CM Rekha offers Navratri prayers at Jhandewalan
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday visited the Jhandewalan Temple to mark the first day of Chaitra Navratri. The Chief Minister offered prayers and announced the Government’s continued push to promote cultural and spiritual events across the city.
The Chief Minister performed special rituals at the temple and prayed for the well-being, prosperity, and happiness of Delhi’s residents. The visit comes at the start of the nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, a significant occasion for devotees across the country.
Speaking after the puja, the Chief Minister said Navratri reflects India’s cultural strength and spiritual heritage. She said the festival inspires people with positive energy and a sense of service towards society.
“Navratri is a symbol of devotion and strength. It gives people inner energy and encourages them to work for society,” she said. She added that she prayed for peace and prosperity in every household in Delhi and hoped that the blessings of Goddess Durga would guide families across the city.
Soon after the temple visit, the Chief Minister attended a devotional music programme titled ‘Bhajan Clubbing’, organised near the temple premises. The event featured live bhajan performances and drew participation from devotees and local residents. Officials said the event aimed to blend traditional devotional practices with contemporary formats to attract wider participation, especially among younger audiences.
The Chief Minister appreciated the artists and performers at the event, saying such gatherings help bring communities together.
“Programmes like these spread positivity and strengthen social harmony,” she said. She stressed that devotional music plays a key role in preserving traditions while also creating a shared cultural space. According to her, such initiatives can help maintain continuity of cultural practices in a rapidly changing urban environment.
The Chief Minister also pointed to the increasing presence of young people at events like ‘Bhajan Clubbing’. She described the trend as encouraging and said it reflects a renewed interest among youth in cultural and spiritual activities.” It is inspiring to see young people participating in such programmes. These efforts are helping connect them with our roots,” she said.
Officials present at the event said the Government has been encouraging community-based cultural programmes across the Capital, particularly during major festivals. They added that such initiatives not only promote cultural engagement but also create safer and more inclusive public spaces.
The Chief Minister reiterated that her Government remains committed to supporting cultural and spiritual traditions in Delhi. She said authorities will continue to facilitate and promote events that foster unity and collective participation.
The visit and subsequent event highlight the Government’s attempt to combine religious observance with broader community outreach. By supporting public cultural gatherings, officials aim to strengthen social cohesion while also preserving traditional practices. Navratri, which marks the worship of different forms of Goddess Durga over nine days, sees widespread celebrations across Delhi, including temple visits, fasting, and cultural programmes. With the festive season underway, officials expect more such events to take place across the city in the coming days, drawing participation from diverse sections of society.
