Delhi Aajkal Bureau, Delhi
30 October 2025
In a radiant celebration of faith and heritage, the Bihar-Jharkhand diaspora in Belgium came together to observe Chhath Puja 2025, one of the most sacred Hindu festivals dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Held from October 25 to 28, the festival was marked by traditional rituals, devotional music, and a strong sense of community, bringing the spirit of the Ganges to the heart of Europe.
The four-day celebration began with Nahay Khay, a ritual bath and preparation of a satvik meal, followed by Kharna, where devotees observed a rigorous waterless fast and offered gur ki kheer, roti, and fruits to the Sun God. The air was fragrant with thekua, a beloved sweet made of wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, as families prepared prasad with devotion and purity.
The most visually striking moments came during Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya, when devotees stood in knee-deep water at local ponds and lakes, offering prayers to the setting and rising sun. The sight of soop (bamboo baskets) filled with fruits, sugarcane, and lit diyas, accompanied by the soulful chants of Chhathi Maiya ke geet, created a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
Reflecting the cultural richness of Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, the event welcomed not only the Indian diaspora but also members of the local Belgian community, fostering cross-cultural understanding and harmony. The celebration was further honored by the presence of representatives from the Embassy of India in Belgium, adding to the pride of the gathering.
The festival was meticulously organized by a dedicated team led by Akhil Singh, Manish Mridul, Lalit Kumar Singh, PurnanduThakur, Anand Singh, and Prakash Ranjan Roy, with enthusiastic support from Vishal Kumar, Chandrabhanu Kumar, and Anish Singh. Their tireless efforts recreated the spiritual ambiance of Chhath ghats, thousands of kilometers away from home.
“Chhath Puja is not just a festival; it’s an emotion that connects us to our roots, wherever we are in the world,” said a core team member, echoing the sentiment of many attendees.
The celebration also emphasized environmental awareness, with rituals performed using natural offerings and minimal waste, aligning with the festival’s traditional values of purity and reverence for nature.
Photos, videos, and highlights of the event have been shared on the community’s official social media platforms, capturing the joy, unity, and cultural vibrancy of Chhath Puja 2025 in Belgium.
About Author
