The Bihar Jharkhand Sabha Australia and New Zealand (BJSM) once again brought communities together this October through a deeply spiritual and culturally rich celebration of Chhath Puja 2025. The event ran from 25 to 28 October across multiple locations in New Zealand and Australia.

From Auckland to Christchurch and from Darwin to Geraldton, families gathered to honor Chhathi Maiya. They offered prayers for well-being, prosperity, and gratitude under the morning and evening sun. The festival, spread across four sacred days from Nahay Khay to Usha Arghya, has become one of the most important cultural observances for the Indian diaspora in both nations.

Four Days of Faith and Togetherness Across New Zealand

In New Zealand, BJSM coordinated celebrations with devotion and discipline across several venues. Families came together to perform every ritual in harmony, showing the community’s unity and respect for tradition.

The main events took place in Auckland, Flat Bush, Waimauku, and Christchurch. Families, including Mr Shiv and family (Flat Bush), Rupesh and Subu (Waimauku), Papatoetoe and Mount Wellington – Karan and Nikku, Mount Wellington – Amit & Smriti, Harsh & Neelu – Stanmore Bay, 43 Vipond Road, and Seema and Manish Singh (Christchurch), performed the rituals with great pride and faith.

Each day followed the traditional order of Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya. The celebration ended with early-morning prayers by the river, where devotees offered gratitude to the rising sun.

Distinguished Guests and Dignitaries

This year’s observance drew attention from prominent guests who joined the community gatherings.

  • Mrs Swagatika Mohanty, representing the Consulate General of India in Auckland
  • Mr Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, New Zealand’s first Sikh Member of Parliament, and a respected voice for migrants
  • National Party MP Dr. Parmjeet Parmar joined the celebration, extending her heartfelt wishes to the devotees and acknowledging the significance of Chhath Puja in uniting the Indian community across New Zealand.

Their presence added warmth and recognition. It also reinforced how festivals like Chhath Puja strengthen New Zealand’s multicultural harmony.

BJSM Leadership and Volunteers

BJSM[Auckland Chapter] led the coordination of the entire festival across regions. The leadership team – President Bhrigu Bhaskar, Vice President Krishna, General Secretary Ravi Gupta, Cultural Head Rajesh Kumar Sir, and Treasurer Sujata – expressed deep gratitude to all families and volunteers for ensuring a successful event.

Volunteers Pallavi, Geet, Dolly, and Jyoti Singh managed decoration, logistics, and hospitality with dedication. Their hard work kept every ritual graceful and well-organized.

According to BJSM leaders, “Chhath Puja is more than a festival; it is a bridge connecting our global family. The shared prayers, songs, and devotion keep our culture alive wherever we live.”

Chhath Puja Expands Across Australia

The festival also glowed brightly across Australia. BJSM families held ceremonies in Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Townsville, Brisbane, Sydney, Darwin, and Geraldton. Each city witnessed high participation, reflecting the Indian community’s growing cultural strength.

In Darwin, celebrations took place at Redmond Crescent, Durack 0830, hosted by Pramod Mishra, Suman Mishra, and Pooja Mishra. Their home became a center of devotion filled with music, lights, and unity.

In Geraldton, Vijay Singh and family welcomed devotees from across the region. Their warm hospitality and faith were praised by BJSM for keeping the Chhath spirit alive in Western Australia.

Cultural Impact and Community Strength

This year’s Chhath Puja highlighted BJSM’s role as one of the most active Indian community organizations in Australasia. Its ongoing efforts to protect traditions and strengthen unity continue to inspire second-generation Indians while connecting new migrants to their roots.

The attendance of dignitaries and community leaders proved how Indian festivals contribute to New Zealand’s cultural inclusiveness. BJSM leaders thanked everyone who supported the celebration and reaffirmed their goal of promoting cultural events that keep the pride of Bihar and Jharkhand shining abroad.

Media Partnership

The celebration received exclusive coverage from Webfit News, the official media partner for Chhath Puja 2025. The stories and photographs captured the emotional and spiritual essence of the festival, reaching readers across New Zealand and Australia.