Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and her cabinet members reviewed preparations at various Chhath ghats across the national capital on Wednesday in anticipation of the upcoming Chhath Puja festival.
During the inspections, which took place at Prembadi, Silangpur, and Munak Canal ghats, Gupta expressed excitement about the festival, stating that following a grand Diwali celebration, Delhi is poised to experience a “divine and devotional” Chhath festival.
Gupta highlighted the government’s extensive arrangements enabling devotees to perform rituals with utmost faith and purity. The city develops over 1,000 Chhath ghats, including 17 special model ghats along the Yamuna River. “We aim to develop at least one model ghat in each sub-district,” she confirmed.
Cultural programmes related to Chhath Puja will occur at approximately 200 ghats, with the government providing necessary facilities such as tents, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, and toilets. “This marks the first time the Delhi government engages in such extensive religious and cultural events,” Gupta emphasized.
Echoing sentiments of grandeur, she stated, “Just as the capital showcased a spectacular Deepotsav and drone display during Diwali, we anticipate a similar vibrant celebration for Chhath.”
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who inspected Hathi Ghat near ITO, noted the government’s decision to authorize Chhath celebrations on the banks of the Yamuna for the first time in decades. “Achievements that eluded us for the last 25 years materialized within six months of our government,” he reported.
Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra visited the Sonia Vihar Ghat alongside MP Manoj Tiwari to reiterate the BJP government’s commitment to fulfilling its election promises by enabling Chhath Puja along the river. “This celebration will now take place at approximately 1,300 other ghats as well,” he declared.
In South Delhi, MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri initiated a cleanliness drive with various Chhath Puja Committees at ghats in Deoli and Sangam Vihar. He commented, “Chhath is a symbol of cultural unity and faith. Unlike the previous government that filed cases against Purvanchali brothers and sisters celebrating this festival, our administration has withdrawn all such cases and will ensure the best facilities for devotees.”
Local leaders, including MLA Chandan Chaudhary, South District BJP President Maya Bisht, Councillor Satpal Anita Singhal, and numerous party workers collaborated in the cleanliness initiative.
Meanwhile, Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh inspected ghats in the Bawana constituency, instructing officials to finalize preparations by Friday morning. He also proposed that Rohini’s Lake Park become Delhi’s “Model Chhath Ghat.”
Chhath Puja, dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, will be celebrated from October 25 to 28 across the national capital, promising a robust celebration for devotees.
