Your complete guide to Bihari Connect UK Chhath Puja 2025 at York Cottage: UK dates (Oct 25–28), BST→GMT note, rituals, Google Maps, TfL travel, vrati checklists, safety, eco rules.

Bihari Connect UK Chhath Puja 2025 – York Cottage Celebration

Bihari Connect UK Chhath Puja 2025 – York Cottage Celebration is where devotion meets meticulous community care. Whether you’re a vrati (devotee) preparing for the 36‑hour nirjala fast, or a family attending your first London‑area Chhath, this one‑tab guide gives you everything you need: confirmed UK dates, the BST→GMT clock change, Sandhya/Usha timing guidance, Google Maps instructions for the York Cottage venue pin, TfL/rail travel tools, vrati/organiser/volunteer checklists, water‑edge safety, eco‑friendly practices, and a calm 30/14/7‑day plan. Keep it open—you shouldn’t need to search elsewhere.

Highlights in this guide

• Corrected UK dates: 25–28 Oct 2025 (with BST→GMT change)
• What to do on each of the four days (Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, Usha Arghya)
• Venue onboarding: how to locate York Cottage via Google Maps once the official pin is published
• TfL/National Rail journey planning, parking, and drop‑off flow
• The most complete vrati and family soop/prasad checklist
• Organiser and volunteer playbooks, safety/lane plans, and eco protocols
• Sample announcements, MC scripts, signage text, and a risk‑aware running order

Table of Contents

• Quick Answer: UK dates, BST→GMT change, and arghya timing
• Event Overview: York Cottage Celebration at a glance
• Venue Pin & Google Maps: How to find York Cottage (and avoid wrong turns)
• Four Days, Four Rituals: UK‑ready steps for vratis and families
• Sandhya/Usha: How to plan with sunrise/sunset (London link)
• Travel & Access: TfL, National Rail, step‑free tips, parking & drop‑off
• Vrati & Family Checklists: Soop, prasad, diya, clothing, safety
• Organiser Toolkit: Permits, risk, lanes, signage, first aid, insurance
• Volunteer Playbook: Roles, shifts, WhatsApp ops, on‑the‑ground scripts
• Water‑Edge Safety & Flames: Lanes, depth, wind, tealights
• Eco‑Friendly Chhath: Clean ghats, compostables, wildlife care
• Program Flow Templates: Running order, MC script, announcements
• Weather & Contingency: Cold, wind, drizzle, plan B
• London Shopping Run: Southall, Wembley/Alperton, East corridor
• Budget planner (UK), 30/14/7‑day checklist, day‑of flow
• FAQs
• Conclusion & Blessings

Quick Answer: UK dates, BST→GMT change, and arghya timing

Expected UK dates (confirm locally)

• Nahay Khay: Saturday, 25 October 2025
• Kharna: Sunday, 26 October 2025
• Sandhya Arghya (evening): Monday, 27 October 2025
• Usha Arghya (dawn): Tuesday, 28 October 2025

BST→GMT change

• UK clocks go back 1 hour at 02:00 on Sunday 26 Oct 2025 (BST→GMT).
• Kharna (26 Oct), Sandhya (27 Oct), Usha (28 Oct) are on GMT—sunset will feel earlier. Plan earlier arrivals, especially with elders and children.

Arghya timing guidance

• Sandhya: arrive 60–90 minutes before sunset; be in position 20–30 minutes before the listed time.
• Usha: arrive 75–90 minutes before sunrise; pre‑dawn lanes fill quickly.

Event Overview: York Cottage Celebration at a glance

Bihari Connect UK’s York Cottage Celebration is designed as a serene, disciplined observance of Chhath Puja in a family‑friendly setting. The event typically features:

• Clearly marked shoreline lanes for Sandhya/Usha arghya
• Soop/prasad staging tables away from the water’s edge
• Volunteer‑managed queueing, first‑aid post, and lost‑and‑found
• Eco‑friendly offering collection nets and compost sorting
• WhatsApp broadcast for real‑time announcements (weather, flow cues)
• Optional quiet corner for elders/children, and pram/buggy park zone

Exact address & schedule

• Final address, Google Maps pin, what3words, and the detailed program timeline will be published on the official Bihari Connect UK channels closer to the date. Use the venue pin section below to avoid wrong map entries and satnav traps.

Venue Pin & Google Maps: How to find York Cottage (and avoid wrong turns)

Final, official links (to be posted by organisers)

• Google Maps pin (official): will be shared via Bihari Connect UK WhatsApp/FB and event mailer
• what3words (3‑word address): included in the same announcement for a 3‑metre precise point (ideal for pre‑dawn arrivals)

How to use the pin correctly

• Save the Google Maps pin to “Favourites” on your phone.
• Download offline maps for the area in Google Maps (Menu → Offline maps).
• If satnav suggests restricted/maintenance roads, return to the official pin route; follow event signage once near the venue.

Pro tips (until pin is live)

• When a location has multiple similar names, search via the organiser’s pin only—not generic “York Cottage” queries—to prevent routing to the wrong site.
• Screenshot the last 1–2 km of approach roads (with landmarks).
• Add the what3words location to your notes. Example format: ///word.word.word (the actual three words will be published with the official pin).

Four Days, Four Rituals: UK‑ready steps for vratis and families

Chhath Puja honours Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya (Usha). Vratis observe a ~36‑hour nirjala fast from Kharna evening to after Usha Arghya. Keep the kitchen calm, utensils pristine, and prasad sattvik.

Day 1 — Nahay Khay (Sat, 25 Oct)

• Clean the puja corner, utensils, and kitchen; many vratis bathe early.
• Cook a simple sattvik lunch: lauki‑chana dal + steamed rice (no onion/garlic).
• Wash fruits (banana, coconut, sweet lime, apple, pomegranate), veg (radish with greens if available, lauki/kaddu), and set aside sugarcane.

Day 2 — Kharna (Sun, 26 Oct; GMT)

• Break the daylong fast after sunset with jaggery rice kheer (no salt), roti/poori, fruits—cooked in a pristine kitchen.
• From this moment, vratis begin the nirjala fast until after Usha Arghya.

Day 3 — Sandhya Arghya (Mon, 27 Oct)

• Arrive 60–90 minutes before sunset. Assemble the soop (bamboo tray) with: thekua, fruits (banana, coconut, sweet lime, apple, pomegranate), radish, sugarcane pieces, diya + ghee/wicks, windproof lighter, lota/kalash (clean water), flowers, akshat (rice), red cloth/dupatta.
• At the volunteer cue, vratis stand at the waterline to offer arghya to the setting sun. Respect footwear customs and venue safety rules.
• Kosi Bharna (if your tradition observes it) is typically done at home or in a specifically permitted, flame‑safe zone.

Day 4 — Usha Arghya (Tue, 28 Oct)

• Arrive well before first light; headlamps/torches help with lane entry.
• Offer arghya to the rising sun. Vratis complete the fast at home with family, distributing prasad thereafter.

Niyam notes

• Sattvik: no onion/garlic; don’t taste prasad before offering (as per many family customs); keep utensils dedicated/clean.
• Calm: focus, minimal chatter at arghya time, and disciplined queues.

Sandhya/Usha: How to plan with sunrise/sunset (London link)

Bookmark this link and check both a day ahead and on the day:

• London Sun & Moon (Oct 2025): https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/uk/london?month=10&year=2025

Planning cues

• Sandhya: Be in lane 20–30 minutes before listed sunset; allow for crowd flow.
• Usha: Get to the venue 30–45 minutes before listed sunrise; pre‑dawn movement is slower, especially with elders/children.

Travel & Access: TfL, National Rail, step‑free, parking & drop‑off

Journey planners

• TfL: https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/
• National Rail: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk
• TfL Accessibility & Step‑Free: https://tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/

General guidance (until final pin is live)

• Tube/Overground/Elizabeth line to the nearest station + a short walk/bus.
• Step‑free: Check the step‑free tube/rail map if you’re bringing prams or assisting elders.
• Buses: Night routes are useful for Usha; verify first/last bus times for 28 Oct.
• Driving: Inner‑London parks often have limited/paid parking and CPZ restrictions; suburban lakes may charge or close at dusk—Usha requires permission; follow organiser guidance.
• Drop‑off: Use the signed event drop‑off bay; keep lanes clear for emergency access.

Vrati & Family Checklists: Soop, prasad, diya, clothing, safety

Soop/daura kit (adjust per tradition)

• Soop/daura (bamboo), lota/kalash (brass/steel), small gangajali (if available)
• Diya (mitti), ghee/oil, cotton wicks, windproof lighter (London winds can be brisk)
• Thekua; jaggery laddoo/kasar (if used); kheer for Kharna (home)
• Fruits: banana, coconut (whole), sweet lime, apple, pomegranate, pear
• Vegetables: radish (with greens if possible), lauki/kaddu; sugarcane sections
• Flowers, haldi, kumkum/sindoor, akshat (rice), red cloth/dupatta/kalawa
• Towel, small mat, extra bags (compost/rubbish/take‑back prasad)
• Headlamp/torch, small first‑aid kit, handwarmers (for dawn)
• Clothing: modest, warm traditional wear; shawl/jacket; non‑slip, easy‑on footwear
• Kids/seniors: warm layers, folding chair, wristband with guardian phone, thermos (for non‑vratis)

Safety add‑ons

• Compact umbrella & shoe bag (damp banks)
• Metal diya plate (if open flame is permitted)
• Phone power bank + offline map screenshots

Organiser Toolkit: Permits, risk, lanes, signage, first aid, insurance

Permits & compliance

• Landowner/authority approval for shoreline use, flame rules, waste/compost, early entry for Usha, and any PA (public address) usage.
• Event insurance (public liability), method statements, and a risk assessment, including:
  • Slips/trips near water, cold exposure, crowd surges
  • Open flame controls (or tealight policy) and designated zones
  • Waste, compost, and water‑quality protection
  • Emergency access and evacuation routes

Shoreline lanes & signage

• 2–4 parallel “ghat lanes” feeding a shallow, marked waterline (ankle/calf depth only).
• Entry signage: “Chhath Puja — Arghya Lanes →”, “Queue Starts Here”.
• Safety signage: “No Pushing”, “Keep Children Behind Line”, “Tealights Only” (if applicable).
• Exit signage: “← Exit / Prasad Sharing Area”.

First aid & lost‑and‑found

• First‑aid tent staffed by qualified responders; stocked for cold exposure, slips, and fainting.
• Lost‑and‑found and child reunification point near the info desk; pre‑agree a code process.

Communications

• WhatsApp Broadcast (read‑only) for live updates (weather, lanes opening, arghya cue).
• Zone leads with radios/Push‑to‑Talk app; 10‑minute huddle before each session (Sandhya/Usha).

Waste & water protection

• Nets and trays for offerings at the edge; “Designated Drop” signs only.
• Compost/rubbish stations with clear bin labels; volunteers to guide sorting.
• Post‑event sweep: leave‑no‑trace walk‑through before closure.

Volunteer Playbook: Roles, shifts, WhatsApp ops, scripts

Roles (60–90‑minute shifts)

• Flow Marshals (entry/exit), Shoreline Ushers (lane rotation), Diya Safety, First‑Aid Support, Lost‑and‑Found, Prasad Table, Accessibility Escort, Translation (Hindi/Bhojpuri/Maithili/English), Cleanup Crew.

Micro‑scripts (keep it calm, kind, clear)

• “Namaste, please keep children behind the line until your turn.”
• “One family and one soop at the water’s edge, then kindly rotate back.”
• “Thank you for using the compost bin—no plastic in water, please.”
• “If you feel dizzy, please sit here; first‑aid is coming.”

WhatsApp comms cadence (examples)

• T‑2 days: final address, Google Maps pin, what3words, schedule, flame policy.
• T‑6 hours: weather snapshot, arrival advice, layers/torch reminder.
• T‑60 minutes: queue opening, lane plan; T‑15 minutes: Sandhya cue.
• After arghya: exit note, thanks, and Usha plan reminders.

Water‑Edge Safety & Flames: Lanes, depth, wind, tealights

• Depth: mark ankle/calf depth with cones/rope; no one beyond the line.
• Wind: favour battery tealights in high wind; if flames are permitted, use a metal plate; keep hair/cloth away from flame.
• Drones: prohibit unless with formal permission (rare); no flights over crowds.
• Children: hand‑hold policy at the waterline; pram/buggy park away from lanes.

Eco‑Friendly Chhath: Clean ghats, compostables, wildlife care

• Designated drop only; no food/plastic directly into water.
• Compostables: prasad leftovers in green bins; packaging in general waste.
• Take‑back bag: tie flowers/leftovers and take home if bins are at capacity—never leave on site.
• Wildlife: do not feed birds/fish with prasad; keep the shoreline pristine.

Program Flow Templates: Running order, MC script, announcements

Suggested running order (Sandhya)

• T‑90 min: site opens, prasad staging, safety announcements over low‑volume PA
• T‑45 min: lane preparation, queue opens; MC explains rotation
• T‑15 min: Sandhya arghya cue; MC requests quiet focus
• T+10 min: rotation continues until all vratis have offered
• T+25 min: closing thanks, Usha briefing, waste/compost reminder

Micro MC script

• “Namaste. Please keep the waterline clear and follow the ushers’ cues.”
• “When called, one family with one soop at the edge; then kindly rotate back.”
• “For your safety, please use battery tealights unless directed otherwise.”
• “We resume at dawn for Usha Arghya; dress warm, bring a torch, and arrive early.”

Weather & Contingency: Cold, wind, drizzle, plan B

Late‑October London is chilly and breezy, with possible drizzle.

• Layers: thermal base + kurta/sari blouse + shawl/jacket; gloves, cap, handwarmers for Usha.
• Wet weather kit: compact umbrellas, shoe bags, plastic sheet under soop if ground is damp.
• Contingency: If the shoreline is unsafe, organisers may shift to a calmer inlet or adjust lane depth; follow WhatsApp broadcast updates in real time.

Check daily

• London Weather (Oct 2025): https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/uk/london
• London Sun & Moon (Oct 2025): https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/uk/london?month=10&year=2025

London Shopping Run: Southall, Wembley/Alperton, East corridor

Southall (Ealing/Southall Broadway) — groceries, puja stores, sweets
Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Southall+Broadway

Wembley/Alperton (Ealing Road, HA0/HA9) — puja items, jaggery, atta, diyas
Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Ealing+Road,+Wembley

East London (Ilford/Barking/East Ham) — multiple South Asian grocers
Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Ilford+High+Road and https://maps.google.com/?q=High+Street+North,+East+Ham

What to buy (7–10 days early)

• Soop/daura, lota/kalash, mitti diyas/ghee/wicks, jaggery, whole‑wheat flour (atta), saunf, elaichi, dry fruits
• Fruits (banana, coconut, sweet lime, apple, pomegranate), radish, lauki/kaddu, sugarcane (sells out first)
• Compostable plates/bowls; small metal diya plate; battery tealights (wind‑friendly)

Budget planner (UK), 30/14/7‑day checklist, day‑of flow

Estimated family budget (4 people)

• Puja supplies & diyas: £20–£55
• Fruits/veg & prasad ingredients: £30–£85
• Kharna groceries: £10–£25
• Transport/parking/warm drinks: £8–£25
• Optional outfits & shawls: £40–£120

30/14/7‑day checklist (for 25–28 Oct)

• 30 days out
  • Confirm vratis; GP advice if needed. Choose ghat; review flame/hours with organisers. Arrange rides for elders; set up a family WhatsApp.
• 14 days out
  • Buy puja kit items; test headlamps; volunteer shift sign‑up. Prep thekua ingredients; wash/dry soop & lota; line tins with parchment.
• 7 days out
  • Pre‑order sugarcane/fruits; finalise carpool/transit; print mantras/aarti. Pack labelled compost/rubbish bags, mini first‑aid kit, shoe bag.

Day‑of flow (Sandhya — Mon, 27 Oct)

1. Leave home 90 minutes earlier than usual.
2. Public transport/parking → restrooms → calmly set up soop 45 mins pre‑sunset.
3. Proceed to lanes at volunteer cue; offer arghya with quiet focus.
4. Step back; share prasad respectfully; take a brief family photo; give space to others.
5. Pack out waste; help elders first; exit via assigned routes.

Related internal guides

• Chhath Puja 2025 UK – Complete Festival Guide & Celebrations
• When is Chhath Puja 2025 in UK – Dates, Times & Rituals
• Chhath Puja London 2025 – Events & Community Celebrations
• Chhath Puja 2025 Melbourne: Events, Celebrations & Arghya Timing

FAQs (quick and clear)

Conclusion & Blessings

You now have a complete, London‑ready plan for Bihari Connect UK Chhath Puja 2025 – York Cottage Celebration—dates, the BST→GMT clock change, Sandhya/Usha timing, venue pin best practices, TfL/rail travel tools, checklists, and calm safety/eco protocols. With Sandhya/Usha expected on 27–28 October (GMT), share this with family and Bihari Connect UK groups, align your 30/14/7‑day prep, and make this Chhath serene, safe, and memorable.

Chhathi Maiya ki jai!