Big Decision by CM Rekha Gupta on Chhath Puja: Devotees Can Worship on Both Banks of the Yamuna in Delhi

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced that this year the sacred Chhath festival will be celebrated on both banks of the Yamuna River. This will be the first time such an arrangement is made in the capital.

Special preparations will be undertaken along the Yamuna to ensure devotees face no inconvenience. The CM said that apart from the riverbanks, wherever Chhath celebrations take place in Delhi, the government will monitor and manage all facilities. “Our priority is to celebrate this festival, which is deeply connected with faith, nature, and emotions, in a safe, clean, and well-organized manner,” the Chief Minister said.

Worship Allowed, Not Immersion

On Monday, CM Gupta chaired a high-level meeting at the Delhi Secretariat to review preparations. Cabinet Ministers Ashish Sood and Kapil Mishra, Chief Secretary Dharmendra, and senior officials from various departments attended the meeting.

She clarified that while immersions are not allowed in the Yamuna, Chhath rituals do not involve immersion, and devotees can freely perform worship on the ghats. Keeping in view the rising population of Purvanchalis in the capital, the government has decided to make arrangements along the Yamuna stretch from Palla in the north to Okhla in the south.

Special Arrangements from Palla to Okhla

The CM said elaborate facilities will be provided wherever flat riverbanks are available.

From Palla to Wazirabad, special arrangements will be made, along with upgrades at traditional sites such as ITO and Okhla. Cleanliness and sanitation drives will be carried out, dust suppression measures like water sprinkling will be undertaken, and police and traffic personnel will ensure safety and smooth movement.

Medical facilities will also be deployed if necessary. The Irrigation Department has been instructed to remove water hyacinth from the Yamuna before the festival, and adequate lighting will be arranged for devotees.

Other Sites Also Covered

Besides the Yamuna banks, Chhath Puja is also observed at Munak Canal, Mungeshpur Drain, and several artificial ponds. Altogether, 929 sites across Delhi will host rituals this year. The government has assured that all these sites will be properly equipped, and institutions requiring NOC will receive it without hassle.

The CM also announced that she will personally visit the Yamuna banks and other sites soon to inspect preparations. If needed, Delhi will request additional water release from Haryana.

Chhath Resumes at Yamuna Banks After Years

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chhath Puja at the Yamuna ghats was banned and the restrictions continued in subsequent years. This led to the practice of celebrating the festival in parks and at temporary water tanks.

This year, however, Delhiites will once again witness a grand and organized Chhath celebration on the Yamuna banks, reflecting the government’s commitment to ensuring faith, culture, and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.