Delhi Government Forms Committee to Oversee Chhath Puja Preparations
Five-Member Committee Formed to Ensure Smooth Celebrations
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced the formation of a five-member committee to supervise the arrangements for this year’s Chhath Puja in the city, officials confirmed on Monday. The committee will oversee the selection of venues, review preparations, and ensure devotees’ safety, sanitation, and convenience across the city.
Kapil Mishra, Minister of Art, Culture and Tourism, has been appointed as the chairman, while four MLAs – Abhay Kumar Verma (Laxmi Nagar), Chandan Kumar Chaudhary (Sangam Vihar), Sandeep Sehrawat (Matiala), and Deepak Chaudhary (Badli) – complete the committee.
The committee’s mandate includes reviewing amenities, traffic management, lighting, medical facilities, and overall arrangements before submitting a comprehensive report to the government.
Government Promises Improved Arrangements for Devotees
Speaking on Monday, Kapil Mishra accused previous administrations of neglecting the festival, saying,
“Chhath Puja is not only a cultural identity of Purvanchal but also of Delhi. Unfortunately, previous governments deliberately disregarded the faith of millions of devotees. However, this time, the Delhi government aims to ensure that every devotee can perform the rituals in a safe and respectful environment.”
He added that the administration will focus on cleanliness, safety, traffic management, lighting, and medical support at all ghats, ensuring a seamless experience for the devotees.
Significance of Chhath Puja in Delhi
Chhath Puja, a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God, is predominantly celebrated by Purvanchalis — communities from eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and parts of Jharkhand. The community’s significant presence in Delhi has made the festival both a cultural and political touchpoint.
Both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have historically sought to engage with the Purvanchali community ahead of elections. Last February’s Delhi Assembly election saw efforts from both parties to reach out to this demographic.
Festival to Be Held Across the City with Safety Measures
The government has planned to hold Chhath Puja at around 1,000 locations across Delhi, including sites along the Yamuna riverbanks, Munak Canal, and artificial ponds.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had previously warned that immersion in the river is prohibited, emphasizing that safety and cleanliness will be top priorities. Last year, hundreds of devotees took a dip in the Yamuna at several locations despite restrictions. The previous AAP government had also claimed to set up approximately 1,000 ghats for devotees.
Kapil Mishra appealed to the public for cooperation, saying:
“We urge all devotees and residents of Delhi to maintain cleanliness and order during the celebrations. Together, we can ensure that the festival is conducted safely and respectfully.”
Committee’s Key Responsibilities
- Inspect and approve venues for puja celebrations
- Monitor sanitation and medical arrangements
- Oversee lighting, security, and traffic management
- Ensure safe and orderly conduct of rituals along Yamuna, Munak Canal, and artificial ponds
- Submit a detailed report to the government on preparations
The formation of this committee demonstrates the Delhi government’s focus on organized, safe, and respectful celebrations for one of the city’s most cherished festivals.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Chhath Puja is an important cultural festival that unites communities in faith and tradition. By establishing a dedicated committee and emphasizing safety, sanitation, and inclusivity, the Delhi government is taking a proactive step to ensure that the festival is celebrated in a manner that respects both tradition and public safety.