New Delhi, Oct. 27 -- Delhi is expected to have more than 1,400 Chhath ghats this year, up from 1,326 in 2025, with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday directing officials to complete basic preparations by November 6 and ensure adequate facilities, cleanliness and security for devotees.
During a review meeting with officials from various departments and civic agencies, Gupta stressed that arrangements must be inspected on the ground and that no lapses in devotees' convenience, safety or sanitation would be tolerated. She directed officials to complete major preparations at least two days before the festival.
Chhath Puja will be observed from November 13 to 16. Considering the possibility of cold weather, the Chief Minister instructed officials to provide covered tents at large and medium-sized ghats wherever required, including worship areas and spaces behind stages.
The arrangements will include adequate toilets and changing rooms for women, proper lighting, drinking water and regular sanitation. Cleaning teams will remain active during the evening arghya and morning Usha Arghya, with waste to be removed promptly and sufficient dustbins installed.
Gupta also directed departments to repair roads leading to the ghats, remove potholes and debris, and undertake regular water sprinkling to control dust. She said no dark spots should remain along routes used by devotees.
For crowd management, CCTV surveillance will be ensured at all major and crowded ghats, while fire tenders will be stationed near heavily attended locations. The Traffic Police will coordinate with organisers on parking, diversions and road closures. Civil Defence personnel may also be deployed at transport hubs to manage the festival rush. The government will develop model ghats with welcome gates and LED screens displaying Chhath-related content. Officials have also been asked to coordinate with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations to explore inviting foreign ambassadors and high commissioners to the celebrations.
Gupta also announced a public holiday on November 16, following the morning rituals, to facilitate devotees returning from the ghats. Officials were directed to coordinate with railway authorities and ensure adequate arrangements at inter-state bus terminals, particularly for passengers travelling to Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.