Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, accompanied by her cabinet colleagues, conducted thorough inspections of various Chhath ghats across the national capital on Wednesday, reviewing preparations ahead of the Chhath Puja festival scheduled from October 25 to 28.
The Chief Minister visited prominent locations including Prembadi, Silangpur, and Munak Canal, declaring that this year, following a grand Diwali celebration, Delhi is poised to experience a “divine and devotional” Chhath festival.
Gupta outlined the comprehensive arrangements made by the government to ensure that devotees can perform rituals with unwavering faith. “Over 1,000 Chhath ghats are being developed across the city, featuring 17 model ghats designed specifically along the Yamuna River. Each sub-district will house at least one model ghat,” she stated.
Cultural programmes related to Chhath Puja are set to take place at around 200 ghats, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The government plans to provide essential facilities, including tents, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, and toilets, ensuring a comfortable experience for the devotees.
“This marks the first time that the Delhi government actively participates in such a large-scale religious and cultural event,” Gupta remarked, drawing parallels between the upcoming Chhath festival and the spectacular Deepotsav observed during Diwali. “Just as the capital dazzled with a grand drone show then, we will celebrate Chhath with equal grandeur and devotion.”
“Delhi is not just the political capital but is steadily becoming the capital of faith,” the Chief Minister asserted.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa highlighted the historic aspect of the celebrations, stating that the government has allowed Chhath festivities along the banks of the Yamuna River for the first time in decades. “Achieving this in just six months of our tenure is significant, as prior administrations had failed to facilitate such events,” he added.
Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, who visited Sonia Vihar Ghat alongside MP Manoj Tiwari, claimed that the current government has fulfilled its election promise by permitting Chhath Puja by the Yamuna banks. “Unlike before, when the previous government banned these celebrations, Chhath Puja will now take place not only on the Yamuna banks but at approximately 1,300 other ghats across the capital,” Mishra announced.
In South Delhi, MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri inspected ghats in the Deoli and Sangam Vihar areas, initiating a cleanliness drive in collaboration with numerous Chhath Puja Committees. He emphasized, “Chhath is a testament to cultural unity and faith. The previous government even filed cases against our Purvanchali brothers and sisters for observing this festival. We have withdrawn all such cases and are committed to providing the best facilities for the devotees.”
Participating in the cleanliness initiative were MLA Chandan Chaudhary, South District BJP President Maya Bisht, and local Councillor Satpal Anita Singhal, along with several party workers.
Meanwhile, Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh reviewed preparations at ghats in the Bawana constituency, instructing officials to ensure completion by Friday morning. He additionally proposed turning Rohini’s Lake Park into a “Model Chhath Ghat” for the upcoming festivities.
Chhath Puja – a devoted four-day festival dedicated to Sun God and Chhathi Maiya – offers an opportunity for celebration and reflection, emphasizing gratitude and reverence among the devotees.
