Your complete guide to Chhath Puja London 2025: confirmed UK dates, Sandhya/Usha timing (BST→GMT), Google Maps ghats, TfL travel, vrati checklists, safety, eco rules, and community event tips.

Chhath Puja London 2025 – Events & Community Celebrations

Chhath Puja London 2025 – Events & Community Celebrations brings the devotion and discipline of Bihar and eastern UP to London’s lakes and riverside paths. From Victoria Park and Valentines Park to Barking Park Lake and the Welsh Harp (Brent Reservoir), London’s public spaces transform into serene ghats as vratis (devotees), families, and friends gather to offer Sandhya Arghya (evening) and Usha Arghya (dawn).

This UK-ready, one‑tab guide covers what you need: confirmed UK dates, the crucial BST→GMT clock change, Sandhya/Usha timing guidance, a Google Maps ghat directory, TfL journey planning, vrati/prasad checklists, water‑edge safety, eco‑friendly practices, and a calm 30/14/7‑day plan. You won’t need to search elsewhere.

Table of Contents

Quick Answer: London Chhath Puja 2025 dates and timing
BST→GMT: The UK clock change during Chhath weekend
Four Days, Four Rituals: What to do (UK‑ready)
Sandhya/Usha timing: How to plan with London’s sunset/sunrise
London Ghat Directory (Google Maps links)
Events & Community Celebrations: How London organises Chhath
Vrati & Family Checklists: Soop, prasad, diya, clothing, safety
Getting There: TfL Journey Planner, Tube/rail, parking tips
Crowd‑smart arrival, walking routes, and late‑October weather
Family Safety at Water’s Edge: first aid, kids, lighting, flame rules
Volunteers & Seva: Roles, shifts, and WhatsApp ops
Food & Health: Kharna, fasting guidance, kid‑friendly satvik ideas
London Shopping Run: Where to buy and what to get (Southall, Wembley, East)
Eco‑friendly Chhath in UK parks: clean ghats, compostables, take‑back
Budget planner (UK), 30/14/7‑day checklist, and day‑of flow
FAQs (quick and clear)
Conclusion & Blessings

Quick Answer: London Chhath Puja 2025 dates and timing

Expected UK dates (confirm locally)

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

Timing guidance (London)

Sandhya: Plan to arrive 60–90 minutes before local sunset; be in position 20–30 minutes before listed sunset.
Usha: Plan to arrive 75–90 minutes before local sunrise; lanes get busy just before dawn.
Always follow your organiser’s exact arghya window, shoreline lanes, and flame instructions at the ghat.

BST→GMT: The UK clock change during Chhath weekend

The UK ends daylight saving at 02:00 on Sunday 26 October 2025 (clocks go back one hour; BST → GMT).

Kharna (Sun 26), Sandhya (Mon 27), and Usha (Tue 28) occur after the change—times will be in GMT.
Sunsets are noticeably earlier—reach the ghat extra early with elders and children.

Tip: Put “BST→GMT” in your family WhatsApp group name from 24–28 Oct to prevent missed timing.

Four Days, Four Rituals: What to do (UK‑ready)

Chhath Puja honours Surya Dev (Sun) and Chhathi Maiya (Usha—goddess of dawn). Vratis observe a strict nirjala fast (no food/water) for ~36 hours from Kharna evening to after Usha Arghya.

Day 1 — Nahay Khay (Sat, 25 Oct)

Purify the puja space and utensils; many vratis bathe early.
Cook a simple satvik lunch (lauki‑chana dal + steamed rice) in dedicated, clean utensils.
Prep: wash bananas, coconut (whole), sweet lime, apple, pomegranate; radish (with greens if available), lauki/kaddu; set aside sugarcane.

Day 2 — Kharna (Sun, 26 Oct) — now on GMT

Daylong fast ends after sunset with jaggery rice kheer (no salt), roti/poori, fruits—cooked calmly in pristine cookware.
After Kharna prasad, vratis begin the ~36‑hour nirjala fast until after Usha Arghya.

Day 3 — Sandhya Arghya (Mon, 27 Oct) — evening offering

Reach your ghat 60–90 minutes early. Assemble the soop (bamboo tray) with thekua, fruits, radish, sugarcane, diya + ghee/wicks, windproof lighter, lota/kalash (clean water), flowers, akshat (rice), red cloth/dupatta.
At the volunteer cue, vratis stand at the waterline and offer arghya to the setting sun. Observe footwear custom and safety.

Day 4 — Usha Arghya (Tue, 28 Oct) — dawn offering

Arrive well before first light. Follow the lane rotation; offer arghya to the rising sun.
Vratis complete their fast at home with family and distribute prasad.

Niyam reminders

Sattvik: No onion/garlic; keep prasad utensils separate if possible; many avoid tasting prasad before offering.
Calm: Maintain a quiet kitchen; keep children away from hot oil and diyas.

Sandhya/Usha timing: How to plan with London’s sunset/sunrise

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

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

Pro planning

Sandhya: Be in position 20–30 minutes before listed sunset; lines move slowly near water.
Usha: Arrive 30–45 minutes before listed sunrise; pre‑dawn headlamps help families move safely.

London Ghat Directory (Google Maps links)

These are popular lakes/riverfronts where Londoners have gathered in recent years. 2025 permits, exact shoreline lanes, and diya rules will be announced by organisers and park authorities—always follow onsite instructions and use only designated drop points with nets/collection crews.

Victoria Park (East London) — lakeside areas
Map: Google Maps
Barking Park Lake (Barking & Dagenham)
Map: Google Maps
Valentines Park Lake (Ilford, Redbridge)
Map: Google Maps
Brent Reservoir (Welsh Harp, Barnet/Brent) — use only designated points
Map: Google Maps
Thames Path (permitted stretches only; confirm) — Richmond riverside, Isle of Dogs, or other sections if organisers secure permissions
Map: Google Maps
South Norwood Lake (Croydon) — confirm permitted staging
Map: Google Maps
Ruislip Lido (Hillingdon) — heavy weekend footfall; check rules
Map: Google Maps
Osterley Park (National Trust lake; permissions required)
Map: Google Maps
Danson Park Lake (Bexley) — calm shoreline; confirm 2025 arrangements
Map: Google Maps
Southall Park (ornamental lake; small, confirms vary)
Map: Google Maps

Notes
These pins are starting points. Organisers will share precise lanes/staging in 2025 posts.
Never place offerings or diyas outside designated drop points. Respect local wildlife and water quality rules.

Events & Community Celebrations: How London organises Chhath

Lead channels: London Chhath committees, Bihari Connect UK networks, local temple groups, and borough/community associations typically announce in early–mid October.
Where to watch: Facebook/WhatsApp groups (Bihari Connect UK, London Chhath), borough event pages (Tower Hamlets, Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham, Brent), and Eventbrite pages for “Chhath Puja London”.
Programme elements (vary by site):
- Sandhya/Usha arghya windows, lane rotation and ushers
- Soop/prasad staging tables and diya safety instructions
- Volunteer shifts, first‑aid tent, lost‑and‑found point
- Cultural/community announcements (non‑amplified near arghya times)
Permits & rules: Borough park authorities and landowners (e.g., Canal & River Trust, National Trust) must approve shoreline use and flame rules. Always follow posted signs and organisers’ instructions.

Pro tip: Subscribe to borough newsletter pages for parks (e.g., Tower Hamlets Parks, Redbridge Parks) and set Facebook alerts for Bihari Connect UK announcements.

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

Soop/daura kit (adjust per your 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 (prasad), 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 sticks
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
For 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)
Power bank + offline map screenshots

Getting There: TfL Journey Planner, Tube/rail, parking tips

Journey planning

TfL: tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey
National Rail: nationalrail.co.uk
Step‑free: TfL Accessibility & Step‑Free map — tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/

Useful lines (examples; check your site)

Central, District, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, Elizabeth line, Overground.
For Victoria Park/Regent’s Canal: Mile End/Bethnal Green (Tube) or Cambridge Heath/London Fields (Overground) + walk.
For Valentines Park: Gants Hill (Central) or Ilford (Elizabeth line) + walk/bus.
For Barking Park: Barking (District/H&C/Overground/C2C) + bus/walk.
For Welsh Harp: Hendon (Thameslink) or Neasden/Wembley Park (Jubilee/Met) + bus/walk.

Driving & parking

Inner‑London parks have limited/paid parking; arrive early, use marked car parks, never block emergency access, and watch Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs).
Suburban lakes may charge parking or close at dusk; confirm hours (Usha often requires special permission).

Crowd‑smart arrival, walking routes, and late‑October weather

Sandhya: Arrive 60–90 mins before sunset; set up calmly; follow lane ropes.
Usha: Reach 75–90 mins before sunrise; headlamps + slow pace; keep groups together.
Weather: Late October is chilly, breezy, with possible drizzle. Wear layers, caps, gloves, and non‑slip shoes. Keep kids’ hands warm with mittens/handwarmers.

Family Safety at Water’s Edge: first aid, kids, lighting, flame rules

Lanes: Follow ushers; no pushing/overtaking near the shoreline.
Rotation: One family + one soop at the edge, then step back to allow the next.
Children: Stay behind safety lines with a non‑vrati adult until your turn; hold hands near water.
Flame safety: Use designated diya zones; many UK parks restrict open flames—battery tealights may be required. Always follow organiser/park staff instructions.
Health: If a vrati feels faint (nirjala fast), sit immediately and alert volunteers. Carry essential meds. Consult your GP beforehand if you have health conditions.

Emergency

Dial 999; share park name and nearest gate/road. Consider installing what3words for precise location.

Volunteers & Seva: roles, shifts, WhatsApp ops

Roles: entry/flow marshals, shoreline ushers, diya safety, first‑aid support, lost‑and‑found, prasad tables, accessibility escort, multilingual info (Hindi/Bhojpuri/Maithili/English), cleanup.
Shifts: 60–90 minutes — pre‑sunset→arghya; pre‑dawn→sunrise; cleanup.
Ops: One WhatsApp broadcast per site; zone leads with radios if available. A 10‑minute huddle sets lane ropes, emergency egress, and cutoff protocols.

Volunteer mantra: Calm tone, eye contact, clear gestures—one safe family at a time.

Food & Health: Kharna, fasting guidance, kid‑friendly satvik ideas

Kharna (Sun, 26 Oct, GMT)

Jaggery rice kheer (no salt), roti/poori, fruits—cooked in a pristine kitchen.

Satvik ideas for non‑vratis/kids

Aloo‑jeera, lauki‑chana dal, steamed rice, kachumber, plain yogurt.
Baked sabudana patties, fruit cups, warm milk (if your family custom allows).

Hydration & rest

Vratis: consult your GP if you have medical conditions before attempting nirjala fast.
Families: carry water and light snacks for children/elders; bring a warm blanket for pre‑dawn.

London Shopping Run: Where to buy and what to get

Southall (Ealing/Southall Broadway) — groceries, puja stores, sweets
Map: Southall Broadway

Wembley/Alperton (Ealing Road, HA0/HA9) — puja items, jaggery, atta, diyas
Map: Ealing Road Wembley

East London (Ilford/Barking/East Ham) — multiple South Asian grocers
Maps: Ilford High Road • 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)

Eco‑friendly Chhath in UK parks

Chhath is purity in action—keep lakes/rivers pristine.

Only drop offerings at netted collection points; never plastic into water.
Carry two bags: one compost bag and one rubbish bag; pack out what you bring.
Prefer compostable plates or reusable steel thalis for prasad.
Tie leftover flowers/offerings into a take‑back bag for proper compost disposal per organiser guidance.

Budget planner (UK), 30/14/7‑day checklist, and 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 park rules on flames/hours. 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)

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

Related internal guides

FAQs (quick and clear)

When is Chhath Puja London 2025?

Expected 25–28 October 2025: Nahay Khay (25), Kharna (26), Sandhya (27), Usha (28). Confirm arghya windows locally and check sunrise/sunset for London.

What time should I reach the ghat for Sandhya/Usha?

Sandhya: arrive 60–90 minutes before sunset. Usha: 75–90 minutes before sunrise. After the BST→GMT clock change, sunsets appear earlier—reach extra early.

Where are the main London ghats?

Victoria Park, Barking Park Lake, Valentines Park, Brent Reservoir (Welsh Harp), plus occasional permitted Thames stretches (only if organisers/authorities approve). See the map links above.

Are diyas allowed in London parks?

Often restricted to designated flame zones; many parks prefer battery tealights, especially in wind. Follow organiser and park staff instructions.

What should go in the soop?

Thekua; fruits (banana, coconut, sweet lime, apple, pomegranate); radish; sugarcane; diya/wicks/oil; lota/kalash; flowers; akshat; red cloth—adapt to your family custom.

Is the nirjala fast mandatory for everyone?

No. Only vratis observe the ~36‑hour nirjala fast. Children, elders, and those with health conditions should not fast. Consult your GP if unsure.

How do I get step‑free access?

Use TfL’s step‑free planning tools and check your route/station before you travel: tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/.

What if it rains or is very windy?

Carry umbrellas, waterproof liners for soop, battery tealights, and extra layers. Prioritise safety; follow volunteer guidance; stay within marked depth.

Conclusion & Blessings

You now have a complete London‑specific plan for Chhath Puja 2025—dates, the clock change, Sandhya/Usha timing, ghat maps, TfL journey tips, vrati checklists, water‑edge safety, and eco‑friendly practices. With Sandhya/Usha expected on 27–28 October (GMT), share this guide with your family and Bihari Connect UK groups, align your 30/14/7‑day prep, and make this Chhath serene, safe, and memorable.

May Chhathi Maiya bless every home with health, light, and gratitude. Chhathi Maiya ki jai!