THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Auckland (New Zealand), Oct 29: The Bihar Jharkhand Association of New Zealand (BJANZ) hosted a vibrant celebration of Chhath Mahaparv near Mount Wellington this week, uniting families and devotees in honour of the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Goddess Chhathi Maiya.
The four-day festival, which concluded on Tuesday, October 28, is one of the most ancient Hindu traditions originating from the states of Bihar and Jharkhand. It involves fasting, purification, and offerings to the setting and rising sun as acts of gratitude for life, health, and prosperity.
Rituals of Faith and Gratitude
The key rituals — Sandhya Arghya (evening offering) and Usha Arghya (morning offering) — saw Vratis (devotees) standing waist-deep in water to make offerings while singing traditional Chhath Geet (folk songs). Families presented prasad consisting of fruits, sugarcane, and the traditional sweet Thekua, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
“Performing the vrat here in Auckland connects me directly to my roots and my family back in Bihar,” said Dolly Sharma, a devotee who has observed the fast for several years.
“Standing in the water and praying to the Sun feels like being part of a timeless tradition — it’s a feeling of peace and gratitude.”
Another devotee, Smriti Gaur, added:
“This vrat requires immense discipline, and doing it together as a community gives us strength. BJANZ has created an atmosphere that feels just like home, allowing us to pass on these values to our children.”
Gayatri Shivesh, another Vrati, highlighted the festival’s harmony with nature:
“Chhath Mahaparv teaches us discipline, purity, and respect for the environment. Sharing this message of gratitude here in Aotearoa makes the celebration even more meaningful.”
Dignitary Joins the Celebration
The community was honoured by the presence of Swagatika Mohanty, wife of Dr Madan Mohan Sethi, the Consulate General of India in Auckland, who joined devotees and shared words of encouragement.
‘A Bridge Between Generations and Cultures’
BJANZ President Amit Shankar Verma expressed heartfelt appreciation to all who contributed to the celebration.
“Chhath Mahaparv is not just a festival; it is a bridge connecting generations and cultures. We thank all volunteers, families, and participants who came together in devotion and unity to uphold this cherished tradition in New Zealand.”
As part of its mission, BJANZ continues to promote the cultural heritage of Bihar and Jharkhand while contributing positively to New Zealand’s multicultural landscape. The association is a registered non-profit under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.
About BJANZ
The Bihar Jharkhand Association of New Zealand Inc. (BJANZ) is a community organisation fostering a vibrant and supportive environment for people of Bihar and Jharkhand origin living in New Zealand. It organises cultural, social, and charitable initiatives that celebrate tradition, strengthen community bonds, and promote cultural diversity in Aotearoa.
Current Executive Committee:
Amit Shankar Verma (President) • Reetu Kumari (Vice President) • Rani Singh (General Secretary) • Shalini Alok (Joint Secretary) • Preeti Maheshwari (Public Relations) • Kiran Singh (Cultural Secretary) • Nishant Lal (Treasurer) • Indu Ajitesh (Community Secretary)
