Surrey (Richa Walia): The BAJA Cultural Association BC is set to host Chhath Puja Celebration 2026 on November 14 and 15 in Metro Vancouver, bringing more than 1,000 expected devotees and visitors together for a major celebration of the traditional Hindu festival dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya. National Times is the media partner for this event.
The celebration will take place at Durga Bhameshwari Temple, 7984 123 Street, Surrey, BC V3W 3V4, with devotees observing the traditional rituals associated with the four-day Chhath Puja. The festival highlights devotion, discipline, purity, gratitude for nature and the Sun, and prayers for family health, prosperity and well-being.
The observances begin with Nahay Khay, when devotees traditionally bathe, clean their homes and prepare a simple, pure meal. The second day, Kharna, involves a day-long fast that is traditionally broken after sunset with offerings such as kheer and roti, after which devotees begin a strict fast.
The third day, Sandhya Arghya, is one of the central observances, as devotees gather to offer arghya to the setting sun and pray for health, prosperity and the well-being of their families. The final observance, Usha Arghya, takes place at dawn, when offerings are made to the rising sun before devotees conclude their fast.
Chhath Puja is traditionally dedicated to Surya and Chhathi Maiya and is widely associated with gratitude for the forces of nature that sustain life. Traditional religious legends also connect the observance with Draupadi and the Pandavas, while Karna, the son of Surya, is traditionally believed to have worshipped the Sun. These accounts are part of religious tradition and mythology rather than established historical records.
The BAJA Cultural Association BC expects the celebration to bring families, devotees and members of the wider community together in Metro Vancouver. The event will also provide an opportunity for the community to preserve and share the cultural and spiritual traditions of Chhath Puja with the next generation.
PUBLIC EVENT DETAILS: The celebration is scheduled for November 14–15, 2026, at Durga Bhameshwari Temple, 7984 123 Street, Surrey, BC V3W 3V4. More than 1,000 devotees and visitors are expected to attend. National Times will serve as the media partner, providing event coverage and highlighting the cultural significance of the celebration across its audiences in Canada and beyond.
