Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, accompanied by her cabinet colleagues, inspected several Chhath ghats throughout the national capital on Wednesday. The inspections aimed to ensure all preparations are in place for Chhath Puja, which will be celebrated from October 25 to 28, 2023.
During her visit to Prembadi, Silangpur, and Munak Canal ghats, Gupta expressed optimism about the upcoming festival. “After a grand Diwali celebration this year, Delhi is set to witness a divine and devotional Chhath festival,” she stated. Gupta highlighted that the government has made comprehensive arrangements to guarantee that devotees can perform their rituals with faith and purity.
The preparations include developing over 1,000 Chhath ghats across Delhi, featuring 17 special model ghats along the Yamuna River. “At least one model ghat is being developed in each sub-district,” Gupta affirmed, demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving facilities for the festival.
In a bid to enrich the festive experience, cultural programmes related to Chhath Puja will take place at around 200 ghats. The government plans to enhance facilities, providing tents, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, and toilets at these locations.
Gupta emphasized that this is the first time the Delhi government participates in such a large-scale religious and cultural event. She hinted that, similar to the spectacular Deepotsav and drone show during Diwali, the upcoming Chhath festival would also witness grandeur and devotion.
“Delhi is not only the political capital but also becoming the capital of faith,” remarked Gupta during her inspections, reinforcing the government’s dedication to supporting cultural events.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who inspected the Hathi Ghat near ITO, echoed this sentiment. He noted that the government has permitted Chhath celebrations on the banks of the Yamuna 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 reported, highlighting rapid progress in facilitating the festival.
Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, accompanying MP Manoj Tiwari, visited the Sonia Vihar Ghat. He emphasized that the BJP government fulfilled its election promise by allowing Chhath Puja on the Yamuna banks, overturning a ban enforced by the previous administration. “Chhath Puja will now be celebrated not only on the Yamuna banks but also at around 1,300 other ghats,” he stated, promising inclusivity for devotees.
MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri focused on cleanliness initiatives by inspecting ghats in Deoli and Sangam Vihar. He launched a cleanliness drive with the support of multiple Chhath Puja Committees, stating, “Chhath is a symbol of cultural unity and faith. The previous government filed cases against Purvanchali brothers and sisters for celebrating the festival, but our government has withdrawn all such cases and is ensuring the best facilities for devotees.”
Prominent figures, including MLA Chandan Chaudhary, South District BJP President Maya Bisht, Councillor Satpal Anita Singhal, and party activists, participated in the cleanliness initiative, emphasizing a collective effort to enhance the festive experience.
Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh inspected ghats in the Bawana constituency and urged officials to complete all arrangements by Friday morning. He also proposed developing Rohini’s Lake Park as Delhi’s “Model Chhath Ghat,” which would further highlight the festival’s significance.
Chhath Puja, a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, represents a blend of gratitude, devotion, and cultural heritage. As the festival approaches, the Delhi government’s preparations signify a heightened recognition of its cultural value, promising residents a meaningful and engaging experience.
