SURREY, BC: Metro Vancouver’s devotees of Surya, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya are preparing for one of the most important dates in their calendar. The Bihar and Jharkhand Cultural Association of BC (BAJA BC) will host Chhath Puja Celebration 2026 on November 14 and 15 at the Durga Bhameshwari Temple, 7984 123 Street, Surrey, BC V3W 3V4.

Organizers of Chhath Puja 2026 expect more than 1,000 devotees and visitors, up from approximately 600 last year. The celebration is free and open to all.

The festival centres on the vratis, the devotees who keep the fast, who are joined by their families, friends and well-wishers. Together they mark a tradition of devotion, discipline and gratitude for the Sun and the forces of nature that sustain life.

A Tradition the Community Has Made Its Own

The Bihari and Jharkhandi communities are among the strongest and most united in Metro Vancouver and the wider Lower Mainland. A few years ago, the community began celebrating Chhath Puja here, and this year marks the third time it will be observed on such a grand scale.

BAJA BC is a non-profit organization led by President Rajeev Thakur. The association works to preserve and share the cultural and spiritual traditions of the community and to pass them on to the next generation growing up in Canada.

How Last Year’s Celebration Went

Last year’s celebration drew approximately 600 attendees. Families, devotees and well-wishers came together to observe the festival far from its traditional homelands.

Prominent guests joined the celebration, among them the Consul General of India in Vancouver, who attended alongside Mr. Thakur and the vratis, as well as several other distinguished members of the community.

The event was free for everyone, as it is every year. It is made possible by donations from community members and small local contributors, a reflection of the spirit of shared responsibility behind the festival.

The Four Days of Chhath

Chhath Puja is a four-day observance rooted in devotion, discipline and purity. It honours the Sun, and devotees pray for the health, prosperity and well-being of their families.

Nahay Khay: On the first day, devotees bathe, clean their homes and prepare a simple, pure meal.
Kharna:The second day involves a day-long fast, traditionally broken after sunset with offerings such as kheer and roti, after which devotees begin a strict fast.
Sandhya Arghya: The third day is one of the central observances, as devotees gather to offer arghya to the setting sun.
Usha Arghya: The final observance takes place at dawn, when offerings are made to the rising sun before devotees conclude their fast.

Tradition also links the festival to figures from the Mahabharata, including Draupadi and the Pandavas, and holds that Karna, son of Surya, worshipped the Sun. These accounts belong to religious tradition and legend rather than established historical record.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Organizers expect attendance to grow this year to more than 1,000 devotees and visitors, a significant increase over 2025. The growth reflects the strength of the community and the festival’s rising profile in British Columbia.

At a Glance

• What: Chhath Puja Celebration 2026
• When: November 14-15, 2026
• Where: Durga Bhameshwari Temple, 7984 123 Street, Surrey, BC
• Organizer: Bihar and Jharkhand Cultural Association of BC (BAJA BC)
• Admission: Free
• Expected attendance: 1,000+

Get Involved

• Learn more: Contact Rajeev Thakur, President, BAJA BC, at 604-551-0780.
• Website: bajabc.ca
• Donate: Send an e-transfer to [email protected]. Every contribution helps keep the celebration free and open to the entire community.

With inputs from the team member of BAJA BC. Contact us if you have a story to share with the Vancouver Indian Community.