Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and her cabinet colleagues on Wednesday conducted inspections at various Chhath ghats across the national capital to review preparations for the upcoming Chhath Puja festival.
The Chief Minister, who visited Prembadi, Silangpur and Munak Canal ghats, said that after a grand Diwali celebration this year, Delhi is set to witness a “divine and devotional” Chhath festival.
Gupta said the government has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure that devotees can perform rituals with full faith and purity. Over 1,000 Chhath ghats are being developed across Delhi, including 17 special model ghats along the Yamuna River. “At least one model ghat is being developed in each sub-district,” she added.
Cultural programmes related to Chhath Puja will be organised at around 200 ghats, while the government will provide facilities such as tents, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, and toilets.
“This will be the first time that the Delhi government is participating in such a large-scale religious and cultural event,” Gupta said. She added that just as the capital witnessed a spectacular Deepotsav and drone show during Diwali, the upcoming Chhath festival would also be celebrated with grandeur and devotion.
“Delhi is not only the political capital but also becoming the capital of faith,” the Chief Minister remarked.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, after inspecting Hathi Ghat near ITO, said that the government has permitted Chhath celebrations on 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 said.
Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, who visited the Sonia Vihar Ghat with MP Manoj Tiwari, said that the BJP government has fulfilled its election promise by allowing Chhath Puja on the Yamuna banks — something the previous government had banned. “Chhath Puja will now be celebrated not only on the Yamuna banks but also at around 1,300 other ghats,” he announced.
In South Delhi, MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri inspected ghats in Deoli and Sangam Vihar, where he launched a cleanliness drive with the support of several Chhath Puja Committees. He said, “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government filed cases against Purvanchali brothers and sisters for celebrating the festival, but our government has withdrawn all such cases and is ensuring the best facilities for devotees.”
MLA Chandan Chaudhary, South District BJP President Maya Bisht, Councillor Satpal Anita Singhal, and several party workers participated in the cleanliness initiative.
Meanwhile, Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh inspected ghats in Bawana constituency and directed officials to ensure all preparations are completed by Friday morning. He also proposed developing Rohini’s Lake Park as Delhi’s “Model Chhath Ghat.”
Chhath Puja — a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya — will be celebrated from October 25 to 28 across the national capital.
