Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and her cabinet members conducted a thorough inspection of various Chhath Ghats on Wednesday, ensuring the city is ready for the upcoming Chhath Puja festival. This important celebration, dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, happens from October 25 to 28, 2023.
Visiting the Prembadi, Silangpur, and Munak Canal ghats, Gupta declared that after the spectacular Diwali festivities, Delhi is set to experience a divine Chhath festival. She emphasized the government’s commitment to facilitate a harmonious environment for devotees to perform their rituals with faith.
The Delhi government has initiated the development of over 1,000 Chhath ghats, with 17 designated model ghats located along the Yamuna River. Gupta mentioned, “At least one model ghat is being developed in each sub-district to accommodate the large influx of devotees during this auspicious period.”
In addition to infrastructure development, the government will host cultural programs at around 200 ghats, much like the successful events seen during Diwali. The government plans to provide essential facilities including tents, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, and toilets, aiming for a comfortable experience for all participants.
“This will mark the first time that the Delhi government is significantly engaging in such a vast religious and cultural event,” Gupta stated. She added that the celebrations would not only mirror the grandeur of the Deepotsav but also invigorate community spirits through participation and devotion.
Delhi’s Environment Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who inspected Hathi Ghat near ITO, revealed that for the first time in decades, the government has granted permission for Chhath celebrations on the banks of the Yamuna River. “What could not be resolved in the last 25 years has been accomplished within six months under our government,” he affirmed.
Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, who visited the Sonia Vihar Ghat with MP Manoj Tiwari, praised the BJP government for fulfilling its election promise. Mishra announced that Chhath Puja would not only take place on the Yamuna banks but also at approximately 1,300 other ghats around the city. He emphasized that the previous government’s restrictions had hindered the celebration.
In another effort, MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri launched a cleanliness drive in South Delhi’s Deoli and Sangam Vihar. With the assistance of local Chhath Puja Committees, he affirmed that, “Chhath represents cultural unity and faith. Unlike the former regime, we have withdrawn all pending cases against the Purvanchali community for celebrating this revered festival and are committed to providing the best possible facilities for devotees.”
Local leaders including MLA Chandan Chaudhary, South District BJP President Maya Bisht, and Councillor Satpal Anita Singhal participated in the cleanliness initiative, demonstrating the collective effort to uphold the festival’s dignity.
Moreover, Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh inspected ghats in the Bawana constituency and urged officials to complete all preparations promptly by Friday morning. He proposed developing Rohini’s Lake Park as Delhi’s attractive ‘Model Chhath Ghat’ to celebrate the festival innovatively.
Chhath Puja unfolds over four days dedicated to honoring the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. This year’s festival reflects the government’s efforts to embrace cultural celebrations that resonate with the faith of many residents throughout the national capital, enhancing Delhi’s status as a vibrant center of faith.
