Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, accompanied by her cabinet members, reviewed the preparations for Chhath Puja at various ghats in the national capital on Wednesday. This annual festival, dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, is set to be celebrated from October 25 to 28.
During her inspection, Gupta visited the Prembadi, Silangpur, and Munak Canal ghats. “After a grand Diwali celebration this year, Delhi is ready to experience a ‘divine and devotional’ Chhath festival,” she stated. The city’s government has facilitated extensive arrangements aimed at allowing devotees to perform their rituals with utmost faith and purity.
In a bold initiative, over 1,000 Chhath ghats are under development across Delhi, with 17 special model ghats set along the Yamuna River. “We are ensuring at least one model ghat is established in each sub-district,” Gupta added. This marks a significant move in enhancing the spiritual experience for the millions who partake in this festival.
Cultural programmes related to Chhath Puja will feature at around 200 ghats, providing devotees with a festive atmosphere. The government pledges to deliver essential facilities such as tents, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, and toilets to enhance the experience for attendees.
Gupta emphasized, “This will be the first time that the Delhi government is participating in such a large-scale religious and cultural event.” She highlighted that similar to the grandeur observed during the Deepotsav and drone show in Diwali, the upcoming Chhath festival promises to be a momentous occasion.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa remarked on the historic nature of this year’s celebrations, noting, “The government has permitted Chhath celebrations on the Yamuna banks for the first time in decades.” He appreciated the progress made within just six months of the present administration, a feat that had evaded previous governments.
Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, while inspecting the Sonia Vihar Ghat alongside MP Manoj Tiwari, expressed that the current government fulfilled its election promise by enabling Chhath Puja on the Yamuna banks — a privilege denied during previous regimes. “Chhath Puja will now take place not only along the Yamuna but also at around 1,300 other ghats,” he confirmed.
MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri also took part in preparations by inspecting ghats in Deoli and Sangam Vihar, where he spearheaded a cleanliness drive supported by various Chhath Puja Committees. “Chhath represents cultural unity and faith. Our government has withdrawn all legal actions against Purvanchali communities, ensuring the best facilities for all devotees,” Bidhuri stated.
This initiative saw active participation from MLA Chandan Chaudhary, South District BJP President Maya Bisht, Councillor Satpal Anita Singhal, along with numerous party workers. Their collective effort highlights the government’s commitment to making this Chhath Puja memorable.
In a move to enhance local festivities, Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh examined ghats in the Bawana constituency. He instructed officials to complete all preparations by Friday morning and proposed converting Rohini’s Lake Park into Delhi’s “Model Chhath Ghat.”
Chhath Puja, a revered festival in North India, brings thousands of devotees to the ghats to pay homage to the Sun God. This year, with meticulous arrangements and cultural celebrations in place, residents of Delhi look forward to an exceptional and united Chhath experience.
