7 November, 2024;In a gesture celebrating the cultural diversity and spiritual unity of Delhi, the city’s Chief Minister, Atishi, participated in the Chhath Puja rituals on the third day of the festival. Marked by dedicated prayers and rituals to honor the Sun God, Chhath Puja is one of the most significant festivals for communities from Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and other northern regions. This year, the celebration took on additional significance as Delhi’s CM took part, highlighting her support for the traditions and sentiments of Delhi’s people.
Chhath Puja, a four-day festival, involves an array of rituals performed with devotion and discipline. On the third day, also known as “Sandhya Arghya,” devotees offer their prayers to the setting sun. The ritual often takes place along riverbanks or ponds, as devotees wade into the water with offerings, seeking blessings for health, happiness, and prosperity. CM Atishi joined the devotees by the banks of the Yamuna river, where she was seen offering “arghya” (prayers and offerings) to the setting sun in keeping with traditional practices. Clad in traditional attire, she connected with the locals, sharing in the joy and reverence of the occasion.
In recent years, the Delhi government has made extensive efforts to facilitate the Chhath Puja celebrations in the city. Public ghats (banks) have been specially prepared for devotees, with amenities like clean water, safety measures, and medical assistance. Addressing the crowd after the ritual, CM Atishi praised the contributions of the Purvanchali community, which has a considerable presence in Delhi, and emphasized her commitment to upholding their customs.
The participation of a prominent political figure like CM Atishi reflects the respect and acknowledgment of cultural diversity within Delhi’s leadership. Her involvement also served as a reminder of the government’s dedication to religious harmony and support for the traditions of all communities residing in the city.
Chhath Puja continues to be a significant festival for Delhi’s population, symbolizing gratitude, resilience, and community spirit.
