The months of Ashwin and Kartik are considered the pinnacle of spiritual devotion in our culture. After celebrating Ahoi Ashtami, Dhanteras, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Vishwakarma Puja, and Bhai Dooj, the much-awaited and deeply revered festival of Chhath Puja has now arrived. From the eve of the festival until its conclusion on October 27, the devotion and enthusiasm for Chhath can be felt not only across Delhi and India but also among Indian communities around the world.
This festival holds a special place in the hearts of our Bihari brothers and sisters, whose unwavering faith connects it with Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Goddess Shashthi (Chhathi Maiya). At its core, Chhath Puja is a festival of faith and nature. The rituals begin with a sacred bath, purification, and the consumption of satvik (pure) food. This is followed by a period of strict fasting, which extends for about 36 hours without food or even water—a test of endurance, devotion, and self-discipline. Devotees offer arghya to the setting sun on one day and to the rising sun the next morning, praying for happiness, prosperity, and the well-being of their families.
According to ancient scriptures, the tradition of Chhath dates back to the Treta Yuga. It is believed that Mata Sita, wife of Lord Rama, was the first to observe this fast on the advice of Rishi Mudgal, to worship the Sun God. Originally observed for six days, the festival is now celebrated over four. Mata Sita is said to have performed the first Chhath Puja on the banks of the Saryu River in Munger, a tradition that continues today across countless homes and riverbanks throughout the country.
During this season, railway stations across India—from Kashmir to Kanyakumari—are crowded with people returning home to celebrate with their families. The efforts of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and his team in managing this massive movement of passengers deserve recognition. For the past several weeks, he has been inspecting railway stations in and around New Delhi, ensuring smooth travel and adding nearly three times more trains to Bihar than usual.
At the same time, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has taken commendable steps to make Chhath Puja arrangements along the Yamuna ghats. Her regular visits, ongoing river-cleaning drives, and close coordination with the Delhi government, municipal authorities, and cabinet ministers have ensured cleaner water and better facilities for devotees. The people’s satisfaction with these efforts is evident.
The role of the police and administration is equally crucial, particularly in managing traffic and maintaining safety around ghats. The commitment to prevent crowd-related mishaps and maintain order is noteworthy. Festivals like Chhath fill people with immense faith and joy, but they also require disciplined management to ensure safety for all.
As we celebrate, it is impossible not to recall Sharda Sinha, the legendary “Nightingale of Bihar,” whose soulful songs continue to echo at every ghat, deepening the devotion of the festival even in her absence.
Whether it’s the Kumbh Mela, Dussehra, or Chhath Puja, both the central and state governments have worked tirelessly to improve safety and infrastructure at crowded places such as railway stations, bus terminals, and ghats. This year, preparations have been particularly strong, ensuring safe journeys and comfortable worship for all devotees.
May Chhathi Maiya and Lord Surya bless every home with happiness, prosperity, and fulfillment. Let us all celebrate this sacred occasion with faith, discipline, and cleanliness—ensuring the festival remains as pure and inspiring as the devotion it represents.
