Delhi’s CM Rekha Gupta Celebrates Chhath Puja with Rituals at Hathi Ghat

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta took part in the concluding rituals of Chhath Puja on October 28, 2023, at Hathi Ghat near ITO. The festival, celebrated with reverence across India, culminated with the offering of the Usha Arghya to the rising sun, a significant ritual for devotees seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being.

During the ceremony, CM Gupta expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am fortunate that I was able to participate in the worship of Chhati Maiya and we all together enjoyed this great festival of Chhath.” The event saw large gatherings as devotees joined in traditional prayers and rituals at various locations, including the banks of rivers, ponds, and ghats throughout the country.

As Chhath Puja reached its peak, thousands of devotees flocked to the ghats, particularly in Bihar, where the atmosphere was vibrant with the sound of hymns and chants. At major ghats, security personnel were deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of celebrations, allowing participants to focus on their spiritual observances.

In Delhi, the Yamuna Ghat saw significant foot traffic, with many devotees offering arghya to the sun. The Hathi Ghat was beautifully illuminated, creating a serene environment for the rituals. The enthusiastic participation of the community highlighted the importance of the festival, which celebrates the sun’s life-giving powers.

The four-day Chhath Mahaparv began on October 25, 2023, with the ritual of Nahay-Khay, followed by Kharna on October 26, and Sandhya Arghya on October 27. The festival emphasizes purification and gratitude, culminating in the morning offerings on the final day.

In Varanasi, devotees gathered in large numbers at the ghats, particularly at Shastri Ghat, to perform the concluding rituals. The fervor of the celebrations across various regions underscored the communal spirit of the festival, drawing families and friends together in devotion.

Chhath Puja remains one of the most significant festivals in the Indian cultural calendar, honoring the sun and expressing gratitude for nature’s bounties. The participation of leaders such as CM Rekha Gupta reflects the festival’s importance in fostering unity and community spirit among the people.