The Delhi Government on Friday hosted a grand light and sound show at the Namo Yamuna River Safari in Sonia Vihar on the first day of Chhath, showcasing the mythological stories of Goddess Yamuna and Lord Krishna as part of its efforts to promote the riverfront as a tourism and cultural destination.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta witnessed the programme along with Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra, Delhi Cabinet Ministers Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Kapil Mishra and Ravindra Indraj, MP Manoj Tiwari, MLAs and other guests, according to a statement.
The show opened with a captivating depiction of the mythological story of the birth of Goddess Yamuna and her brother Yama. It beautifully portrayed Goddess Yamuna’s descent from Golok to Earth. This was followed by a spectacular presentation of the divine leela of Goddess Yamuna and Lord Krishna, brought to life through a grand combination of music, lights and a musical fountain.
The chief minister said the show on the banks of the Yamuna at the beginning of Chhath was a special experience and would give Delhi residents new opportunities to connect with the river, explore its cultural heritage and spend time with their families.
She appealed to the Opposition not to politicise Chhath, saying the festival symbolises faith and unity and people should set aside political differences to celebrate it together.
The chief minister said the Government was committed to conserving and cleaning the Yamuna, developing its banks, and providing world-class facilities to residents.
The Namo Yamuna River Safari offers an electric cruise service along an approximately 4-km stretch from Sonia Vihar to Jagatpur. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the service on Tuesday. The electric cruise has a passenger capacity of 30 and offers visitors a chance to experience the Yamuna’s natural surroundings.
The Government plans to introduce another cruise by February-March 2027 to expand the service, the statement said.
The river safari complex also has a floating jetty, ticket counter, waiting lounge, food court, parking facility, children’s play area and musical fountain, it added.
The chief minister said the cruise service, musical fountain and cultural performances would help reconnect the Yamuna with Delhi’s tourism, cultural and social life while providing residents with new recreational spaces.