Bihar Jharkhand Association of Ireland (BJAI) performed and hosted at a community level, 2nd Annual महापर्व छठ व्रत 2023- Chhath Puja in Ireland

Chhath Puja! one of the most ancient and revered festivals in India, is a celebration of the sun god and nature. With its ever-increasing popularity, Chhath is fast becoming a global festival, and this year it was also celebrated across the Globe. #GlobalChhath.

It is a four-day celebration which includes fasting, preparing prasad, rituals and other works. It is a festival in which cleanliness is a must and maintained at every stage from beginning to end. The 4-day festival involves worshipping the Sun god, Surya, who is also regarded as the god of energy. It is believed that performing Chhath brings happiness and prosperity in life.

On this day, the main devotee (or Chhath brati), observes a 36-hour waterless fast for the welfare of their family and children. This year the festival started with Nahay Khay on 17th November, followed by Kharna on 18th November. Chhath Puja is observed on 19th November, when Arghya is offered to the setting sun (evening worship). On 20th November, Arghya (morning worship) offered to the rising sun, marking the end of the festival. The festival is concluded after the Parvaitin (main devotee) breaks her fast and Prasadam is distributed among the devotees, friends and relatives present at the Chhath Ghat/venue.

So, on this occasion of Chhath Puja, Thekua is a popular Prasad offered. Thekua prasad is made by BJAI ladies’ members and distributed to the communities with fruit prasad. This year considering the overwhelming response BJAI committee identified 6-7 Prasad distribution centres so members can collect Prasad easily.

Two years in a row, the Bihar Jharkhand Association of Ireland (BJAI) celebrated the Chhath festival with full devotion at the Caragh Community Centre, Naas, Co. Kildare. More than 300 members of this association have gathered to celebrate the festival jointly at a community centre. While BJAI Team had procured most of the puja items required for Chhath Puja from India, the UK and the Irish market.

BJAI volunteers cleaned the venue thoroughly before the commencement of the Puja so that the entire atmosphere here looks serene and pure. The devotees and community ladies sang traditional Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi Chhath Geet (songs) to energize the environment. It was a great time for families and friends to bond, celebrate, and strengthen their cultural roots. These songs reflect the history, culture and mythology of each state in which the ritual is performed.

There was a cultural event to brighten the atmosphere with the vibes of Chhath. A skit was presented by the kids to explain to the attendees about the festival and its significance. BJAI ladies performed singing. The family members of the devotees, distinguished guests, as well as their local community friends, were present during the Sandhya Arghya and the BJAI cultural program. The distinguished guests were Senator Vincent Martin, Mrs Reeti Mishra (wife of Shri Akhilesh Mishra, Ambassador of India), Mayor Mr Bill Clear, Deputy Mayor Mr Seamie Moore, Councillor Ms Peggy O’Dwyer, Garda Inspector Mr Cormac Ryan, and Community Garda Officer Mr Shane Smyth.

“In fact, with the assemblage of so many Chhath devotees at one place, a mini-Bihar seems to have been created in Ireland”, said most of the attendees. BJAI would like to continue the tradition in 2024 and is looking forward to celebrating many key Indian festivals with the same energy in a multi-cultural way.

In the spirit of togetherness and cultural exchange, Team BJAI looks forward to continuing this tradition for years to come, spreading the message of unity, diversity, and devotion.

The BJAI committee expressed their sincere gratitude to all the volunteers and sponsors who helped on the day of the event and during the 4 weeks prior to the event in the planning, and preparations thus making it a roaring success.

Live Chhath Puja celebrations were also screened to millions at home and abroad through BJAI’s official Facebook page.

BJAI requests every person from Bihar and Jharkhand living in Ireland to join their own association and strengthen the association as well as integrate with all communities to showcase the Indian regional culture and tradition.

Please go to the below link for photographs, and videos and to learn more about BJAI and upcoming events. The BJAI association can be contacted through the social media links given below.

The BJAI association can be contacted below:

• website – https://www.bjaireland.com/

• email – [email protected]

• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/bjaireland

• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/bjaireland/

• X (Twitter) – https://twitter.com/bja_ireland