Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and her cabinet colleagues inspected various Chhath ghat preparations across the national capital on Wednesday, intensifying efforts for the upcoming Chhath Puja festival from October 25-28. Their visit included key locations such as Prembadi, Silangpur, and Munak Canal ghats.
The Chief Minister expressed optimism, stating that after a grand Diwali celebration, Delhi is poised for a “divine and devotional” Chhath festival. She assured the public that the government has implemented comprehensive arrangements to facilitate ritual performance with faith and purity.
Gupta outlined the development of over 1,000 Chhath ghats throughout Delhi, which includes 17 special model ghats along the Yamuna River, with at least one model ghat established in each sub-district. “We aim to create an environment where devotees can connect with their traditions freely and respectfully,” she remarked.
To enrich the festival experience, cultural programmes related to Chhath Puja will occur at around 200 ghats. The government has mandated the provision of essential facilities such as tents, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, and toilets. Gupta reiterated that this year marks the first instance of large-scale government participation in the festival.
She highlighted the intent to match the recent grandeur of Diwali celebrations, pointing out, “Just as we saw a spectacular Deepotsav and drone show, the upcoming Chhath festival will also reflect our commitment to cultural festivities.” Gupta emphasized, “Delhi is not only the political capital but is evolving into the capital of faith.”
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, while inspecting Hathi Ghat near ITO, indicated significant progress, stating that the government has permitted Chhath celebrations on the Yamuna banks for the first time in decades. “In just six months, we have achieved what remained elusive for the last 25 years,” Sirsa commented.
Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, who visited Sonia Vihar Ghat with MP Manoj Tiwari, praised the BJP government’s fulfillment of its election promise, enabling Chhath Puja on the Yamuna banks—a move restricted by the previous administration. “Chhath Puja celebrations will not only take place on the Yamuna banks but at approximately 1,300 other ghats as well,” Mishra declared.
In South Delhi, MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri took the initiative by inspecting ghats in Deoli and Sangam Vihar. He launched a cleanliness drive in collaboration with several Chhath Puja Committees. “Chhath is a symbol of cultural unity and faith. Our government has ensured the best facilities for devotees while withdrawing all legal cases that the previous administration lodged against Purvanchali communities during the celebration,” Bidhuri stated.
Several party leaders, including MLA Chandan Chaudhary, South District BJP President Maya Bisht, and Councillor Satpal Anita Singhal participated in the cleanliness efforts. They aimed to foster a welcoming environment for devotees.
At the same time, Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh inspected ghats in the Bawana constituency, directing officials to finalize all preparations by Friday morning. He proposed developing Rohini’s Lake Park as Delhi’s “Model Chhath Ghat,” further enhancing the festival’s infrastructure.
As Chhath Puja—a revered four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya—approaches, both government officials and the public express enthusiasm for the celebrations across the capital.