Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday night celebrated the city’s diverse festivals, noting an unprecedented level of participation. She said this is especially true among the youth. The Chief Minister declared that Delhi is now emerging as a "capital of culture alongside development" and experiencing a vibrant cultural reawakening this festival season. She made the remarks after joining several ongoing Navratri and Durga Puja events. She observed that Ramleelas, Durga Puja, Dandiya, and Garba events are all happening simultaneously. She also highlighted the simultaneous celebration of festivals from other regions, including Onam and Telangana’s flower festival, Bathukamma.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the cultural buzz is happening parallel to major development works. These works are part of the ongoing ‘Seva Pakhwada’ marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday. She listed achievements like new multi-level parking facilities and Asia’s largest sewage treatment plant. The Chief Minister said these long-delayed capital projects are finally moving forward with the Prime Minister’s support. She stressed that the growing excitement around cultural programmes is equally special.
"People are participating wholeheartedly," she said. She added that their desire to give Delhi a unique identity is now clearly visible. The youth’s enthusiasm has been a standout feature, the Chief Minister stated. She specifically attended a Dandiya and Garba night at the Delhi University Rugby Ground. She also joined the Bathukamma festival at Ramjas College. She said this marks the first time that festivals from other states are being celebrated in Delhi with such massive enthusiasm. She praised Culture and Languages Minister Kapil Mishra for his efforts. She noted that while Delhi University has always hosted unique programmes, festivals rooted in other states’ traditions have never been celebrated on this scale.
The Chief Minister expressed her delight at celebrating Bathukamma, a festival of flowers, colours, and community. Thousands of Telangana students studying in Delhi were part of the event. She described the festival as bringing "new energy and positivity into life." Addressing the students, she warmly stated, “You are part of Delhi. This city is yours. And the Chief Minister standing here is like your own elder sister.” She encouraged them to continue organising such festivals. Chief Minister said she has been attending various cultural events daily, including Ramleelas, to offer prayers to Lord Ram. She also recalled her recent participation in the Onam festival. She expressed confidence that Delhi’s people, especially the youth, will continue to join in. This participation, she said, will strengthen India’s cultural identity.
The Chief Minister asserted that a new era of cultural renaissance has begun under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. She said this era brings together the traditions of diverse states under the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.’ She affirmed that the Delhi Government is carrying this vision forward. She cited the state’s active participation in Navratri, Durga Puja, Garba, Onam, and Bathukamma. She concluded that both the Central and State Governments are committed. Their aim is to make Delhi both developed and culturally rich and full of pride.