Hanuman Jayanti was celebrated with Shobha Yatras, aartis and devotional songs in the national capital on Saturday. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta paid obeisance to Lord Hanuman at a temple in her Shalimarbagh constituency, and inaugurated an automatic chapati maker that can roll out 1200 ‘rotis’ (bread) in an hour. The Chief Minister visited multiple Hanuman temples across the national Capital including Sankat Mochan Dham in Karol Bagh, Siddh Hanuman Mandir, Hanuman Mandir in Hauz Khas, Connaught Place and Chandni Chowk Hanuman Mandir on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti.

Asserting it is her regime’s duty to ensure that no one remained hungry in the city, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday said the government is planning to open 100 Atal canteens near slum clusters and construction sites.

“We have to open 100 Atal canteens so that no one remained hungry in Delhi. We are planning to start these canteens near slums and construction sites where such automatic machines are installed to provide food,” she said.

The chief minister had earlier in March presented Delhi’s budget for 2025-26, setting aside Rs 100 crore for opening Atal canteens in the city to provide food to the poor and needy at nominal charges.

Atal canteens named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee are run in various other BJP ruled states also.

The chief minister said the automatic chapati maker at Siddh Katyayani Devi temple in Shalimarbagh will help run a daily ‘Anna Sewa’ for feeding the poor and needy by providing them food packets.

“This is a move according to the vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Prayas’ to take along the society in feeding the poor and needy. Prime Minister Modi has said that if the society rises up, the country will move several steps forward everyday,” she asserted. The chief minister said that she prayed Lord Hanuman to bless her government’s efforts towards a ‘Viksit Delhi’ and added the things will start moving in the right direction when all sections of the society will come forward and do their part.

“From Ram Navami to Hanuman Jayanti, grand events are being organized by communities in every city. As Chief Minister of Delhi, it is a matter of immense pride and joy for me to participate in several Hanuman Jayanti events today,” she said

During her visit at the ancient Hanuman temple in Connaught Place, she was accompanied with State BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva. Prior to the temple’s ceremonial procession, both leaders performed a ceremonial anointment (abhishek) of the idol of Lord Hanuman and prayed for the prosperity of the city.

Delhi CM also visited the Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple in Karol Bagh. “I prayed that the demonic forces returned back to wherever they belonged and a positive energy to work for Delhi energised all,” said Gupta.”We have to work together for a better Delhi, a healthy, educated and prosperous Delhi. Our government will continue to work in that direction with the blessings of Lord Hanuman,” she added.

The chief minister said that she also sought blessings of the deity to be able to fulfill aspirations of people and work for Delhi’s progress.

On the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, Sachdeva and Organization General Secretary Pawan Rana distributed prasad at a community feast (bhandara) held outside the party’s state office and prayed for the good health and well-being of the people of Delhi. Later in the evening, the Delhi BJP chief participated in the 300-year-old traditional procession organized by the ancient Shri Narsingh Hanuman Temple in Chandni Chowk and inaugurated the event.

In addition, he attended over a dozen Hanuman Janamutsav programs across the city, praying for a bright future for Delhi’s citizens. At the Hanuman Janamutsav celebration organized by the Hauz Khas Village Welfare and Development Association, he joined the unique event marked by devotion, enthusiasm, and unity—presenting a powerful example of commitment to religion, culture, and society.