Plan Manchester Chhath Puja 2025 (Oct 25–28): Google Maps ghats, Sandhya/Usha timing (BST→GMT), TfGM/Metrolink/bus tips, vrati checklists, safety, shopping, eco rules—everything in one guide.

Manchester Chhath Puja 2025 – North West Community Celebrations

Manchester Chhath Puja 2025 – North West Community Celebrations brings the devotion and discipline of Bihar and eastern UP to lakes and riversides across Greater Manchester and the wider North West. Each year, vratis (devotees), families, and friends gather at Platt Fields Park’s Boating Lake, Heaton Park Lake, Sale Water Park, Debdale Park Reservoirs, Chorlton Water Park, and beyond to offer Sandhya Arghya (evening) and Usha Arghya (dawn). With earlier sunsets after the UK clock change, cool breezes off the water, and growing community numbers, the difference between a stressful night and a serene puja is good planning.

This one‑tab guide has everything you need: corrected UK dates, the BST→GMT clock change explained, practical Sandhya/Usha timing, a Manchester & North West ghat directory with Google Maps links, TfGM/Metrolink/rail planning, vrati and family checklists, water‑edge safety, eco‑friendly practices, shopping loops (Curry Mile, Cheetham Hill, Levenshulme, Bolton, Blackburn, Preston, Liverpool), weather/sunrise planners, and a calm 30/14/7‑day timeline. You shouldn’t need another post.

Table of Contents

• Quick Answer: Dates & timing for Manchester Chhath Puja 2025
• BST→GMT: The clock change during Chhath weekend
• Four Days, Four Rituals: UK‑ready steps for vratis & families
• Planning Sandhya & Usha: Manchester sunrise/sunset tool
• Manchester & North West Ghat Directory (with Google Maps)
• Getting There: TfGM planner, Metrolink, buses, rail, parking & P&R
• Crowd‑smart arrival, walking routes, and late‑October weather
• Vrati & Family Checklists: Soop, prasad, diya, clothing, safety
• Family Safety at the Water’s Edge: lanes, kids, flame rules, what3words
• Volunteers & Seva: Roles, shifts, WhatsApp ops (with micro‑scripts)
• Food & Health: Kharna, fasting guidance, kid‑friendly satvik ideas
• North West Shopping Run: Where to buy & what to get
• Eco‑friendly Chhath in North West parks: clean ghats & wildlife care
• Budget planner (UK), 30/14/7‑day checklist, and day‑of flow
• FAQs
• Conclusion & Blessings

Quick Answer: Dates & timing for Manchester Chhath Puja 2025

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 (Greater Manchester & North West)

• Sandhya: Arrive 60–90 minutes before local sunset; be in lane 20–30 minutes before the listed time.
• Usha: Arrive 75–90 minutes before local sunrise; pre‑dawn queues build quickly, and movement is slower with families.

Always follow your organiser’s exact arghya window, shoreline lanes, and flame policy. Use only designated drop points with nets/collection crews—never drop plastic or food into water.

BST→GMT: The 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) are on GMT.
• Sunsets arrive earlier—plan earlier arrivals with elders and children.

Pro tip: Rename your family WhatsApp group to “Chhath (GMT) 25–28 Oct” to avoid timing mistakes.

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

Chhath Puja honours Surya Dev (Sun) and Chhathi Maiya (Usha—goddess of dawn). Vratis observe a ~36‑hour nirjala fast (no food/water) from Kharna evening until after Usha Arghya, alongside a code of cleanliness and sattvik cooking.

Day 1 — Nahay Khay (Sat, 25 Oct)

• Purify the puja corner, utensils, and kitchen; many vratis bathe early.
• Satvik lunch: lauki‑chana dal with steamed rice (no onion/garlic), cooked in clean, dedicated vessels.
• Prep produce: wash bananas, coconuts (whole), sweet limes, apples, pomegranates; 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, and 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): thekua, bananas, coconut (whole), 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. Observe footwear custom and shoreline safety.

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

• Arrive well before first light with headlamps/torches; follow lane rotation.
• Offer arghya to the rising sun; vratis complete their fast at home and distribute prasad.

Niyam notes

• Keep prasad utensils separate if possible; many families avoid tasting prasad before offering.
• Maintain a calm, sattvik kitchen; keep children away from hot oil and open flames.

Planning Sandhya & Usha: Manchester sunrise/sunset tool

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

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

Planning cues

• Sandhya: Be in position 20–30 minutes before listed sunset to allow for lane flow.
• Usha: Reach 30–45 minutes before listed sunrise; pre‑dawn movement is slower with families.

Manchester & North West Ghat Directory (with Google Maps)

These are popular lakes/riverfronts where North West devotees 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.

Manchester (City & immediate area)

• Platt Fields Park (Boating Lake, Rusholme)
  Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Platt+Fields+Park,+Manchester
  Notes: Popular with families near the Curry Mile; banks can be damp—wear non‑slip shoes.
• Heaton Park (Boating Lake)
  Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Heaton+Park,+Manchester
  Notes: Large lake; pair with Metrolink (Heaton Park/Prestwich) + short walk.
• Sale Water Park (Trafford)
  Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Sale+Water+Park
  Notes: Metrolink P&R at the site; windy in open areas—bring layers.
• Debdale Park Reservoirs (Gorton)
  Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Debdale+Park,+Manchester
  Notes: Calm zones; check which banks organisers designate.
• Chorlton Water Park
  Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Chorlton+Water+Park
  Notes: Access from Barlow Moor Rd/Chorlton; paths can be muddy—use torches pre‑dawn.
• Alexandra Park (Lake)
  Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Alexandra+Park,+Manchester
• Salford Quays / The Lowry (gathering/photo only; drop points rarely permitted)
  Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Salford+Quays

Greater Manchester (wider boroughs)

• Clifton Country Park (Swinton/Salford)
  Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Clifton+Country+Park
• Hollingworth Lake Country Park (Rochdale)
  Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Hollingworth+Lake
• Etherow Country Park (Compstall, Stockport)
  Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Etherow+Country+Park
• Pennington Flash (Leigh, Wigan)
  Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Pennington+Flash+Country+Park
• Burrs Country Park (Bury)
  Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Burrs+Country+Park
• Moses Gate Country Park / Crompton Lodges (Bolton)
  Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Moses+Gate+Country+Park
• Jumbles Country Park (Bolton)
  Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Jumbles+Country+Park

Wider North West (handy for devotees & visiting families)

• Sefton Park (Lake, Liverpool)
  Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Sefton+Park,+Liverpool
• Princes Park (Lake, Liverpool)
  Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Princes+Park,+Liverpool
• Stanley Park (Lake, Blackpool)
  Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Stanley+Park,+Blackpool
• Avenham & Miller Parks (River Ribble, Preston; designated banks only)
  Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Avenham+and+Miller+Parks,+Preston
• Witton Country Park (Blackburn)
  Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Witton+Country+Park

Notes

• These pins are starting points; organisers will publish precise lanes/staging and flame policy.
• Never place offerings or diyas outside designated drop points. Respect wildlife, anglers, and water quality rules.

Getting There: TfGM planner, Metrolink, buses, rail, parking & P&R

Journey planners & operators

• Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) journey planning: https://tfgm.com/journey-planning
• Metrolink (tram): https://tfgm.com/public-transport/tram
• National Rail Enquiries (Northern/TransPennine etc.): https://www.nationalrail.co.uk
• Stagecoach Manchester, Go North West, Diamond Bus North West (bus timetables on TfGM)

Metrolink highlights (helpful for some ghats)

• Sale Water Park (P&R), Ladywell (P&R for Salford), Heaton Park, Prestwich, Chorlton/Barlow Moor Road (walk/bus to Chorlton Water Park), Exchange Quay/Salford Quays (gathering/photo only unless permitted).

Buses (examples—check TfGM)

• Platt Fields Park via Wilmslow Rd corridor (142, 143 and others).
• Debdale Park via Hyde Rd corridor (201/203/204/205).
• Heaton Park via Bury Old Rd/Heaton Park tram or buses.
• Chorlton Water Park via Barlow Moor Rd/Princess Rd links and local buses.

Rail

• Northern & TPE into Manchester Piccadilly/Victoria/Oxford Rd; pair with tram or bus.
• For outer sites: check closest stations (e.g., Gorton for Debdale, Heaton Park/Prestwich for Heaton Park via tram links).

Driving & parking

• City parks often have limited/paid parking; arrive early and use marked car parks.
• Metrolink Park & Ride: Sale Water Park, Ladywell, East Didsbury, Hollinwood, etc. (confirm hours).
• Country parks may charge and run dawn–dusk hours; Usha requires permission—follow organiser guidance.
• Never block emergency access or park on soft verges.

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

• Sandhya: Arrive 60–90 minutes before sunset; set up calmly; follow lane ropes and ushers.
• Usha: Arrive 75–90 minutes 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.

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 (North West 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 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
• 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

Family Safety at the Water’s Edge: lanes, kids, flame rules, what3words

• 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.
• Flames: Use designated diya zones; many 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; state the park name and nearest gate/road. Install what3words for a precise 3‑metre location to guide responders.

Volunteers & Seva: Roles, shifts, WhatsApp ops (with micro‑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.

Micro‑scripts (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.”
• “For your safety, please use battery tealights unless directed otherwise.”
• “If you feel dizzy, please sit here; first‑aid is on the way.”

Comms cadence (WhatsApp Broadcast; read‑only)

• 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.

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 with dedicated utensils.

Satvik ideas for non‑vratis/kids

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

Hydration & rest

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

North West Shopping Run: Where to buy & what to get

Manchester

• Curry Mile / Wilmslow Road (Rusholme) — groceries, sweets, puja supplies
  Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Wilmslow+Road,+Rusholme
• Cheetham Hill/Strangeways corridor — puja items, bulk groceries
  Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Cheetham+Hill+Road,+Manchester
• Levenshulme / Longsight (Stockport Rd & Market) — grocers & sweets
  Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Stockport+Road,+Levenshulme

Bolton / Bury / Rochdale / Oldham

• Derby St/Halliwell Rd (Bolton), Bury & Oldham town corridors for Asian grocers

Blackburn / Preston

• Whalley Range/Whalley New Rd (Blackburn); Deepdale Rd/Ribbleton (Preston)

Liverpool

• Smithdown Rd / Penny Lane / Edge Lane corridors for South Asian stores

What to buy (7–10 days early; sugarcane sells first)

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

Eco‑friendly Chhath in North West parks: clean ghats & wildlife care

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 compost disposal per organiser guidance.
• Do not feed birds/fish with prasad; protect wildlife.

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 family vratis; GP advice if needed. Choose your 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

• Bihari Connect UK Chhath Puja 2025 – York Cottage Celebration
• Leicester Chhath Puja 2025 – Community Celebrations & Temples
• Birmingham Chhath Puja 2025 – West Midlands Community Events
• When is Chhath Puja 2025 in UK – Dates, Times & Rituals
• Chhath Puja London 2025 – Events & Community Celebrations

FAQs

Conclusion & Blessings

You now have a complete, North West‑ready plan for Manchester Chhath Puja 2025 – North West Community Celebrations—dates (with the BST→GMT shift), Sandhya/Usha timing, Google Maps ghats, TfGM/Metrolink/bus/rail tips, vrati checklists, and calm safety/eco protocols. With Sandhya/Usha expected on 27–28 October (GMT), share this guide with family and community groups, align your 30/14/7‑day prep, and make this Chhath serene, safe, and memorable.

Chhathi Maiya ki jai!