What is the Chhath Puja festival?

Chhath Puja is a major Hindu festival celebrated in Bihar, India, where devotees worship the Sun God and offer prayers.

How are the Biharis in Pennsylvania celebrating Chhath Puja?

The Biharis in Pennsylvania, led by Dr. Bharti Tiwari and Dr. Tarkeshwar Tiwari, have been celebrating Chhath Puja for the past 17 years. They recreate sacred ghats and rituals, sourcing traditional items from American stores to preserve the authenticity of the festival.

Who are Dr. Bharti Tiwari and Dr. Tarkeshwar Tiwari?

Dr. Bharti Tiwari and Dr. Tarkeshwar Tiwari are a couple from Buxar, Bihar, who have been leading the Chhath Puja celebrations in Pennsylvania, USA, for nearly two decades. They have been instrumental in keeping the traditions alive and connecting the Indian diaspora to their cultural heritage.

Home / Lifestyle / Buxar Couple Leads Chhath Puja Celebrations for 17 Years in Pennsylvania

Buxar Couple Leads Chhath Puja Celebrations for 17 Years in Pennsylvania

25 Oct

•

Summary

Expatriate Biharis in Pennsylvania celebrate Chhath Puja for nearly two decades
Dr. Bharti and Dr. Tarkeshwar Tiwari recreate sacred ghats and rituals
Chhath Puja connects generations and spreads Bihar's spiritual essence globally

Buxar Couple Leads Chhath Puja Celebrations for 17 Years in Pennsylvania

As of October 25, 2025, expatriate Biharis in Pennsylvania, USA, have been celebrating the sacred Chhath Puja festivities for nearly two decades. Leading the celebrations are Dr. Bharti Tiwari from Buxar and her husband, pulmonologist Dr. Tarkeshwar Tiwari, who have upheld the traditions of Chhath in the US since 2008.

The couple recreates the sacred Ganga ghats near lakes, ponds, or even backyard swimming pools, ensuring authenticity with traditional items like 'soop' and 'daura'. They source essentials like radish, sugarcane, and seasonal fruits from American stores to preserve the purity of the rituals. This year, the celebrations were further enriched by the presence of popular Bhojpuri folk singer Swati Pandey and her husband Tarun Kailash.