-hour nirjala fast observed by vratis after evening prayers to Chhathi Maiya.Vratis observed a day-long fast without food or water and broke it after sunset prayers with ‘rasiao’, a traditional kheer made from rice, milk and jaggery, accompanied by wheat rotis, puris and fruits. The offerings were first made to Chhathi Maiya before being shared with family members, relatives and neighbours. After Kharna, devotees began the 36-hour fast that will continue until the morning ‘arghya’ to the rising sun on Monday.For many families, Chhath is an occasion that blends devotion with tradition. Geeta, a resident of Boring Road, said her nearly 70-year-old mother-in-law is observing the festival this year, bringing the entire family together for prayers and the distribution of prasad.Meanwhile, Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has completed preparations at more than 100 Ganga ghats, including seven under the Danapur Municipal Council. Temporary ponds have been created at LCT, Rajapur Pul and Pahalwan ghats, each capable of accommodating around 500 vratis. Another temporary pond at Abdul Rahmanpur Ghat in Patna City can accommodate around 300 devotees.According to a PMC communiqué issued on Saturday, the civic body plans to organise the festival as a zero-waste event, with 43 waste segregation points set up along the ghats. Waste will be segregated into four categories for scientific processing. The arrangements include approach roads, lighting, changing rooms, watchtowers, control rooms, parking facilities and separate entry and exit routes. Double-layer barricading has also been installed to regulate crowds and enhance safety.Additionally, the district administration has deployed NDRF and SDRF teams along with trained divers at the ghats. Medical teams equipped with essential medicines, including anti-snake venom, will remain on alert. Backup generators, adequate lighting and extensive barricading have also been arranged to ensure a safe and smooth Chhath celebration for devotees.
