The banks of the Yamuna river in Delhi witnessed a unique confluence of faith and politics as senior leaders from across party lines joined thousands of devotees to celebrate Chhath Puja, the ancient festival dedicated to the Sun God.
Political Unity in Spiritual Celebration
In a remarkable display of cultural solidarity, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, along with other prominent politicians, participated in the sacred rituals that mark the culmination of the four-day festival. The leaders were seen offering prayers and interacting with devotees at various ghats across the capital.
Kejriwal's Personal Participation
Arvind Kejriwal, accompanied by his family, performed the evening arghya offering at the Kalindi Kunj ghat. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of Chhath Puja in Delhi's cultural fabric and praised the dedication of devotees who observe the rigorous fast and rituals.
BJP Leaders Join Celebrations
BJP parliamentarian Manoj Tiwari celebrated the festival at the Wazirabad ghat, where he was seen offering prayers alongside hundreds of devotees. Several other BJP leaders also participated in celebrations across their constituencies, highlighting the festival's significance in connecting with the electorate.
Massive Security and Infrastructure Arrangements
The Delhi government had made extensive preparations for the festival, with authorities setting up over 1,000 ghats across the city. Elaborate security arrangements, medical facilities, and temporary lighting ensured the safety and comfort of lakhs of devotees participating in the rituals.
- More than 1,000 temporary ghats constructed
- Enhanced security deployment across all major sites
- Medical camps and emergency services on standby
- Special cleaning drives along riverbanks
The Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja, one of the most ancient Hindu festivals, involves offering prayers to the Sun God and his consort Chhathi Maiya. The festival is particularly significant for people from Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, who form a substantial population in Delhi.
The four-day ritual includes:
- Nahay Khay (first day of purification)
- Kharna (second day of fasting)
- Sandhya Arghya (evening offerings on third day)
- Usha Arghya (morning offerings on final day)
Political Implications and Cultural Integration
The active participation of political leaders in Chhath Puja underscores the festival's growing importance in Delhi's political landscape. As the migrant population from Bihar and Eastern UP continues to influence Delhi's demographics, their cultural festivals have become significant occasions for political engagement and outreach.
The seamless celebration of Chhath Puja across party lines demonstrates how cultural traditions can transcend political differences, creating moments of unity in the diverse tapestry of India's capital city.
