The Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government has announced a public holiday in the national capital on Thursday (November 7), on account of Chhath Puja. As a result, all educational institutions in Delhi, including schools, colleges, and universities, will remain closed on the day.
“Chhat Pooja is an important festival for the people of NCT of Delhi. Accordingly, the Government of NCT of Delhi has decided to declare 7th November 2024 as a Public Holiday on account of 'Chhat Pooja'," Delhi Chief Minister Atishi said in a letter to the Chief Secretary.
She also took to her X account to share the news and said, "I am happy to inform you that the Delhi government has decided that there will be a holiday on 7 November for the festival of Chhath, so that all the brothers and sisters of Purvanchal can celebrate the festival with pomp and show.”
Moreover, the Delhi government has made over 1000 Chhath Puja Chhath ghats across the city, the Chief Minister said.
"Today, Chhath ghats are being made at more than 1000 locations in the city. All our ministers and MLAs are inspecting the Chhath ghats...I urge the BJP not to do politics over Chhath puja," she told news agency ANI.
About Chhatt Puja
The auspicious four-day festival of Chhath Puja began on Tuesday. The festival, spanning over the next four days will see a series of meticulously planned rituals and offerings. It begins with Nahay Khay (bathing and feasting), where participants take a ritualistic bath and consume a simple meal.
The subsequent day, devotees observe Kharna, which involves fasting throughout the day, breaking it only after sunset as an offering to the deities. On the third day, the main ritual having immense devotion ascribed to it, takes place. Chhath devotees gather at the water bodies including rivers, ponds and something, before sunrise. Standing waist-deep in water, they offer ‘arghya’ (offering of water) to the rising Sun, chanting prayers. This year, the festival is being celebrated from November 5 (Tuesday) to November 8 (Friday).