Chhath Puja Calgary 2025: Alberta Festival Celebrations & Events. Oct 25–28 dates, Sandhya/Usha timings, Calgary ghats with addresses, vidhi, safety, transit, permits.

Chhath Puja Calgary 2025: Alberta Festival Celebrations & Events Guide

Chhath Puja Calgary 2025: Alberta Festival Celebrations & Events brings together everything the Calgary Bihar community and Hindu families need for a serene, on‑time, and safe four‑day vrat. You’ll get the national dates (Oct 25–28), Calgary’s Sandhya and Usha reference windows, a complete step‑by‑step vidhi, and a curated list of popular “ghats” (parks and waterfronts) with addresses. You’ll also find cold‑weather prep, water and fire safety, City of Calgary permit pointers, transit and parking tips, volunteer lane‑flow, and ready‑to‑use checklists to keep your vrati focused and comfortable.

Most vratis miss the muhurat by minutes, not hours. In Calgary, sunset falls early and sunrise can be after 8:00 AM in late October. With precise timings, compact thalis, and calm lane management, your family can honour Surya Dev and Usha Maiya on the dot—without last‑minute stress.

Table of Contents

• 2025 Chhath Puja dates and time zone notes (MDT)
• Sandhya & Usha reference windows for Calgary
• How to get your exact arghya minute in 3 minutes
• Calgary “ghats” and water venues with addresses
• Complete Chhath Puja vidhi (Nahay Khay to Usha Arghya)
• Vrati samagri, prasad, and cold‑weather setup
• Safety, permits, and eco‑friendly practices
• Transit, parking, and accessibility (Calgary Transit)
• Suburb‑wise itineraries to reach on time
• Volunteer lane‑flow and on‑the‑day runbook
• Photos, music, and respectful sound levels
• Case studies from Calgary families
• Key statistics and authoritative sources
• Internal and external resources

2025 Chhath Puja dates and time zone notes (MDT)

Calgary observes Mountain Daylight Time (MDT, UTC−6) through October 2025. DST ends on Sunday, November 2, 2025—after Chhath.

• Nahay Khay (Day 1): Saturday, October 25, 2025
• Kharna (Day 2): Sunday, October 26, 2025
• Sandhya Arghya (Day 3): Monday, October 27, 2025 — evening offering at local sunset
• Usha Arghya & paran (Day 4): Tuesday, October 28, 2025 — morning offering at local sunrise, then break the fast

Keep your schedule in MDT. Post the exact sunset/sunrise minute for your chosen park in your family/BAJCCA group the day before each offering.

Sandhya & Usha reference windows for Calgary

Use these as planning references. Always verify exact minutes for your park/suburb on the day.

• Sandhya Arghya (Mon, Oct 27): around 6:15–6:30 PM MDT
• Usha Arghya (Tue, Oct 28): around 8:00–8:15 AM MDT

How to use this

• Arrive 45–60 minutes before sunset and 30–45 minutes before sunrise.
• Nominate a timekeeper to cue quiet at T–10 minutes and a clear “now” at T–0.
• Verify your park’s exact minute via Environment Canada or timeanddate.

Tip: For groups of 100+, allow 60–90 minutes to mark lanes, brief volunteers, and position elders.

How to get your exact arghya minute in 3 minutes

1. Open a sun‑time source

• Government of Canada Weather (weather.gc.ca) or timeanddate (Calgary page).

2. Select your exact park/suburb

• If your park isn’t listed, use the nearest neighbourhood or “Calgary” and adjust on site.

3. Choose dates

• Sunset for Monday, Oct 27, 2025 (Sandhya).
• Sunrise for Tuesday, Oct 28, 2025 (Usha).

4. Share and set alarms

• Post the minute to your WhatsApp group and event page.
• Set phone alarms: T–40 (assemble soops), T–10 (quiet), T–0 (pour).

5. Re‑check on the day

• Quick double‑check 2–3 hours before the event in case of advisories.

If a water edge is icy, slick, or closed, step a few metres inland and offer arghya facing the sun using a shallow tray/kalash. Safety is dharma.

Calgary “ghats” and water venues with addresses

These parks and waterfronts offer accessible, shallow edges and room for orderly, land‑based arghya lanes. Always confirm assembly points and by‑laws with organisers and the City of Calgary.

Northwest & West

• Bowness Park — 8900 48 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T3B 2B2
  Family‑friendly riverside park; select calm inlets and mark wide dry lines.
• Edworthy Park — 5050 Spruce Dr SW, Calgary, AB T3C 3B2
  Broad lawns by the Bow River; choose stable, shallow edges.
• Shouldice Park (riverside lawns) — 5303 Bowness Rd NW, Calgary, AB
  Open fields with river access; avoid slick river rocks.

Central & Downtown

• Prince’s Island Park — 698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 5N4
  Central, scenic; use gentle pond/lagoon edges and paved paths.
• St. Patrick’s Island Park — 1300 Zoo Rd NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7V6
  Wide foreshore with safe pockets; confirm park hours.

Southeast

• Carburn Park — 67 Riverview Dr SE, Calgary, AB T2C 4H8
  Ponds and river views; pick pond edges for stability and elder access.
• Pearce Estate Park (pond area) — 1440 17A St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4T9
  Wetland pond and lawns; mark lanes well.
• Ralph Klein Park — 12350 84 St SE, Calgary, AB T3S 0A4
  Wetland centre with viewing decks and trail access; check opening hours.

Northeast

• Prairie Winds Park — 223 Castleridge Blvd NE, Calgary, AB T3J 1P6
  Community hub with ponds and open lawns; ideal for elder seating.

Southwest

• North Glenmore Park (reservoir edge) — 7305 Crowchild Trail SW, Calgary, AB T3E 5N5
  Reservoir foreshore; select paved viewpoints and stable landings.

Important notes

• Prefer ponds, lagoons, and calm inlets over active riverbanks.
• Mark a clear “dry line” 1–2 metres back from the edge; only vratis step forward briefly.
• Many parks limit open flames—use enclosed lamps or LED tealights; carry sand/water for safety.
• Leave no trace: pack out flowers, fruit, and prasad crumbs.

City info

• City of Calgary Parks & Events: https://www.calgary.ca/parks
• Special Events/Permits: https://www.calgary.ca/events

Complete Chhath Puja vidhi (Nahay Khay to Usha Arghya)

Chhath is about purity, timing, and gratitude to Surya Dev and Usha Maiya. Keep your setup simple, safe, and focused—especially in public parks.

Day 1: Nahay Khay — Saturday, Oct 25

• Clean the home, kitchen, and puja area; wash puja utensils separately.
• Vrati bathes and prepares satvik food (often pumpkin, rice, dal).
• Offer to the deity first; the disciplined diet begins.

Day 2: Kharna — Sunday, Oct 26

• Vrati fasts without water all day.
• After sunset, prepare kheer (gur/sugar), ghee‑roasted roti, and fruits.
• Offer to the deity, distribute prasad, and the vrati eats once.
• From here, vrati observes a nirjala fast until Usha Arghya.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya — Monday, Oct 27

• Arrive 45–60 minutes before sunset.
• Arrange soop/daura with thekua, fruits, turmeric, flowers; fill lota/kalash.
• As the sun nears the horizon, vrati faces the water and offers arghya, chanting Chhath geet.
• Maintain one‑way lane flow; return to the dry zone calmly.

Day 4: Usha Arghya & paran — Tuesday, Oct 28

• Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunrise.
• Offer arghya at the verified sunrise minute; perform kosi (where observed) with enclosed lamps and fire safety.
• Touch elders’ feet; vrati breaks the fast (paran) after prayers.

Featured Snippet: 9‑step arghya offering checklist

1. Place a deity image; set the soop/daura with prasad (thekua, fruits, turmeric, flowers).
2. Fill lota/kalash with clean water; add flowers or a few drops of milk.
3. Stand at a shallow, stable edge (or behind a marked dry line).
4. Light enclosed lamps or LED tealights; keep sand/water within arm’s reach.
5. At sunset/sunrise, pour arghya slowly while chanting Chhath geet.
6. Offer thekua, fruits, and flowers with devotion.
7. Hold a brief silence; complete personal prayers.
8. Step back safely; elders exit first; keep lanes clear.
9. Extinguish all lamps; pack out every item and any litter.

Vrati samagri, prasad, and cold‑weather setup

Samagri essentials

• Soop/daura (bamboo), lota/kalash, deep (diya), incense
• Mustard oil/ghee, cotton wicks, long lighter; enclosed lamp shades/LED tealights
• 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

Cold‑weather kit (Calgary in late October)

• Layered clothing, shawls, gloves, beanies for pre‑dawn chill.
• Hand warmers and non‑slip, waterproof footwear.
• Thermos with warm water for elders and non‑fasters.
• Rain ponchos and a ground sheet if lawns are damp.
• LED lanterns/headlamps with spare batteries.

Prasad packing tips

• Cool thekua fully before sealing so it stays crisp.
• Use lidded, reusable tins labelled “vrati,” “family,” “distribution.”
• Carry a small board/knife for fruit; repack peels for home compost/disposal.

Safety, permits, and eco‑friendly practices

Water safety

• Choose shallow, firm footing; avoid algae, ice, and sudden drop‑offs.
• Mark a “dry line” 1–2 metres back; only vratis step briefly to the front.
• Assign Lane Marshals; children remain with adults.
• In emergencies, call 911 and provide the park name and nearest street.

Fire and lamp safety

• Prefer enclosed lamps or wind‑shielded diyas; some parks restrict open flames.
• Keep sand/water within arm’s reach; extinguish every flame.
• Switch to LED tealights if wind is strong or flames are restricted.

Permits and by‑laws

• For large events (sound, lighting, tents, 50+ attendees), contact the City of Calgary Events team early.
• Carry approvals on‑site and follow park staff directions.
• Respect noise limits and quiet hours, especially for Usha Arghya.

Eco‑friendly Chhath

• Use leaf bowls/biodegradable plates; avoid plastic garlands and glitter.
• Never leave offerings in water; pack out flowers, fruit, and crumbs.
• Segregate organic waste and recyclables; leave the site spotless.

Contrarian but wise

• Ponds and lagoons often offer safer footing than active riverbanks; choose pond edges first.
• If footing is unsafe, move slightly inland and offer facing the sun with a shallow tray.

Transit, parking, and accessibility (Calgary Transit)

Transit planners

• Calgary Transit trip planning: https://www.calgarytransit.com/
• CTrain Red/Blue Lines serve downtown (good for Prince’s Island, St. Patrick’s Island).
• Buses connect to Bowness, Prairie Winds, Carburn, and other parks—check live timings.

Driving and parking

• Popular parks fill up near sunset; plan a vrati drop‑off, then park a few streets away.
• Bring lanterns for pre‑dawn paths; keep light levels low and respectful.

Accessibility

• Prefer paved entries and even gradients (Prince’s Island, Carburn Park pond edges, Prairie Winds).
• Ask the City about accessible toilets and nearest disabled bays.
• Provide elder seating behind the dry line and assign a helper.

Suburb‑wise itineraries to reach on time

Northeast (Martindale, Taradale, Saddleridge)

• Suggested ghats: Prairie Winds Park or nearby pond edges.
• Depart: 60 minutes before sunset; arrive 45 minutes before sunrise.
• Bring: Enclosed lamps; label prasad tins for quick sharing.

Northwest (Bowness, Varsity, Brentwood)

• Suggested ghats: Bowness Park, Shouldice Park, or Prince’s Island Park.
• Depart: 60 minutes early; choose pond/inlet edges over river stones.

Southeast (Riverbend, Lynnwood, McKenzie)

• Suggested ghats: Carburn Park or Pearce Estate Park (ponds).
• Depart: 60 minutes early; paths can be damp—use non‑slip footwear.

South & Southwest (Haysboro, Glenmore, Signal Hill)

• Suggested ghats: North Glenmore Park viewpoints, Edworthy Park lawns.
• Depart: 60 minutes early; keep elder seating behind the dry line.

Downtown & Inner City (Eau Claire, East Village, Bridgeland)

• Suggested ghats: Prince’s Island Park, St. Patrick’s Island Park.
• Depart: 45–60 minutes early; consider CTrain and a short walk.

Buffer rule

• Families: arrive 30–40 minutes early.
• Medium groups (30–80): 45–60 minutes early.
• Large gatherings (100+): 60–90 minutes early for lane marking and briefings.

Volunteer lane‑flow and on‑the‑day runbook

Core roles

• Convenor: overall timing and final decisions.
• Timekeeper: posts verified minute; runs T–10 quiet and T–0 pour cues.
• Lane Marshals: mark lanes, hold dry lines, manage flow.
• Fire Wardens: enclosed lamps, sand/water, ember checks.
• First Aid: bandages, saline wipes; hydration for non‑fasters.
• Waste Leads: compostable bags; final sweep and leave‑no‑trace.

Sandhya runbook (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.
• T+15: Controlled exit; ember check; final sweep.

Usha runbook (example)

• Pre‑dawn arrival; minimal sound; low light.
• Offer at verified sunrise minute.
• Guide to paran area; segregate waste; thank volunteers.

Signage pack (laminated A4/A3)

• “Arghya Lanes” • “Dry Line” • “Exit” • “First Aid” • “Volunteer Check‑in” • “Lost & Found”

Photos, music, and respectful sound levels

• Photos: Take 2–3 quick, respectful shots after the offering. Keep aisles clear; avoid flash.
• Music: Keep bhajans at family‑friendly volumes; soften or pause in the last 5 minutes before arghya.
• Dhol/taashe: Celebrate after the offering—away from the waterline and lanes.
• Drones: Only where permitted by municipal and federal rules; avoid crowds and wildlife.

Case studies from Calgary families

Prairie Winds Park, NE cluster

• Three families pooled samagri, set elder chairs behind a wide dry line, and used enclosed lamps. The timekeeper called T–10 quiet and T–0 pour precisely at sunset. Cleanup took 10 minutes, and prasad was shared from labelled tins.

Bowness Park, inlet‑first strategy

• Volunteers chose a calm inlet over the riverbank stones and marked two lanes with cones. A single “now” cue kept offerings synchronized. Result: safe footing, unhurried exit, and warm smiles.

Prince’s Island Park, downtown convenience

• A small group took CTrain to downtown, walked to a lagoon edge, and offered arghya at T–0 with LED tealights (wind‑safe). They wrapped in 20 minutes and left the area spotless.

Carburn Park, elder‑friendly setup

• Families used the pond edge with paved access for wheelchairs. With a compact thali and a thermos for elders, Usha Arghya finished on time and paran began by 8:25 AM.

Key statistics and authoritative sources

• Hinduism is a growing faith in Canada (2021 Census), supporting vibrant diaspora festivals.
  Source: Statistics Canada — https://www.statcan.gc.ca/
• Drowning risk in natural waters underscores careful site selection and dry‑line management.
  Source: Lifesaving Society Canada — https://www.lifesavingsociety.com/
• Sun times and weather verification are essential for exact arghya minutes.
  Sources: Government of Canada Weather — https://weather.gc.ca/ | timeanddate (Calgary) — https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/canada/calgary
• City by‑laws and event permits vary; contact the City of Calgary for guidance.
  City of Calgary — https://www.calgary.ca/

These references support timing precision, safety, and compliance across Calgary parks.

Related internal guides

• Chhath Puja 2025 Canada: Complete Celebration Guide & Events
• BAJCCA Chhath Puja 2025: Bihar Jharkhand Association Canada Events Guide
• Chhath Puja Dates 2025 Canada: Oct 25–28 Schedule & Puja Timings
• Chhath Puja Toronto 2025: Hindu Heritage Centre Events & Timing
• Chhath Puja Vancouver 2025: BC Festival Celebrations & Community Events

Authoritative external links

• Statistics Canada — https://www.statcan.gc.ca/
• Government of Canada Weather — https://weather.gc.ca/
• timeanddate – Calgary sun times — https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/canada/calgary
• Lifesaving Society Canada — https://www.lifesavingsociety.com/
• City of Calgary (Parks/Events) — https://www.calgary.ca/
• Calgary Transit — https://www.calgarytransit.com/

FAQ section

Conclusion with CTA

Chhath Puja Calgary 2025: Alberta Festival Celebrations & Events is your practical blueprint for a calm, on‑time celebration. With dates set (Oct 25–28), Sandhya/Usha reference windows, verified park options with addresses, a clear vidhi, safety and permit guidance, transit tips, and a volunteer runbook, you can keep the vrati’s focus on devotion while your team handles logistics with ease.

Next steps:

• Verify your park’s exact sunset/sunrise minute and publish your lane map.
• Post your family or community RSVP and volunteer sign‑up this week.
• Pack enclosed lamps, sand buckets, eco bags, warm layers—and prep thekua a day ahead.

May Surya Dev and Usha Maiya bless every Calgary home with health, harmony, and light. Which ghat will your family choose—Bowness Park, Prince’s Island, Prairie Winds, or Carburn?