Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, accompanied by her cabinet members, inspected several Chhath ghats across the capital on Wednesday. The inspection aimed to assess preparations for the upcoming Chhath Puja festival, which will take place from October 25 to 28.
During her visits to Prembadi, Silangpur, and Munak Canal ghats, Gupta stated that Delhi, after a grand Diwali celebration, is set to experience a “divine and devotional” Chhath festival. The Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to facilitate a spiritually enriching environment for devotees, assuring that they can perform rituals with complete faith and purity.
Over 1,000 Chhath ghats are being developed across Delhi, including 17 special model ghats situated along the Yamuna River. “At least one model ghat is being developed in each sub-district,” Gupta confirmed, highlighting the government’s robust efforts for the festival’s success.
The Delhi government has also planned cultural programmes related to Chhath Puja at approximately 200 ghats. Authorities will provide essential facilities such as tents, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, and toilets to enhance the devotees’ experience.
“This will be the first time that the Delhi government is participating in such a large-scale religious and cultural event,” Gupta declared. She expressed her vision for Chhath festival celebrations to rival the spectacular Deepotsav and drone show showcased during Diwali.
“Delhi is not only the political capital but also becoming the capital of faith,” Gupta added, reflecting on the cultural significance of the event.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa inspected the Hathi Ghat near ITO and remarked that the government has permitted Chhath celebrations along 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 stated, reinforcing the administration’s dedication to fostering cultural practices.
Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, during his visit to Sonia Vihar Ghat with MP Manoj Tiwari, stressed the BJP government’s accomplishment in allowing Chhath Puja on the Yamuna banks — a practice that the former government had banned. “Chhath Puja will now be celebrated not only on the Yamuna banks but also at around 1,300 other ghats,” Mishra announced, showcasing the government’s expanded support.
In South Delhi, MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri conducted inspections in Deoli and Sangam Vihar. He launched a cleanliness drive with several Chhath Puja Committees, proclaiming that “Chhath is a symbol of cultural unity and faith.” He criticized the prior administration for filing cases against Purvanchali communities during the festival but noted that his government has withdrawn all such cases and is focused on ensuring adequate facilities for devotees.
Participants in the cleanliness initiative included MLA Chandan Chaudhary, South District BJP President Maya Bisht, Councillor Satpal Anita Singhal, along with a team of party workers dedicated to the initiative.
Furthermore, Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh inspected ghats in the Bawana constituency. He directed officials to ensure all preparations are finalized by Friday morning and proposed to develop Rohini’s Lake Park as Delhi’s “Model Chhath Ghat.”
Chhath Puja, which is a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, holds immense significance for many in the region. The upcoming celebrations in the national capital are set to highlight this cultural richness.
