The second day of Chhath Puja, known as Kharna, has a significant and direct impact on the economy, primarily by driving local consumption and reinforcing supply chains for traditional goods. While the economic effects unfold throughout the entire four-day festival, Kharna marks the point where extensive preparation and specialized buying begin. The day's economic ripple effect 1. Boost for local vendors and markets The main rituals of Kharna revolve around the preparation of a sacred meal, which includes jaggery kheer and roti, cooked in new earthen or brass pots. This drives demand for several goods, directly benefiting local businesses: Artisans and cottage industries: Potters who craft the earthen stoves (chulha) and new utensils, along with basket weavers who make the traditional soop and daala, see a surge in income. For many, this festival period is a critical source of annual livelihood. Agricultural producers: Farmers benefit from the high demand for specific produce used in the offerings, such as sugarcane, banana, sweet potato, and radishes. The spending on these items provides a significant income boost to rural economies. Grocery and retail shops: A wide variety of other ingredients and materials—including new rice, jaggery, milk, and mango wood for the fire—are purchased, leading to increased sales for both small and large retailers. 2. Increased consumer spending The start of dedicated puja preparations, and especially the Kharna meal, prompts significant household spending. While the fasting and ritualistic nature of the day emphasizes austerity for the devotee, the economic activity around it is substantial and includes: Food and provisions: Families buy the specific ingredients needed for the Kharna prasad and other festival-related foods. Apparel: Many families also purchase new, traditional clothing for the festival. This boosts the sales for tailors and cloth merchants. Puja essentials: The demand for other ritualistic items, such as lamps, incense, and sindoor, also increases dramatically. 3. Economic impact of migration The second day of Chhath Puja reinforces the festival's unique economic impact related to migration. Remittances: Many migrants living outside their home state send money to their families to cover festival expenses. This influx of cash directly benefits local economies in states like Bihar and Jharkhand. Return migration: The approach of Kharna means a continued influx of millions of people who have returned home for the festival. This drives business in the transportation and hospitality sectors, even creating temporary price surges in train and bus fares. The big picture While the specific rituals of Kharna focus on spiritual purification, the broader economic impact is part of a larger trend that spans the entire festival. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has previously reported massive nationwide trade figures—in the range of billions of dollars—connected to the Chhath festivities, with demand reaching its peak during the days of Kharna and the subsequent Arghya offerings. The festival is a prime example of how cultural practices can become a powerful driver of commerce and a lifeline for local livelihoods.
Today is second day of Chhath Puja, known as Kharna. On this day, devotees observe a fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from both food and water. The fast is broken only after making offerings to the Sun God at sunset.
Festivals generate significant direct economic benefits through visitor spending on accommodation, food, transportation, and retail. Indirect economic effects include job creation, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced destination branding.
Physical Health: Sun exposure during Chhath Puja enhances immune function, promotes vitamin D synthesis, and supports cellular health. Fasting aids detoxification, while water immersion reduces stress and inflammation. Mental Clarity: Ritualistic meditation and sun exposure calm the mind, fostering emotional stability.
According to the Mahabharat, the first Chhath Puja was performed by Suryaputra Karna, the mighty warrior of Mahabharata. Born to Kunti and blessed by the Sun God himself, Karna used to stand in water for hours, offering Arghya to Surya Dev, praying for strength, honor, and light.
The second day of Chhath Puja is called Kharna or Lohanda. On this day, devotees keep a day-long fast and conclude it with a prasad of Rasiya (kheer prepared with jaggery) and chapati. Salt is not consumed on this day and only one meal is eaten, after which the 36-hour Chhath Puja fast begins. Chhath Puja is one of the most spiritually profound festivals in India, rooted in purity, discipline, and gratitude. It is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and his sister Chhathi Maiya, who is believed to grant health, longevity, and prosperity to devotees and their families.
The story behind Chhath Puja is rooted in both the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and also has connections to an ancient king and post-harvest gratitude. According to the Ramayana, Goddess Sita performed the first Chhath rituals after returning to Ayodhya, and in the Mahabharata, the Pandavas and Draupadi performed it to regain their kingdom. Another legend connects the festival to Karna, the son of the Sun God, who is said to have worshipped the sun while standing in the water. Stories from the epics Ramayana: After returning from exile, Lord Rama was advised to atone for killing the Brahmin Ravana. It is believed that Goddess Sita performed the Chhath Puja rituals by offering arghya to the setting and rising sun, which is why some local temples in Munger, Bihar, claim to be the site of the first Chhath Puja. Mahabharata: According to this legend, Draupadi and the Pandavas performed Chhath Puja during their exile. On the advice of the sage Dhaumya, Draupadi observed the rituals to seek blessings for the return of their lost kingdom. Her devotion is said to have helped the Pandavas regain their kingdom. Other legends and connections Karna: Mythology states that Karna, the son of the Sun God, always worshipped the sun and performed the rituals that are now part of Chhath Puja. King Mahabali: Some ancient texts suggest that the festival was also celebrated by King Mahabali. Gratitude for harvest: Chhath Puja also has a connection to agriculture. It is seen as a way of showing gratitude for a bountiful harvest, particularly rice, which is harvested around this time.
Commerce world with Professionals and Economy
The second day of Chhath Puja, known as Kharna, has a significant and direct impact on the economy, primarily by driving local consumption and reinforcing supply chains for traditional goods. While the economic effects unfold throughout the entire four-day festival, Kharna marks the point where extensive preparation and specialized buying begin.
The day's economic ripple effect
1. Boost for local vendors and markets
The main rituals of Kharna revolve around the preparation of a sacred meal, which includes jaggery kheer and roti, cooked in new earthen or brass pots. This drives demand for several goods, directly benefiting local businesses:
Artisans and cottage industries: Potters who craft the earthen stoves (chulha) and new utensils, along with basket weavers who make the traditional soop and daala, see a surge in income. For many, this festival period is a critical source of annual livelihood.
Agricultural producers: Farmers benefit from the high demand for specific produce used in the offerings, such as sugarcane, banana, sweet potato, and radishes. The spending on these items provides a significant income boost to rural economies.
Grocery and retail shops: A wide variety of other ingredients and materials—including new rice, jaggery, milk, and mango wood for the fire—are purchased, leading to increased sales for both small and large retailers.
2. Increased consumer spending
The start of dedicated puja preparations, and especially the Kharna meal, prompts significant household spending. While the fasting and ritualistic nature of the day emphasizes austerity for the devotee, the economic activity around it is substantial and includes:
Food and provisions: Families buy the specific ingredients needed for the Kharna prasad and other festival-related foods.
Apparel: Many families also purchase new, traditional clothing for the festival. This boosts the sales for tailors and cloth merchants.
Puja essentials: The demand for other ritualistic items, such as lamps, incense, and sindoor, also increases dramatically.
3. Economic impact of migration
The second day of Chhath Puja reinforces the festival's unique economic impact related to migration.
Remittances: Many migrants living outside their home state send money to their families to cover festival expenses. This influx of cash directly benefits local economies in states like Bihar and Jharkhand.
Return migration: The approach of Kharna means a continued influx of millions of people who have returned home for the festival. This drives business in the transportation and hospitality sectors, even creating temporary price surges in train and bus fares.
The big picture
While the specific rituals of Kharna focus on spiritual purification, the broader economic impact is part of a larger trend that spans the entire festival. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has previously reported massive nationwide trade figures—in the range of billions of dollars—connected to the Chhath festivities, with demand reaching its peak during the days of Kharna and the subsequent Arghya offerings. The festival is a prime example of how cultural practices can become a powerful driver of commerce and a lifeline for local livelihoods.
Today is second day of Chhath Puja, known as Kharna. On this day, devotees observe a fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from both food and water. The fast is broken only after making offerings to the Sun God at sunset.
Festivals generate significant direct economic benefits through visitor spending on accommodation, food, transportation, and retail. Indirect economic effects include job creation, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced destination branding.
Physical Health: Sun exposure during Chhath Puja enhances immune function, promotes vitamin D synthesis, and supports cellular health. Fasting aids detoxification, while water immersion reduces stress and inflammation. Mental Clarity: Ritualistic meditation and sun exposure calm the mind, fostering emotional stability.
According to the Mahabharat, the first Chhath Puja was performed by Suryaputra Karna, the mighty warrior of Mahabharata. Born to Kunti and blessed by the Sun God himself, Karna used to stand in water for hours, offering Arghya to Surya Dev, praying for strength, honor, and light.
The second day of Chhath Puja is called Kharna or Lohanda. On this day, devotees keep a day-long fast and conclude it with a prasad of Rasiya (kheer prepared with jaggery) and chapati. Salt is not consumed on this day and only one meal is eaten, after which the 36-hour Chhath Puja fast begins.
Chhath Puja is one of the most spiritually profound festivals in India, rooted in purity, discipline, and gratitude. It is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and his sister Chhathi Maiya, who is believed to grant health, longevity, and prosperity to devotees and their families.
The story behind Chhath Puja is rooted in both the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and also has connections to an ancient king and post-harvest gratitude. According to the Ramayana, Goddess Sita performed the first Chhath rituals after returning to Ayodhya, and in the Mahabharata, the Pandavas and Draupadi performed it to regain their kingdom. Another legend connects the festival to Karna, the son of the Sun God, who is said to have worshipped the sun while standing in the water.
Stories from the epics
Ramayana: After returning from exile, Lord Rama was advised to atone for killing the Brahmin Ravana. It is believed that Goddess Sita performed the Chhath Puja rituals by offering arghya to the setting and rising sun, which is why some local temples in Munger, Bihar, claim to be the site of the first Chhath Puja.
Mahabharata: According to this legend, Draupadi and the Pandavas performed Chhath Puja during their exile. On the advice of the sage Dhaumya, Draupadi observed the rituals to seek blessings for the return of their lost kingdom. Her devotion is said to have helped the Pandavas regain their kingdom.
Other legends and connections
Karna: Mythology states that Karna, the son of the Sun God, always worshipped the sun and performed the rituals that are now part of Chhath Puja.
King Mahabali: Some ancient texts suggest that the festival was also celebrated by King Mahabali.
Gratitude for harvest: Chhath Puja also has a connection to agriculture. It is seen as a way of showing gratitude for a bountiful harvest, particularly rice, which is harvested around this time.
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