Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and her cabinet colleagues inspected Chhath ghats across the capital on Wednesday to assess preparations for the upcoming Chhath Puja festival. The festival will occur from October 25 to 28, showcasing the government’s commitment to facilitating this significant cultural event.
Gupta expressed excitement over the festival, stating that after a grand Diwali celebration, Delhi is ready for a “divine and devotional” Chhath festival. She emphasized the comprehensive arrangements made to help devotees perform rituals with utmost faith and purity.
The government has initiated the development of over 1,000 Chhath ghats, including 17 special model ghats along the Yamuna River, ensuring at least one model ghat is available in each sub-district. This marks a significant enhancement in the celebration eco-system of the festival.
The Chief Minister also noted that around 200 ghats will host cultural programmes related to Chhath Puja. The government plans to provide essential facilities including tents, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, and toilets.
“This will be our first major participation in such a large-scale religious and cultural event,” Gupta said, drawing a parallel to the spectacular Deepotsav and drone show seen during Diwali celebrations. “We aim to celebrate Chhath Puja with equal grandeur and devotion,” she added.
“Delhi is not only the political capital but is progressively becoming the capital of faith,” Gupta remarked, highlighting the city’s evolving identity beyond politics.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who inspected Hathi Ghat near ITO, stated, “For the first time in decades, our government has permitted Chhath celebrations on the Yamuna banks.” He underscored that significant changes in policy occurred only six months into their administration, enhancing the religious landscape in Delhi.
Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra visited the Sonia Vihar Ghat alongside MP Manoj Tiwari and acknowledged that the BJP government has fulfilled its election promise by allowing Chhath Puja on the banks of the Yamuna—a privilege previously banned. “Chhath Puja is celebrated now at around 1,300 ghats, creating more opportunities for devotees,” Mishra stated.
In South Delhi, MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri took action by inspecting ghats in Deoli and Sangam Vihar, launching a cleanliness drive with local Chhath Puja Committees. “Chhath represents cultural unity and faith,” he remarked, contrasting the current government’s supportive stance with the previous administration’s actions. “We have withdrawn cases against Purvanchali brothers and sisters celebrating the festival,” he affirmed, reinforcing the inclusive ethos of the current regime.
Notable personalities such as MLA Chandan Chaudhary, South District BJP President Maya Bisht, Councillor Satpal Anita Singhal, and various party workers joined in the cleanliness initiative, illustrating communal support for the successful execution of Chhath festivities.
Meanwhile, Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh inspected ghats in the Bawana constituency, instructing officials to complete preparations by Friday morning. Additionally, he proposed the development of Rohini’s Lake Park as Delhi’s “Model Chhath Ghat,” enhancing the festival’s recognition.
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival dedicated to celebrating the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. It holds immense cultural and religious significance, particularly for the Purvanchali community. The initiatives by the Delhi government aim to enrich the experience for thousands of devotees across the national capital.
