In A First, Delhi Assembly Marks Hindu New Year With Cultural Celebration; CM Launches Cleanliness Drive

Delhi celebrated the Hindu New Year with a cultural event at the Legislative Assembly and a citywide cleanliness drive. The govt will also hold a series of events over the next 2 weeks to promote Hindu festivals.

File Photo of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta

Source : PTI

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday announced that the Delhi government would celebrate the Hindu New Year every year, marking the occasion with a grand cultural programme at the Delhi Legislative Assembly for the first time.

Addressing the gathering at the event, CM Gupta said, “Governments existed before, and Delhi functioned before, but not like this. On this special occasion of celebrating the New Year in the Vidhan Sabha premises, I want to say that some people came and adapted to the times, while others came and changed the times. For the first time, the people of Delhi are witnessing Hindu New Year being celebrated with such enthusiasm and grandeur.”

Highlighting the uniqueness of the celebration, she remarked, “This is not just a festival; it is our connection to Indian traditions. It is an inspiration for future generations, a way for them to connect with our roots and our culture. For the first time, this Assembly has embraced this festival, and I assure you that this government will continue to celebrate this event every year.”

VIDEO | Delhi: Cultural program being held in Delhi Vidhan Sabha on the occasion of Hindu New Year 2082 and Chaitra Navratri. Here’s what Delhi CM Rekha Gupta (@gupta_rekha) said while addressing the event:

“Governments existed before, and Delhi functioned before, but not like… pic.twitter.com/hDHebiHAWP

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 30, 2025

Earlier, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta also emphasised the significance of the event, stating that the entire assembly had been decorated for the occasion. “A cultural programme has been organised here (at Delhi Assembly) on March 30 on the auspicious occasion of Hindu New Year, Vikram Samvat 2082. During this, the entire assembly will be decorated,” he told ANI. He also announced that musician Kailash Kher would perform at the event, and a large number of Delhi residents were expected to attend.

Delhi Government Launches Citywide Cleanliness Drive

In addition to the assembly event, the Delhi government launched a large-scale cleanliness drive across the city to mark the occasion, as reported by Indian Express. CM Gupta stated, “On the occasion of the Hindu New Year, the government has launched a large-scale cleanliness drive across Delhi, ensuring the cleaning of every street, lane, and public space.”

The Art and Culture Department has also planned a series of events over the next two weeks to celebrate various Hindu festivals.

As part of the citywide cleanliness campaign led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, authorities have taken steps to remove illegal banners from government properties, clean streets, lanes, and flyovers, and focus on sanitation efforts at temples and religious sites.

A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said that relevant authorities had been directed to ensure effective execution at the ground level. Officials of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have been instructed to conduct daily field inspections across different wards. “Any irregularities identified during these inspections must be addressed promptly and effectively. The government remains committed to ensuring that all officials carry out their responsibilities with integrity and dedication to uphold cleanliness standards across the city,” CM Gupta stated, as quoted by Indian Express's report.

The CMO further highlighted that under CM Gupta’s directives, the cleanliness campaign had gained significant momentum. “This initiative not only raises awareness about cleanliness but also plays a crucial role in transforming Delhi into a clean and beautiful city,” it said.

Additionally, measures have been put in place for the regular cleaning of drains and sewers, as well as timely road maintenance, including pothole repairs. CM Gupta reiterated that cleanliness remains a top government priority. “The government is fully committed to transforming Delhi into a well-maintained and livable city. This campaign marks a significant step toward improving the quality of life for residents while also contributing to environmental sustainability,” she said, as per the report.

Unauthorised banners and posters are also being removed from public property, including flyovers, road signs, and school boundary walls. Authorities have implemented strict enforcement measures under the Property Defacement Act to penalise violators.

“In line with these directives, all departments concerned have formulated and begun executing action plans to remove roadside debris and complete the cleaning of drains and sewage lines within a fixed timeframe. Through coordinated efforts across departments, the Delhi government aims to ensure a cleaner and more organised urban environment for its residents,” the CMO stated.

The Hindu New Year, or Hindu Nav Varsh, is set to be celebrated on Sunday, with festivities continuing across the capital.