Patna: Fifteen devotees from Bihar and Jharkhand observed the Kharna ritual together at Brahmarishi Mission Ashram on Heston Road in Hounslow, London, as part of a three-day collective Chhath Puja organised by Bihari Connect UK.
The ritual took place at 6pm local time in England (11.30pm Indian Standard Time). The organisation is hosting the collective celebration for the fifth consecutive year, bringing together members of the Indian diaspora to observe the festival away from home.
The devotees will stay at the ashram throughout the three-day event and observe the traditional nirjala vrat (fast without water), offering prayers to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.
Despite temperatures forecast to fall to -7°C, devotees from Bihar and Jharkhand are expected to enter the water to offer arghya to the setting and rising sun.
Sandhya Arghya On November 15, Usha Arghya On November 16
The Chhath celebrations began with Nahay-Khay on November 13, which devotees performed at their respective homes.
The next major ritual, sandhya arghya, will take place on November 15, when devotees will offer prayers to the setting sun. The festival will conclude on November 16 with usha arghya to the rising sun, followed by paran, marking the end of the fast.
Udeshwar Singh, president of Bihari Connect, is overseeing the preparations along with other committee members.
The organisation has sourced traditional puja materials, including brass daura, soop, diyas and thalis, from Patna to maintain the traditional practices associated with the festival.
Each devotee will also receive puja essentials, two sarees, two blouses and traditional lahathi bangles.
Women To Prepare More Than 7,000 Thekua
Women participating in the celebrations will collectively prepare more than 7,000 thekua, a traditional offering associated with Chhath Puja.
The offerings will be distributed among devotees and sent to families living in different cities across the UK.
The participating group includes people from Motihari, Patna, Madhubani and Jehanabad in Bihar, as well as Jharkhand, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.
Around 2,000 people are expected to attend the celebrations from nearby towns and cities, including Kent, Reading, Essex, Sussex and Wembley.
The organisers have arranged free meals, snacks and tea for attendees. Security and cleanliness arrangements have also been made at the arghya site.
Children will be able to participate in games, painting activities and cultural programmes. Around 25 volunteers are managing different responsibilities during the event.
Separate Cottages For Chhath Devotees
Separate cottages have been arranged for women observing the Chhath fast, with entry restricted to those undertaking the vrat. Their family members and children will have separate accommodation.
Ravi Bhushan Singh, a resident of Krishna Nagar in Madhuban block of East Champaran district, said the collective celebration allows people living in London to experience the traditions and atmosphere of Bihar.
The organisers have also made arrangements for food and refreshments for devotees and their families throughout the festival.
Bihari Connect Brings Together 1,500 Families
Around 1,500 families from Bihar and Jharkhand living in the UK are associated with Bihari Connect.
Apart from the annual Chhath celebration, the organisation hosts events such as Holi, Bihar Diwas, Jharkhand Diwas and a beachside Litti Party.
It also participates in programmes organised by the High Commission of India in London.
The annual collective Chhath celebration provides an opportunity for members of the diaspora to observe traditional rituals and maintain their cultural connections while living abroad.
