SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Oct 26: Over 8,000 kilometres from India, the ancient tradition of Chhath Puja has found a vibrant new home in Ireland — thanks to the dedication of Dr Deepak Kumar, a native of Deoghar in Jharkhand. What began as a solitary observance in 2018 has grown, within just seven years, into a large-scale community celebration uniting more than 400 families from Jharkhand and Bihar across Ireland.
From one devotee to a community movement
Dr Kumar, a proud member of the Indian diaspora, first celebrated Chhath Puja alone when he moved to Ireland. His devotion and determination to preserve cultural roots soon inspired others. In 2018, he created a WhatsApp group to bring together people from Bihar and Jharkhand, providing a shared platform to celebrate festivals, preserve traditions, and pass cultural values to the next generation.
Today, that initiative has evolved into the Bihar-Jharkhand Association of Ireland (BJAI) — an organisation that embodies unity, equality, and cultural exchange. “BJAI upholds the values of togetherness and inclusivity,” said Dr Kumar. “We don’t believe in caste distinctions. Our focus is on community spirit and shared heritage.”
Ireland celebrates the festival of the Sun God
This year, BJAI will host Chhath Puja celebrations on a grand scale at St Fechin’s GAA, Drogheda, Co. Louth. The evening ceremony (Sandhya Arghya) will take place on Monday, October 27, followed by the morning ceremony (Pratah Arghya) on Tuesday, October 28, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
“For those of us living far from home, Chhath Puja holds deep emotional and cultural significance,” said Dr Kumar. “It is more than a festival — it’s a bridge connecting generations and geographies. Recreating the same rituals, songs, and atmosphere thousands of miles away is both a challenge and a blessing.”
Cultural pride on foreign shores
Now in its fourth consecutive year as a community-wide event, BJAI’s Chhath Puja has become a highlight of the Indian cultural calendar in Ireland. This year’s celebrations will include traditional folk songs, live performances, and a special skit by BJAI children, reflecting their growing connection to their ancestral roots.
“Organising Chhath Parv in Ireland is no easy task,” said BJAI representatives. “But with the support of our committee members, volunteers, and the wider BJAI family, we’ve managed to recreate the devotional and festive spirit we remember from back home. It fills us with pride to share our rich traditions with our children and the Irish community.”
Building cultural bridges in Ireland
BJAI extended its heartfelt gratitude to local Irish authorities and the people of Ireland for their continued support and warmth. The association believes that such celebrations not only keep Indian cultural roots alive but also promote integration, mutual respect, and multiculturalism — values that enrich Irish society as a whole.
