Delhi gears up for Chhath Puja; Minister Verma reviews preparations at key ghats

Delhi is gearing up for Chhath Puja, with the city administration conducting final inspections to ensure devotees can offer prayers safely along the Yamuna and at local ponds.

On Sunday, Delhi’s Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma visited several key ghats, including Matiala, Najafgarh, Vikaspuri, Nangloi Jat, Narela, and Palla Ghat.

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He also took a boat ride along the riverfront to review the condition of the Yamuna banks and ongoing maintenance work, including lighting, barricading, and waste management.

At major ghats such as Govind, Bajrang, Shyam, Sur, and Geeta Colony, the Minister inspected cleanliness, water quality, and safety arrangements while interacting with residents and volunteers.

Senior officials from the PWD, Delhi Jal Board, Irrigation & Flood Control Department, district administrations, and Delhi Police accompanied him.

Verma emphasized the importance of supporting devotees during the festival, describing Chhath as a “sacred union of faith, discipline, and nature.” He called for continuous coordination among departments to ensure smooth celebrations.

Ahead of the festival, the city administration has carried out cleaning, road repairs, lighting, and safety measures at all major ghats. According to officials, the Minister has also set up a dedicated Chhath Puja ghat at his residence for residents unable to travel far.

“This festival belongs to everyone — every home, every ghat, every prayer. Whether it’s a small pond or the Yamuna’s banks, every offering reaches the Sun with the same devotion,” Verma said.

Chhath Puja, which involves offering prayers to the rising and setting Sun, began on Saturday, with several women devotees flocking to ghats near the Yamuna to prepare for the arduous fasting that follows. Authorities have urged devotees to follow safety guidelines while participating in the festival.