Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will join devotees in celebrating Chhath Puja, offering Arghya to the setting sun at Sonia Vihar on Sunday and to the rising sun at Hathi Ghat near ITO on November 16.
“On Sunday, the Chief Minister will visit the Chhath ghat at Sonia Vihar, where she will meet devotees observing the fast and other worshippers and join them in offering Arghya to the setting sun. She will also offer prayers to the Sun God and pray for the prosperity, well-being and happiness of the country and Delhi.
On Monday morning, she will visit Hathi Ghat near ITO, where she will offer Arghya to the rising sun and worship Chhathi Maiya and the Sun God,” the chief minister’s office said in a statement.
The Delhi Government has made arrangements at 1,400 ghats across different locations for the four-day festival, which began on November 13. An 11-km-long ghat along the Munak Canal is among the major facilities developed for devotees this year.
Arrangements have been made at the ghats for cleanliness, lighting, security, drinking water, toilets, changing rooms for women and other essential facilities.
The chief minister is personally monitoring preparations and has directed senior officials to remain present at major ghats to address complaints and ensure the smooth conduct of celebrations.
Arrangements include drinking water, lighting, sanitation, security, toilets and changing rooms for women. CCTV surveillance and crowd-management measures have also been planned. The Chief Minister has made it clear that no devotee or worshipper visiting the Chhath ghats should face any inconvenience.
The chief minister stated that special security arrangements have been put in place at the ‘model’ Chhath ghats this year. These ghats are under constant surveillance via CCTV cameras, which are linked to a central control room.
This setup allows for the monitoring of activities at the ghats and ensures that any emergency needs can be identified in a timely manner. The chief minister said Chhath is a unique festival rooted in public faith and also represents India’s cultural heritage, family values and gratitude towards nature.
She extended greetings to devotees, particularly those from the Purvanchal region, and prayed for peace and prosperity.