Surrey, Metro Vancouver
For the first time ever, Chhath Puja was celebrated in Surrey, BC, with great enthusiasm and grandeur on 6-7 November, 2024. Great efforts were put in by the BAJA Cultural Association and the Biharis in Vancouver group. This festival, deeply rooted in Bihar’s cultural heritage, honors the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, who is believed to bring prosperity, health, and happiness. The celebration drew a vibrant crowd from the local Indian community with roots from Bihar, Jharghand, & Eastern U.P. Participants gathered to offer their prayers and partake in traditional rituals.
The event featured all the essential aspects of Chhath Puja, from the setting up water pool (reflecting a ghat) to the soulful chanting of traditional hymns. Devotees, dressed in colorful attire, performed the rituals with dedication, carrying baskets of offerings and that brought a slice of Bihar’s culture to Metro Vancouver. The celebration helped connecting people with their cultural roots, making the gathering a memorable one.
This first-time celebration of Chhath Puja in Surrey, BC, Canada reflects the growing diversity of cultural expressions in Vancouver’s Indian community. It was heartwarming to see families and friends coming together to celebrate, and introduce others to this beautiful tradition. The success of this event marks the beginning of a new chapter for Chhat Puja in British Columbia, promising even more vibrant celebrations in the years to come.
Committed Team:
The concept of BAJA BC (Bihar Jharkhand Cultural Association of British Columbia) was shared by Counsul Amitabh Ranjan with Rajeev Thakur and Nutan Thakur.
The founding team established a digital presence by creating a WhatsApp group & social media accounts. Key team members such as Rajeev Roy, Kumud Prasad, Shankar Singh, Saket, Rahul Rakesh, and Roshan Raj played a crucial role in bringing this idea to life.
A dedicated team of volunteers, led by Aditya Kumar, Alok, Vashistha, Om Prakash, and Shambhavika, contributed significantly to the success of the event. The RSVP team, including Satyam, Khushboo, Nandita, Praveen, and Sonam, effectively managed the attendance.
Photo Credits: TheWeddingShooter.ca
Send us a message if you have a story to share with Vancouver’s Indian Diaspora.
