Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta led a team of cabinet colleagues on Wednesday to inspect preparations for Chhath Puja at various ghats across the national capital. The visit aimed to ensure everything is in place for the grand festival which runs from October 25 to 28.
Gupta carried out inspections at key locations including Prembadi, Silangpur, and the Munak Canal ghats. She expressed confidence that after the grand celebrations of Diwali, residents can look forward to a “divine and devotional” Chhath Puja experience.
The Chief Minister assured citizens that the Delhi government has made serious arrangements to facilitate the rituals of devotees. The effort includes the development of over 1,000 Chhath ghats, featuring 17 special model ghats lining the Yamuna River. Gupta remarked, “At least one model ghat is being developed in each sub-district to ensure an auspicious environment for the festivities.”
The government will host cultural programmes at approximately 200 ghats, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. Gupta highlighted the provision of essential facilities including tents, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, and toilets, emphasizing the commitment to a dignified festival experience.
“This year marks a significant milestone as the Delhi government participates in such a large-scale religious and cultural event,” Gupta stated. She indicated that just as the capital witnessed an extravagant Deepotsav and drone show during Diwali, the upcoming Chhath festival promises to be equally grand and heartfelt.
“Delhi is not just the political capital, but it is also becoming the capital of faith,” she affirmed, reflecting the city’s cultural richness and diversity.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa echoed these sentiments after inspecting Hathi Ghat near ITO. For the first time in decades, the government has approved Chhath celebrations on the banks of the Yamuna. He pointed out, “Achievements that eluded previous administrations for 25 years have been realized within just six months of our governance.”
Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra also contributed to this initiative. He visited Sonia Vihar Ghat alongside MP Manoj Tiwari and celebrated the decision to allow Chhath Puja along the Yamuna banks, fulfilling the BJP government’s election promise. He noted, “Chhath Puja will now be celebrated not only here but at around 1,300 other ghats across Delhi.”
The spirit of the Chhath festival was further highlighted in South Delhi as MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri inspected ghats in Deoli and Sangam Vihar. He initiated a cleanliness drive with support from local Chhath Puja Committees. “Chhath embodies cultural unity and faith. The previous government had lodged cases against Purvanchali communities commemorating the festival, but our administration has annulled these cases ensuring the best facilities for devotees,” Bidhuri remarked.
MLA Chandan Chaudhary, along with South District BJP President Maya Bisht, Councillor Satpal Anita Singhal, and various party workers actively participated in the cleanliness initiative.
In another development, Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh visited ghats in the Bawana constituency, ordering officials to complete all preparations by Friday morning. He proposed elevating Rohini’s Lake Park into Delhi’s “Model Chhath Ghat,” aiming to enhance the site’s appeal for the festival.
Chhath Puja, a revered four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, will unfold in festive fervour as residents commemorate this significant occasion throughout the national capital from October 25 to 28. The extensive preparations underline the government’s dedication to ensuring a seamless and enriching celebration for all devotees.
