Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, along with her cabinet colleagues, reviewed the extensive preparations for Chhath Puja at various ghats across the national capital on Wednesday. The CM’s inspections spanned notable locations including Prembadi, Silangpur, and Munak Canal ghats, as the city gears up for the spiritual festival from October 25 to 28.
“After a grand Diwali celebration this year, Delhi is set to witness a divine and devotional Chhath festival,” Gupta stated, indicating the government’s commitment to creating an atmosphere of faith for devotees. She revealed that more than 1,000 Chhath ghats are currently being developed, including 17 special model ghats along the Yamuna River.
“Our objective is to ensure that at least one model ghat is developed in each sub-district,” she added. This year’s arrangements promise several cultural programmes across 200 ghats, with necessary facilities such as tents, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, and toilets prepared for the festive season.
Notably, this marks the first time that the Delhi government participates in such a large-scale religious and cultural event, amplifying the commitment to uphold cultural traditions. “Just as the city witnessed a spectacular Deepotsav and drone show during Diwali, we plan to celebrate Chhath with the same grandeur and devotion,” Gupta remarked.
Delhi, she emphasized, is evolving into a hub of faith, not just politics. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa echoed the Chief Minister’s sentiments while inspecting Hathi Ghat near ITO, mentioning that the government has allowed Chhath celebrations on the banks of the Yamuna for the first time in decades. “What the earlier administration could not achieve in 25 years has been accomplished in just six months under our government,” he stated.
Highlighting the significance of the festival, Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, along with MP Manoj Tiwari at Sonia Vihar Ghat, articulated that the BJP government has fulfilled its promise by permitting Chhath Puja celebrations on the Yamuna banks. Not limited to those banks, Chhath will now be celebrated at approximately 1,300 other ghats as well.
In South Delhi, MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri furthered these efforts by inspecting ghats in Deoli and Sangam Vihar, thereby launching a cleanliness drive with several local Chhath Puja Committees. “Chhath symbolizes cultural unity and faith for us. The previous government persecuted Purvanchali brothers and sisters for celebrating it. We have withdrawn all such cases and are focused on providing the best facilities for devotees,” he emphasized.
This initiative saw participation from MLA Chandan Chaudhary, South District BJP President Maya Bisht, Councillor Satpal Anita Singhal, and numerous party workers.
Meanwhile, Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh conducted inspections in Bawana constituency. He instructed officials to have all arrangements finalized by Friday morning and proposed the development of Rohini’s Lake Park into a “Model Chhath Ghat” for future celebrations.
The upcoming Chhath Puja offers a chance for Delhiites to participate in age-old traditions honoring the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. As preparations unfold, the collective spirit and commitment from various government departments signal a promising festival ahead.
