Amid glowing diyas, devotional songs, thousands of devotees in the national Capital offered prayers to the setting Sun at the Yamuna River, canals and various ghats, on the occasion of Chhath Puja on Monday.
Deeply moved by the serenity, devotion and reverence for nature that characterise this festival, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday led the city’s Chhath Mahaparv celebrations across multiple ghats, marking the national capital’s most elaborate observances of the festival in recent years.
Calling Chhath “a festival that binds faith, nature, and culture together,” she joined devotees in offering ‘arghya’ (water oblation) to the Sun God and prayed to Chhathi Maiya for “the happiness, peace, and prosperity of all Delhiites.”
The Chief Minister remarked that, for the first time, the festival was being celebrated in such a magnificent and divine manner in the Capital, reflecting the city’s cultural unity. Accompanied by senior leaders and officers, the Chief Minister visited multiple sites, including Sonia Vihar Pushta, Sports Complex Ghat, Ram Ghat, Shyam Ghat and finally Vasudev Ghat at Kashmiri Gate. At each stop, she interacted with devotees, lit diyas, and participated in the rituals.
The Chief Minister began her visit at the Chhath Park in Mangolpuri, where she participated in rituals alongside devotees and received blessings from Chhathi Maiya.
She was accompanied by Member of Parliament Yogendra Chandolia, MLA Rajkumar Chauhan, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva, and other dignitaries.
Subsequently, the Chief Minister visited the Sonia Vihar Pushta in East Delhi. There, she took a boat ride from the Pushta to the Sports Complex, Ram Ghat and Shyam Ghat, participating in the celebrations at each site. During the evening arghya (offering to the setting sun), she joined devotees in offering prayers to the Sun God amidst the glow of lamps and devotional songs at Sonia Vihar Ghat.
In the final leg of her visit, the Chief Minister reached the Vasudev Ghat on the Yamuna River near Kashmere Gate, where she celebrated Chhath Puja with devotees and their families.
The event at Vasudev Ghat also featured grand cultural performances, including traditional folk songs, dances, and other artistic presentations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to pay obeisance at Vasudev Ghat early morning on Tuesday as part of prayers to the rising Sun.
In a message on X, CM Gupta said, “Warm greetings to all of you on the evening ‘Arghya’ of the great festival of Chhath. Today, while offering Arghya to the setting sun on the banks of the Yamuna in Sonia Vihar, the same wish has been made that the light of happiness, prosperity, and progress may always remain in the life of every Delhiite.”
She said, “This festival is not just about faith, but a celebration of that discipline, devotion, and folk culture which has made Delhi a symbol of unity in diversity and modernity in tradition.”
“Today, Delhi’s soil, ghats, and Yamuna are all illuminated in the devotion of Chhath. May Delhi always remain clean, safe and prosperous by the boundless grace of Chhathi Maiya, may the flame of faith be kindled in every home and the light of new hope be ignited in every heart. Jai Chhathi Maiya,” she said.
The Chief Minister further informed that the Delhi Government had made special preparations this year. From Palla to Kalindi Kunj, a total of 17 model Chhath Ghats were set up along the Yamuna River. These ghats were equipped with tents, lighting, sanitation, drinking water, toilets, and medical assistance all ensured by the Delhi Government. She affirmed that the Government is fully committed to making this sacred festival a safe, clean, and dignified experience for all devotees. Among those present at various events were Lok Sabha MP Manoj Tiwari, Delhi’s Minister for Development and Tourism Kapil Mishra, and other distinguished guests.
Earlier, on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings on the occasion of Chhath Puja, wishing happiness, prosperity, and success to people across the country. In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Heartfelt Chhath Puja evening arghya wishes to all my family members across the country. On this sacred occasion, our tradition of offering arghya to the setting sun is very unique.”
“May there be welfare for all by the grace of Lord Surya, may everyone attain happiness, prosperity, and success in life. This is the wish. Jai Chhathi Maiya!” he added. Earlier in the day, President Droupadi Murmu extended her greetings to the people on the occasion, wishing everyone happiness and prosperity.
In a post on X, President Murmu said, “On the sacred occasion of the great festival of Chhath Puja, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all my fellow countrymen. This festival is an opportunity to worship Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya and to express gratitude towards Mother Nature.
My best wishes are that this festival brings happiness and prosperity into everyone’s lives and inspires us towards environmental conservation.”
At his residence in Windsor Place, Delhi MP Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma joined hundreds of devotees gathered along the Chhath constructed within his premises. He has temporarily built a ghat at his premises for devotees from nearby areas a space to perform rituals and offer prayers. This marks the first-ever Chhath celebration of such scale and public participation at a minister’s residence. Verma’s family also participated wholeheartedly in the event. His wife and other family members were personally involved in decorating the ghat and preparing for the rituals, warmly welcoming all Chhath vratins (devotees observing the fast).
Speaking on the occasion, Parvesh Sahib Singh said:” Chhath Puja is not just a ritual, but a symbol of faith, discipline and gratitude toward nature. I wanted to celebrate this sacred festival with the people of my constituency - like one big family. That is the true spirit of our festivals.”
Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood, who joined the celebrations at various Ghats in Janakpuri, said the Delhi Government’s arrangements for Chhath this year reflected its commitment to celebrate all religious and community festivals with equal respect and support. “The scale of arrangements this year is unprecedented,” he added. “Whether it’s lighting, cleanliness, or medical support, the Government ensured that devotees could perform their rituals with dignity and devotion.” He added that the festival also strengthens Delhi’s cultural unity. Chhath has now become part of Delhi’s collective identity. It belongs not to one region but to every Delhiite who believes in the power of faith and gratitude, he further stated.
Delhi’s Minister for Social Welfare, Ravinder Indraj Singh, visited several Chhath Ghats across the Bawana Assembly to extend his greetings to the devotees.
He also participated in the Sandhya Arghya (evening offering) and joined the devotees in offering prayers to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. While offering prayers at the Model Ghat located at Lake Park, Rohini Sector 20, Ravinder Indraj said that Chhath Mahaparv beautifully represents the rich cultural heritage of Sanatan Dharma and the spirit of national unity.
The Social Welfare Minister inspected various Chhath Ghats located at Rohini Sectors 24, 25, and 26, Pansali Ghat, Bawana JJ Colony (Blocks A, F, G, and L), Jain Colony Ghat, and Panch Mandir Ghat at Shahbad Dairy, where thousands of devotees performed rituals with devotion.