Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and her cabinet team inspected various Chhath ghats across the national capital on Wednesday to review preparations for the upcoming Chhath Puja festival, set to be celebrated from October 25 to 28. The Chief Minister visited key locations including Prembadi, Silangpur, and Munak Canal to ensure seamless arrangements for the festival.
After a grand Diwali celebration, Gupta stated that Delhi is prepared for a “divine and devotional” Chhath festival. She emphasized that the government aims to provide a sacred environment for devotees during the rituals.
The Delhi government has developed over 1,000 Chhath ghats, including 17 model ghats along the Yamuna River. “At least one model ghat is being developed in each sub-district,” Gupta pointed out, showcasing the government’s commitment to enhancing the celebratory experience.
Cultural programs will accompany Chhath rituals at roughly 200 ghats. The government promises facilities like tents, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, and toilets at these locations. Gupta noted, “This will be the first time that the Delhi government is participating in such a large-scale religious and cultural event.”
In parallels with the recent Deepotsav celebrations, Gupta highlighted that this year’s Chhath festival would also unfold with the same grandeur and devotion, further portraying Delhi as “not only the political capital but also the capital of faith.”
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who inspected the Hathi Ghat near ITO, mentioned that the government has allowed Chhath celebrations on the Yamuna banks for the first time in decades. “What could not be done in the last 25 years has been achieved within six months of our government,” he asserted.
Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra surveyed the Sonia Vihar Ghat alongside MP Manoj Tiwari, announcing that Chhath Puja will now take place not only on the Yamuna banks but also at approximately 1,300 other ghats across Delhi. This marks a significant shift, as the previous government had banned such celebrations.
In South Delhi, MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri launched a cleanliness initiative at the ghats in Deoli and Sangam Vihar, with numerous Chhath Puja Committees joining efforts. He celebrated Chhath as a “symbol of cultural unity and faith,” adding that the current administration has withdrawn all legal actions against celebrators from Purvanchali communities, emphasizing devotion and support.
Local leaders including MLA Chandan Chaudhary and South District BJP President Maya Bisht participated in the ongoing cleanliness drive, showcasing an active community spirit leading up to the festival.
Further, Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh visited ghats in the Bawana constituency, directing officials to finalize preparations by Friday morning. He also proposed developing Rohini’s Lake Park as Delhi’s “Model Chhath Ghat,” indicating a thoughtful approach towards enhancing community worship spaces.
As preparations accelerate, Chhath Puja is set to bring together thousands of devotees across the capital, reinforcing Delhi’s commitment to facilitating significant cultural and religious practices while enhancing community bonds during this auspicious period.
