New Jersey, October 28, 2025: The Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) hosted the celebration of Chhath Mahaparv at Papaianni Park, Edison, New Jersey, where the Indian-American community came together to honor the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya.
Around 40 Vratis (devotees) observed the fast which is considered sacred, and performed Sandhya Arghya (evening offering), while over 700 members of the community gathered to
witness and take part in the rituals. The park was filled with devotion as families sang traditional songs, lit diyas, and offered Thekua and fruits while standing in the holy
water.
Among the devotees, nine Vratis walked in together, carrying baskets of offerings on their
heads — a symbolic gesture reflecting the deep-rooted traditions of Bihar and
Jharkhand.
BJANA President Sanjeev Singh thanked all volunteers, saying, “The energy among the community this year was truly inspiring. I thank every volunteer for their tireless efforts in organising such a meaningful event that brought everyone together like one family.”
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BJANA Vice President Priti Kashyap shared her sentiments, adding, “This festival takes
us back to our roots in Bihar and Jharkhand. It revives our childhood memories and
connects us deeply to nature. None of this would have been possible without our
dedicated volunteers and the continued support from Mayor Sam Joshi and the Township
of Edison.”
Alok Kumar, Chairman of Bihar Foundation USA East Coast Chapter, also shared his
heartfelt reflection, stating, “When Sharda Sinha’s songs play during Chhath, it feels
exactly like being back on the ghats of Bihar and Jharkhand. The feeling is beyond words
— it’s like reliving those sacred moments with our families and our soil.”
The event was marked by enthusiastic participation from children and youth, who helped
with rituals, sang traditional hymns, and learned about the festival’s connection with
nature and gratitude.