Bihar Jharkhand Community Australia Chhath Puja 2025 Events: Oct 25–28 dates, city ghats with addresses, Sandhya/Usha timings, vidhi, permits, safety, volunteer toolkit.

Bihar Jharkhand Community Australia Chhath Puja 2025 Events Guide
Chhath Puja is a four‑day vow of discipline, devotion, and precision. For BJSM members and the wider Bihar–Jharkhand diaspora across Australia, this all‑in‑one guide maps out Chhath Puja 2025—from national dates and Sandhya/Usha timing references to city‑wise ghats with addresses, complete vidhi, safety and permits, transport, and a volunteer toolkit for flawless lane flow and eco‑friendly cleanup.
Whether your chapter is planning a large community event or your family is coordinating a small land‑based arghya, use this playbook to get everyone on the same page. Verify sunrise/sunset for your exact park on the day, confirm local council permissions, and keep vrati comfort, water safety, and environmental care at the centre of every decision.
Table of Contents
- National dates and time zone notes (Oct 25–28, 2025)
- Sandhya & Usha arghya timing cheat sheet by city
- BJSM event planning framework and timeline
- City guides with popular ghats and addresses (VIC, NSW, QLD, WA, SA, ACT, NT, TAS)
- Complete Chhath Puja vidhi (Nahay Khay to Usha Arghya)
- Vrati samagri checklist and prasad packing
- Safety, compliance, and eco‑friendly practices
- Transport and parking links for each capital
- Marketing, RSVP, and sponsorship toolkit
- Volunteer roles and run‑of‑show (Sandhya/Usha)
- Inclusion, accessibility, and kids’ participation
- Case studies and lessons from diaspora events
- Key statistics and authoritative sources
- Internal and external resources
National dates and time zone notes (Oct 25–28, 2025)
Chhath Puja 2025 in Australia runs:
- Day 1, Nahay Khay: Saturday, 25 October
- Day 2, Kharna: Sunday, 26 October
- Day 3, Sandhya Arghya (evening offering): Monday, 27 October
- Day 4, Usha Arghya and paran (morning offering and fast‑break): Tuesday, 28 October
Time zones and DST in late October:
- AEDT (UTC+11): NSW, VIC, ACT, TAS
- ACDT (UTC+10:30): SA
- AEST (UTC+10): QLD (no DST)
- AWST (UTC+8): WA (no DST)
- ACST (UTC+9:30): NT (no DST)
Tip: Synchronise your chapter’s timetable with the correct time zone and post the exact sunset/sunrise minute for your specific ghat the day before each offering.
Sandhya & Usha arghya timing cheat sheet by city
Use these as reference windows; verify exact minutes for your park on the day via the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) or timeanddate.
- Sydney (AEDT): Sandhya ~7:20 PM Mon; Usha ~5:55–6:00 AM Tue
- Melbourne (AEDT): Sandhya ~7:55–8:00 PM Mon; Usha ~6:15–6:20 AM Tue
- Brisbane/Gold Coast (AEST): Sandhya ~6:00 PM Mon; Usha ~5:05–5:10 AM Tue
- Adelaide (ACDT): Sandhya ~7:50 PM Mon; Usha ~6:20–6:25 AM Tue
- Perth (AWST): Sandhya ~6:30–6:35 PM Mon; Usha ~5:30–5:35 AM Tue
- Canberra (AEDT): Sandhya ~7:35 PM Mon; Usha ~5:55 AM Tue
- Hobart (AEDT): Sandhya ~8:05 PM Mon; Usha ~6:25–6:30 AM Tue
- Darwin (ACST): Sandhya ~6:35–6:40 PM Mon; Usha ~6:10–6:15 AM Tue
Planning buffers:
- Families: arrive 30–40 minutes before the reference time.
- Medium groups (30–80): arrive 45–60 minutes early.
- Large gatherings (100+): arrive 60–90 minutes early to stage lanes, brief volunteers, and cue silence.
BJSM event planning framework and timeline
A shared playbook reduces last‑minute stress and keeps the vrati’s experience sacred and serene.
T–60 to T–45 days
- Decide chapter venues (primary + weather backup), confirm land manager (council/National Capital Authority), and check open‑flame, lighting, and noise rules.
- Draft risk plan: water safety, crowd control, first aid, evacuation, severe weather.
T–45 to T–30 days
- Submit permits/notifications where required; request written approvals.
- Appoint core leads: Convenor, Safety, Fire/Diya, Lane Marshals, First Aid, Waste, Communications.
T–30 to T–21 days
- Confirm insurance (if required), first‑aid coverage, and equipment (cones, tape, lanterns, signs, sand buckets).
- Open RSVP form (free ticketing helps sizing); post provisional timetable.
T–21 to T–10 days
- Recruit volunteers; assign shifts; run a 30‑minute safety briefing on Zoom.
- Lock vendor support (water, torches, compostable bags) and sponsorships (if any).
T–7 to T–2 days
- Publish exact sunset/sunrise minutes for the chosen spot; share lane map and arrival buffers.
- Print laminated A4 signs: “Dry Line,” “Arghya Lanes,” “Exit,” “First Aid.”
T–1 day
- Re‑check weather, tide/wind where relevant, stinger/croc advisories, and any park alerts.
- Pack kits: lanterns, cones, tape, sand buckets, compostable bags, first‑aid, spare LED tealights.
Event day (Sandhya/Usha)
- Arrive early, mark lanes, brief volunteers, run T–10 quiet cue and T–0 pour cue.
- Post‑offering: controlled exit, ember check, leave‑no‑trace sweep.
T+1 to T+7 days
- Share a thank‑you post, publish lost & found, complete lessons‑learned doc, and close sponsor reports.
City guides with popular ghats and addresses
Always verify final assembly points with organisers. Where open flames are restricted, use enclosed lamps or LED tealights. Leave every site cleaner than you found it.
Melbourne and Greater VIC (AEDT)
- Albert Park Lake — Lakeside Dr, Albert Park VIC 3206
- Princes Pier (foreshore) — Pier St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
- Cherry Lake Reserve — Millers Rd, Altona VIC 3018
- Maribyrnong Park (river) — The Boulevard, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039
- Yarra Bend Park (riverside pockets) — Yarra Bend Rd, Fairfield VIC 3078
Councils: City of Port Phillip, Hobsons Bay, Moonee Valley, Parks Victoria (check site‑specific event rules).
Sydney and Greater NSW (AEDT)
- Parramatta Park (Parramatta River) — Macquarie St, Parramatta NSW 2150
- Garrison Point Reserve (Georges River) — 52 Beatty Parade, Georges Hall NSW 2198
- Cook Park, Kyeemagh (Botany Bay foreshore) — The Grand Parade, Kyeemagh NSW 2216
- Lake Parramatta Reserve — 28 Bourke St, North Parramatta NSW 2151
Councils: City of Parramatta, Canterbury‑Bankstown, Bayside Council, and park managers (confirm flame/noise rules).
Brisbane and Gold Coast, QLD (AEST)
- Rocks Riverside Park (Brisbane River) — 5 Counihan Rd, Seventeen Mile Rocks QLD 4073
- Colmslie Beach Reserve — 152 Colmslie Rd, Murarrie QLD 4172
- Broadwater Parklands — Marine Parade, Southport QLD 4215
- Budds Beach Reserve — River Dr, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
- Tallebudgera Creek Parklands — Near Creek Bridge, Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach QLD 4221
- Palm Beach Parklands (Currumbin Creek) — Thrower Dr, Palm Beach QLD 4221
- Emerald Lakes — Lakeside Dr, Carrara QLD 4211
Use creeks, lakes, and Broadwater edges over surf beaches; check stinger advisories in warm months.
Perth and Greater WA (AWST)
- Sir James Mitchell Park (South Perth Foreshore) — South Perth Esplanade, South Perth WA 6151
- McCallum Park — Garland St & Canning Hwy, Victoria Park WA 6100
- Matilda Bay Reserve — Hackett Dr, Crawley WA 6009
- Point Walter Reserve — Honour Ave, Bicton WA 6157
- Deep Water Point Reserve — The Esplanade, Mount Pleasant WA 6153
- Kent Street Weir Park — Kent St, Wilson WA 6107
Councils: South Perth, Victoria Park, Perth, Melville, Canning; confirm open‑flame rules.
Adelaide and Greater SA (ACDT)
- Elder Park (River Torrens) — King William Rd, Adelaide SA 5000
- Bonython Park/Tulya Wardli — Port Rd, Adelaide SA 5000
- St Peters River Park — River St, St Peters SA 5069
- Felixstow Reserve — 59 Langman Grove, Felixstow SA 5070
- West Lakes — Brebner Dr, West Lakes SA 5021
- Patawalonga Lake — Adelphi Tce, Glenelg North SA 5045
Councils: City of Adelaide, Norwood Payneham & St Peters, Charles Sturt, Holdfast Bay.
Canberra, ACT (AEDT)
- Yarralumla Bay — Alexandrina Dr, Yarralumla ACT 2600
- Weston Park — Weston Park Rd, Yarralumla ACT 2600
- Regatta Point — Barrine Dr, Parkes ACT 2600
- Henry Rolland Park — Barrine Dr, Acton ACT 2601
- Commonwealth Park — Commonwealth Ave, Parkes ACT 2600
- John Knight Memorial Park (Lake Ginninderra) — Aikman Dr, Belconnen ACT 2617
- Yerrabi Pond District Park — Gundaroo Dr, Gungahlin ACT 2912
- Lake Tuggeranong Town Park — Bartlett Pl, Greenway ACT 2900
Note: Many Lake Burley Griffin shores are National Land—NCA approvals may apply; Territory land via Access Canberra.
Darwin and Palmerston, NT (ACST)
Land‑based only. Darwin is crocodile country; never enter natural water.
- Lake Alexander (East Point) — Alex Fong Lim Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820
- East Point Reserve lawns — Alex Fong Lim Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820
- Nightcliff Foreshore lawns — Casuarina Dr, Nightcliff NT 0810
- Mindil Beach Park (lawns) — Maria Liveris Dr, The Gardens NT 0820
- Cullen Bay lawns — Cullen Bay Cres, Larrakeyah NT 0820
- Marlow Lagoon Recreation Area — Elrundie Ave, Marlow Lagoon NT 0830
- Durack Lakes parks — Lake View Blvd, Durack NT 0830
Hobart and Greater TAS (AEDT)
- Long Beach (Sandy Bay Foreshore) — Sandy Bay Rd, Sandy Bay TAS 7005
- Cornelian Bay Foreshore — Cornelian Bay Rd & Cohen Ct, New Town TAS 7008
- Bellerive Beach Park — Queen St, Bellerive TAS 7018
- Montrose Foreshore Community Park — Foreshore Rd, Montrose TAS 7010
Check local wind/tide and flame rules; keep offerings shallow and well away from surf zones.
Complete Chhath Puja vidhi (Nahay Khay to Usha Arghya)
Chhath centres on purity, timing, and gratitude to Surya and Usha. Keep the setup simple, safe, and focused, especially in public parks.
Day 1: Nahay Khay (Sat, Oct 25)
- Clean home and puja space; wash puja utensils separately.
- Vrati bathes and begins satvik diet (often pumpkin, rice, dal), avoiding onion/garlic.
Day 2: Kharna (Sun, Oct 26)
- Vrati fasts without water all day.
- After sunset, offer kheer (gur/sugar) and ghee‑roasted roti; vrati eats once, then begins nirjala fast.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Mon, Oct 27)
- Arrive early; set soop/daura with thekua, fruits, turmeric, flowers; fill lota/kalash.
- Offer arghya aligned to sunset; maintain one‑way lane flow away from water.
Day 4: Usha Arghya & paran (Tue, Oct 28)
- Arrive pre‑dawn; offer arghya at verified sunrise; perform kosi (where observed) with strict fire safety.
- Touch elders’ feet; vrati breaks fast (paran) after prayers.
Featured Snippet: 9‑step arghya offering checklist
- Place a deity image; set the soop/daura with prasad.
- Fill lota/kalash with clean water; add flowers or a few drops of milk.
- Stand at a shallow, stable edge (or behind a marked dry line).
- Use enclosed lamps or LED tealights if windy or restricted.
- At sunset/sunrise, pour arghya slowly while chanting Chhath geet.
- Offer thekua, fruits, and flowers with devotion.
- Hold a few breaths of silence; complete personal prayers.
- Step back safely; let elders exit first; keep lanes clear.
- Extinguish all lamps; pack out every item and any litter.
Vrati samagri checklist and prasad packing
Samagri essentials
- Soop/daura (bamboo), lota/kalash, deep (diya), incense
- Mustard oil/ghee, cotton wicks, long lighter/matches; enclosed lamp shades
- Thekua ingredients: wheat flour, gur/sugar, ghee, cardamom
- Kheer ingredients: rice, milk, gur/sugar, cardamom
- Fruits (banana, apple, coconut), turmeric, kumkum, flowers
- Sugarcane stalks/pieces (if available), seasonal produce
- Clean dupatta/shawl for vrati; spare cloth
Logistics kit
- LED lantern/headlamp and spare batteries
- Hand wipes, tissues, sanitizer, small towel
- Reusable tins and compostable bags; labels for “vrati,” “family,” “distribution”
- Water for non‑fasters; compact first‑aid kit; warm layers (pre‑dawn chill)
Prasad packing tips
- Cool thekua fully before sealing to keep it crisp.
- Use lidded tins for transport; avoid flimsy plastic.
- Carry a small board/knife for fruit; repack peels for home compost/disposal.
Safety, compliance, and eco‑friendly practices
Water safety (all cities)
- Choose shallow, firm footing; avoid algae slicks and sudden drop‑offs.
- Mark a “dry line” 1–2 metres from water; only vratis step forward briefly.
- Assign lane marshals; children stay with adults at all times.
- In emergencies, call 000 and state park name + nearest street.
Darwin & tropical coasts
- Be Crocwise; never enter natural water in Darwin. Keep all offerings land‑based.
- Check marine stinger advisories on QLD/NT coasts from spring onward.
Fire and diya safety
- Prefer enclosed lamps or wind shields; keep sand/water within arm’s reach.
- Extinguish every flame; double‑check ground and bins for embers.
- Where flames are restricted, use LED tealights.
Permits and approvals
- Councils or the NCA (ACT National Land) may require event approvals for large groups, amplified sound, lighting, or marquees. Apply early and carry permits.
- Respect noise limits; be considerate of nearby residents and wildlife.
Eco‑friendly Chhath
- Use leaf bowls/biodegradable plates; avoid plastic garlands and glitter.
- Do not leave offerings in water; pack out flowers, fruit, and crumbs.
- Segregate organic waste and recyclables; leave the site spotless.
Transport and parking links for each capital
- Sydney: Transport for NSW trip planner — https://transportnsw.info/
- Melbourne: PTV — https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/
- Brisbane/Gold Coast: TransLink — https://translink.com.au/
- Perth: Transperth — https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/
- Adelaide: Adelaide Metro — https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/plan-a-trip
- Canberra: Transport Canberra — https://www.transport.act.gov.au/
- Darwin: Darwinbus — https://nt.gov.au/driving/public-transport-access/darwin-public-bus-service
- Hobart: Metro Tasmania — https://www.metrotas.com.au/
Driving tips
- Expect parking spikes near sunset; plan a vrati drop‑off, then park a few streets away.
- Bring headlamps/lanterns for pre‑dawn paths; keep light low and respectful.
Marketing, RSVP, and sponsorship toolkit
Communications pack
- Event page: date, location pin, arrival buffers, what to bring, flame rules, lane map.
- RSVP form (free): size planning, volunteer interest, special needs (wheelchair access, elder seating).
- WhatsApp broadcast: exact sunset/sunrise minute posted T–1 day; event day updates.
On‑site signage (laminated A4/A3)
- “Arghya Lanes,” “Dry Line,” “Exit,” “First Aid,” “Volunteer Check‑in,” “Lost & Found.”
Sponsorship starter list
- Offer logo on banners, thank‑you posts, and a stall (if permitted).
- Typical costs to cover: first‑aid kit/coverage, cones/tape/lamps, compostable bags, printing.
Budget line items (indicative)
- Permit/booking fees (if any), equipment (cones, tape, lanterns, LED tealights), sand buckets, signage, first‑aid supplies, contingency 10%.
Volunteer roles and run‑of‑show (Sandhya/Usha)
Core volunteer roles
- Convenor: coordinates schedule and final calls.
- Timekeeper: posts verified minute; runs T–10 quiet and T–0 pour cues.
- Lane Marshals: mark lanes, hold dry line, manage flow.
- Fire Wardens: diya zones; sand/water on hand; ember checks.
- First Aid: bandages, saline wipes; hydration for non‑fasters.
- Waste Leads: compostable bags distribution; final sweep.
Sandhya run‑of‑show (example)
- T–90: Mark lanes/exits; test lanterns; verify footing.
- T–60: Families arrive; soops arranged; diya setup (enclosed).
- T–10: Quiet cue; lotas ready; phones on silent.
- T–0: Single “now” pour; lane‑by‑lane sequence; no crowd surges.
- T+15: Controlled exit; ember check; leave‑no‑trace sweep.
Usha run‑of‑show (example)
- Pre‑dawn arrival; low light; minimal sound.
- Offer at verified sunrise minute; proceed to paran area.
- Segregate waste; final checks before dispersal.
Inclusion, accessibility, and kids’ participation
- Accessibility: choose paved entries, even gradients, and nearby accessible toilets (note: Commonwealth/Regatta Point, Elder Park, Broadwater Parklands, Sir James Mitchell Park).
- Elder comfort: bring folding stools, shawls, and set elder seating behind the dry line.
- Kids: give them roles (holding signs/LED lanterns); brief them on staying behind the dry line.
Case studies and lessons from diaspora events
Multi‑city composite learnings
- Posting the exact minute the day before and again at T–15 prevents last‑minute confusion.
- Enclosed lamps + LED tealights handle wind; sand buckets calm park staff concerns.
- Lane maps avoid bunching at the waterline; one “now” cue keeps offerings aligned.
- Thekua tins labelled “vrati,” “family,” “distribution” speed up prasad sharing.
- A final “leave‑no‑trace” sweep with compost bags takes 10–12 minutes when everyone contributes.
Key statistics and authoritative sources
- Hinduism is Australia’s fastest‑growing religion, reaching about 2.7% of the population in the 2021 Census.
- Australian Bureau of Statistics — https://www.abs.gov.au/
- Australia recorded 281 drowning deaths in 2022–23; inland waterways are high‑risk—relevant for river/lake edges during Chhath.
- Royal Life Saving – Australia — https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/
- Daylight Saving Time applies in NSW, VIC, ACT, TAS, and SA by late October; QLD, WA, NT do not observe DST.
- timeanddate – Australia time zones and DST — https://www.timeanddate.com/time/australia/
- City‑specific sunrise/sunset times vary by suburb and horizon; verify on the day.
- Bureau of Meteorology — http://www.bom.gov.au/
- timeanddate — https://www.timeanddate.com/
Council and transport portals (per city) are listed above; consult them for permits, park alerts, and journey planning.
Internal and external resources
- Chhath Puja Adelaide 2025: South Australia Festival Celebrations
- Chhath Puja Darwin 2025: Northern Territory Bihar Community Events Guide
- Chhath Puja Gold Coast 2025: Queensland Festival Celebrations Guide
- Arghya Timing Chhath Puja 2025 Australia: Sandhya & Usha Schedule Guide
- Chhath Puja Sydney 2025 – Bihar Community Celebrations & Events Guide
Authoritative external links
- Australian Bureau of Statistics — https://www.abs.gov.au/
- Bureau of Meteorology — http://www.bom.gov.au/
- timeanddate (sun times) — https://www.timeanddate.com/
- Royal Life Saving – Australia — https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/
- Transport portals: PTV, TfNSW, TransLink, Transperth, Adelaide Metro, Transport Canberra, Darwinbus, Metro Tasmania (links above)
- Councils and land managers referenced in city sections (see links on their homepages)
FAQ section
What are the Chhath Puja 2025 dates in Australia for BJSM families?
Nahay Khay: Sat 25 Oct; Kharna: Sun 26 Oct; Sandhya Arghya: Mon 27 Oct; Usha Arghya and paran: Tue 28 Oct.
How should we time the offerings?
Align Sandhya to local sunset and Usha to just‑before local sunrise. Use the city cheat sheet as a reference and verify the exact minute for your chosen park via BOM/timeanddate on the day.
Which Australian ghats are commonly used and where are they?
Each city has multiple safe foreshore parks and lakes. Examples: Albert Park Lake (Melbourne), Parramatta Park (Sydney), Rocks Riverside Park and Broadwater Parklands (QLD), Sir James Mitchell Park (Perth), Elder Park/Bonython Park (Adelaide), Yarralumla Bay/Regatta Point (Canberra), Lake Alexander and Nightcliff lawns (Darwin), Long Beach/Cornelian Bay (Hobart). Full addresses are listed in the city guides above.
Do we need event permits?
Small family gatherings usually don’t. Larger events (sound, lighting, marquees, 50+ attendees) may require council approval or, in Canberra’s National Land, NCA permission. Apply early and carry approvals on-site.
Are diyas permitted in public parks?
Rules vary. Prefer enclosed lamps; carry sand/water; use LED tealights where open flames are restricted. Extinguish everything before leaving.
How can we keep Chhath eco‑friendly?
Use leaf bowls/biodegradable plates, avoid plastic/glitter, never leave offerings in water, and segregate organic and recyclable waste. Aim for “leave‑no‑trace.”
What’s the best volunteer structure for smooth arghya lanes?
Convenor, Timekeeper, Lane Marshals, Fire Wardens, First Aid, Waste Leads. Mark lanes and a dry line, cue silence at T–10, pour at T–0, and do a final sweep.
What about crocodile and stinger risk in the Top End and tropical coasts?
Darwin: never enter natural water; keep offerings land‑based behind a wide dry line. On QLD/NT coasts, monitor stinger advisories and favour creeks/lakes over surf zones.
Conclusion with CTA
Chhath Puja 2025 is the diaspora’s moment to blend devotion with thoughtful planning. For BJSM members across Australia, this guide gives you the exact dates, city‑wise ghats with addresses, Sandhya/Usha timing references, complete vidhi, permits, safety, eco tips, transport links, and a ready volunteer playbook. Keep the vrati’s comfort at the centre, verify the minute for your foreshore, and build calm lanes and a clean exit—every time.
Next steps:
- Post your chapter’s event page and RSVP form this week.
- Confirm permits and the exact arghya minutes for your park.
- Assign volunteer leads, print lane maps, and pack your eco kit.
- Share this guide in your BJSM WhatsApp and invite families to co‑host the cleanup.
May Surya Dev and Usha Maiya bless every home with health, harmony, and light.