Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited various Chhath ghats across the national capital on Wednesday to ensure proper preparations for the upcoming Chhath Puja festival, scheduled from October 25 to 28. Gupta, accompanied by her cabinet colleagues, inspected the Prembadi, Silangpur, and Munak Canal ghats, underscoring the government’s commitment to facilitating a vibrant celebration of faith.
After a grand Diwali celebration this year, Delhi aims to provide devotees with a “divine and devotional” experience for Chhath. Gupta announced that over 1,000 Chhath ghats are being developed, including 17 special model ghats along the Yamuna River. “At least one model ghat is being developed in each sub-district,” she noted.
The Delhi government has planned numerous cultural programs across approximately 200 ghats. They will ensure the provision of amenities, such as tents, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, and toilets, making the festival accessible and comfortable for devotees.
“This will be the first time that the Delhi government participates in such a large-scale religious and cultural event,” Gupta remarked. Following the success of the Deepotsav and drone show during Diwali, the Chief Minister promised that Chhath Puja will be a celebration of grandeur and devotion.
Gupta further claimed, “Delhi is not only the political capital but also becoming the capital of faith,” emphasizing the importance of the festival for the city’s cultural identity.
During the inspections, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa praised the government’s initiatives and stated that Chhath celebrations on the Yamuna banks had received permission after decades. “What could not be done in the last 25 years has been achieved within six months of our government,” he said, highlighting a significant shift in policy.
Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra visited Sonia Vihar Ghat alongside MP Manoj Tiwari and proclaimed that the ruling BJP government fulfilled its election promise to allow Chhath Puja on the traditional banks of the Yamuna, which had previously been banned.
“Chhath Puja will now be celebrated not only on the Yamuna banks but also at around 1,300 other ghats,” Mishra added, indicating a substantial increase in the locations available for devotees to perform their rituals.
In South Delhi, MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri examined goals in Deoli and Sangam Vihar, launching a cleanliness drive with local Chhath Puja committees. “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,” Bidhuri affirmed.
Participating in the cleanliness initiative were MLA Chandan Chaudhary, South District BJP President Maya Bisht, Councillor Satpal Anita Singhal, and several party workers, further strengthening the community’s spirit around the festival.
Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh also reviewed facilities at various ghats in the Bawana constituency, urging officials to complete all preparations by Friday morning. He proposed developing Rohini’s Lake Park as Delhi’s “Model Chhath Ghat” to create a lasting infrastructure for future celebrations.
The four-day Chhath Puja festival is dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, reflecting deep-rooted traditions and cultural significance. The government’s substantial preparations reflect an effort to bridge faith and civic pride, encouraging increased public participation.
