Chhath Puja 2026 in Leeds: Events, Puja & Where to Celebrate

TL;DR

• Chhath Puja 2026 falls on 15 November (evening arghya) and 16 November (morning arghya) 🌅
• The four-day festival begins 13 November with Nahay Khay and continues through Kharna on 14 November
• Leeds has a growing South Asian community across Chapeltown, Harehills, and Burley
• The Hindu Charitable Trust on Alexandra Road is the city's main Hindu gathering point 🛕
• Venue details often appear close to the date — confirm before travelling and check the Desi.Net Leeds city page

The Significance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is one of the most ancient solar festivals observed in South Asia, with roots in Vedic tradition. Dedicated to Chhathi Maiya — an avatar of Devi Usha — and Surya Dev, the Sun God, the festival is observed primarily by communities originating from Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Unlike most Hindu festivals that unfold inside temple sanctuaries, Chhath is distinctively a waterside ritual: devotees gather at rivers, lakes, or open ponds to offer arghya (a water and flower offering) to the sun at sunset and, the following morning, at sunrise.

For the Indian and South Asian diaspora in Leeds, Chhath Puja is gaining steady visibility. As more families from Bihar and eastern UP settle across Chapeltown, Harehills, and Burley, the demand for community-organised Chhath events grows each year. Whether you are a regular devotee or curious about the festival, here is everything you need for 2026.

Chhath Puja 2026: A Four-Day Schedule

Day 1 — Nahay Khay (13 November): Devotees take a ritual bath and prepare a single sattvik meal. The household is cleaned thoroughly, and non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic are avoided from this point onward.

Day 2 — Kharna (14 November): A day-long fast is observed. At sunset, the fast breaks with kheer (rice pudding cooked in milk and jaggery), thekua biscuits, and seasonal fruits. The prasad is shared with family and neighbours.

Day 3 — Sandhya Arghya (15 November): The most visually striking evening of the festival. Devotees — many dressed in traditional yellow or orange — carry bamboo baskets filled with fruits, sugarcane, coconuts, and thekua to a nearby body of water. As the sun dips below the horizon, arghya is offered while standing waist-deep in water. In Leeds on 15 November 2026, sunset falls around 4:05 pm — plan accordingly.

Day 4 — Usha Arghya (16 November): Before sunrise, devotees return to the waterside to greet the rising sun with a final offering. The fast is then broken and the festival concludes with joy and thanksgiving.

Where to Celebrate in Leeds 🛕

Because Chhath Puja requires open water and outdoor space, the ritual typically takes place at a lake, large pond, or riverbank rather than inside a conventional temple. Several organisations anchor the South Asian community's religious and cultural calendar in Leeds.

The Hindu Charitable Trust — at 36 Alexandra Road, Leeds LS6 1RF — operates the city's primary Hindu mandir and has served the community since 1969. Registered with the Charity Commission (charity number 258281) as Shree Hindu Temple (also known as Leeds Hindu Mandir), the trust celebrates all major Hindu festivals throughout the year, hosts regular puja programmes, and runs community groups including a luncheon club for older members. For South Asian families from Bihar, UP, and Jharkhand in Leeds, the mandir is typically the first port of call for Chhath information and community coordination. Always confirm hours before visiting, as schedules vary around festivals.

Further afield, the Hindu Cultural Society of Bradford on Leeds Road, Bradford (BD3 9JY) serves a large North Indian community and may coordinate Chhath programmes accessible to Leeds residents. The Bradford-Leeds corridor shares a significant Bihari-origin population, and community transport for Chhath has been arranged in prior years through informal networks spanning both cities.

As Chhath Puja's profile in UK diaspora communities grows, dedicated Bihar and Jharkhand associations are becoming more active in northern England. Community-run events are frequently announced through WhatsApp networks and local South Asian social media groups rather than through formal listings, so staying connected to community channels is often the most reliable way to find the specific venue and timings.

Insider Tip: Chhath Puja permits for outdoor waterside sites can be secured very close to the festival date, meaning confirmed details often appear only one to two weeks before 15 November. Follow the Desi.Net Leeds city page and local South Asian Facebook groups for announcements. Mid-November in West Yorkshire means standing near open water after dark in cold air — dress warmly in layers, and carry a dry change of clothes.

The November Festival Calendar

November is the peak of the Hindu festive season. Alongside Chhath Puja, the Indian and South Asian community in Leeds observes:

• Dhanteras — 6 November 2026: The auspicious opening of the Diwali season. Gold, silver, and new utensils are purchased as offerings to Lakshmi and Dhanvantari. Jewellers in the Chapeltown and Harehills areas often see significant footfall on this day.
• Diwali — 8 November 2026: The festival of lights. Lakshmi Puja, diyas, fireworks, and mithai sharing mark the night. Leeds City Council typically supports South Asian community events around Diwali.
• Bhai Dooj — 11 November 2026: Sisters apply a tilak on their brothers' foreheads and pray for their long life. Brothers offer gifts in return.
• Chhath Puja — 15-16 November 2026: The four-day festival culminating in waterside sunrise and sunset offerings.

Planning to attend multiple events? Note that parking near Chapeltown Road can be limited during major festival evenings. Public transport is the practical option on the busiest nights.

FAQ: Chhath Puja in Leeds

Q: Who observes Chhath Puja? A: Chhath is observed primarily by communities from Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. In Leeds, this includes many families settled across Chapeltown, Harehills, and Burley who trace their origins to those regions.

Q: Is there a fixed annual Chhath event in Leeds? A: Community-run Chhath gatherings have taken place in the Leeds area in recent years. There is no single fixed annual venue. Events are typically organised by informal community networks, sometimes in coordination with The Hindu Charitable Trust or similar bodies. Contact them as 15 November approaches for the latest information.

Q: What should I bring to a Chhath gathering? A: Traditional prasad items include thekua, seasonal fruits (sugarcane, coconut, bananas), and ginger root. Devotees observing the fast carry bamboo suthi baskets. Visitors should wear modest clothing and maintain respectful quiet near the main waterside ritual area.

Q: Can visitors of other backgrounds attend? A: Yes. Chhath is an outdoor, public festival and observers of all backgrounds are generally welcome. Avoid flash photography of devotees standing in the water, and give the main ritual space appropriate room.

Q: What time does the evening arghya take place? A: It takes place at sunset — approximately 4:05 pm in Leeds on 15 November 2026. Arrive well before sunset to find a viewing spot and understand the layout. Always confirm timing with your local community group or The Hindu Charitable Trust as the date approaches.

Bottom Line

Chhath Puja 2026 falls on 15-16 November, crowning a ten-day run of South Asian festivals that begins with Dhanteras on 6 November. For the Indian and South Asian community in Leeds, this period represents the spiritual and cultural high point of the autumn calendar. The Hindu Charitable Trust on Alexandra Road is the anchor institution for Hindu worship in the city, and Bihar and UP community networks remain the most reliable source for specific Chhath venue details. Always confirm hours and locations before travelling — and check the Desi.Net Leeds city page for the latest event updates.