Delhi Labour Minister Kapil Mishra on Sunday celebrated the festival of Diwali with the workers and their families at the NBCC construction site in Netaji Nagar.
Speaking on the occasion, he said Diwali is not merely a festival of lights, but a celebration of labour, equality, and respect.
The minister further said that the decision was taken to celebrate Diwali with the hardworking men and women who contribute immensely to the development of the city. “Many workers have gone back to their villages, but several are still in Delhi. Since morning, we have been celebrating Diwali here with their families and children,” he added.
Highlighting the significance of the event, Mishra stated that such a celebration was organised for the first time in the history of Delhi’s Labour Ministry.
He announced that similar programmes will now be held regularly on a larger scale so that the working class continues to be an integral and respected part of society.
The minister furtehr said that for many years, restrictions were imposed in Delhi on faith and festivities — from bans on firecrackers during Diwali to prohibitions on performing Chhath Puja along the Yamuna banks.
Stating that governments earlier seemed to oppose traditions and religious sentiments, he said, “Now, the government has changed. The new administration approached the court, and the court has permitted the use of green firecrackers this year.”
Mishra also said Delhiites will celebrate Diwali this year with discipline and environmental balance. “Just like the rest of the country and the world celebrates Diwali, the people of Delhi too now have the right to celebrate their festival freely. In Delhi, faith and festivals will no longer be restricted — they will be respected and encouraged,” he said.
Mishra emphasised that the Delhi government is consistently striving to ensure a dignified life and equal opportunities for the working class.
He appealed to all residents of Delhi to celebrate Diwali in a clean, green, and collective spirit.