In a significant announcement for the upcoming Chhath Puja festival, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has declared that the festival will be permitted on the banks of the Yamuna River. Furthermore, all past cases registered against devotees for celebrating Chhath Puja at the river banks will be withdrawn by the government.
Addressing a press conference, Chief Minister Gupta stated that the Delhi government aims to facilitate the celebration of Chhath Puja with the same grandeur as Diwali. The four-day festival, dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, is scheduled to take place from October 25 to October 28 this year.
Recognizing the festival’s importance, especially for the Purvanchali community which forms a substantial part of Delhi’s population, the government has decided to allow celebrations on the Yamuna banks this year. “We will nullify all the complaints of the past years and withdraw all such cases from our side,” Gupta assured.
The government has received over 1,000 applications from various puja committees for organizing the festival across the national capital. In response, plans are underway to develop 17 model Chhath ghats, one in each district. These locations will also feature cultural programs, including performances in Maithili and Bhojpuri languages.
Essential facilities such as clean drinking water, tea, lighting, and washrooms will be provided at all designated Chhath ghats. To ensure the sites are well-prepared, the Delhi government has also initiated a special cleanliness drive.
The Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to providing all necessary facilities for the devotees, ensuring that Chhath Puja is celebrated with full splendor. “We will ensure every facility for our devotees so that Chhath Puja is celebrated the same way as Diwali,” she added.