Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta recently declared Monday, October 27th, a public holiday in observance of Chhath Puja. This significant decision aligns with the festival’s third and most sacred day, when countless devotees traditionally gather by riverbanks and ponds to offer their prayers to the setting sun.
This holiday underscores the profound cultural and spiritual significance of Chhath Puja, a festival deeply rooted in faith, devotion, and a harmonious connection with nature. Its rituals, which emphasize purity, gratitude for the natural world, and environmental consciousness, solidify its place as one of the most cherished celebrations in Delhi.
Extensive Arrangements Across Delhi Ghats
To facilitate the festivities, the Delhi government has meticulously prepared over 1,300 Chhath ghats throughout the city. A special focus has been placed on upgrading seventeen model ghats along the Yamuna River. These sites will feature enhanced amenities such as comfortable tents, ample lighting, clean public restrooms, accessible drinking water, and increased security measures, all designed to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all worshippers.
CM Inspects Pochanpur Ghat Preparations
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta personally visited Pochanpur Chhath Ghat in Dwarka Sector 23B to oversee the ongoing decoration and maintenance efforts, joined by MLA Sandeep Sahrawat and representatives from the Chhath Puja Committee. This hands-on approach highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless celebration, emphasizing collaborative efforts between civic bodies and citizens to foster a spirit of cultural unity across Delhi.
Yamuna Cleaning and Environmental Initiatives
Significant progress has been made over the past eight months in the government’s continuous efforts to clean the Yamuna River, resulting in noticeable improvements in water quality. This large-scale undertaking has involved close coordination with neighboring states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, showcasing the city administration’s dedication to blending environmental stewardship with comprehensive festival planning.
New Ghats and Development Projects
Earlier the same week, the Chief Minister also inaugurated a brand-new Chhath ghat and several other development projects, totaling ₹30 crore, in Laxmi Nagar. These initiatives acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the Purvanchal community to Delhi’s vibrant socio-economic landscape.
Delhi Prepares for Grand Chhath Celebration
Thanks to the newly declared government holiday and extensive upgrades across the capital, Delhi is poised for a truly magnificent Chhath celebration this year. The event promises to be a beautiful convergence of deep devotion, meticulous civic planning, and heightened environmental awareness.