Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday declared Chhath Puja to be a Dry Day in the national capital on October 30 for the first time, news agency ANI reported.
He also gave his assent to holding Chhath Puja at designated ghats on the Yamuna. The Delhi government is building 1,100 ghats for Chhath Puja this year.
While Arvind Kejriwal tweeted last week that Chhath will be celebrated like old times on the Yamuna ghats in Delhi, L-G VK Saxena warned the chief minister on Wednesday against "misleading and premature publicity" because authorisation has only been issued for celebrations at specified ghats.
L-G Saxena, in approving Chhath Puja at designated ghats on the banks of the Yamuna in Delhi, asked CM Kejriwal to ensure clean ghats and water for the devotees and warned the chief minister against "misleading and premature publicity," contradicting Kejriwal's October 21 tweet that suggested Chhath Puja was allowed on all ghats of the Yamuna, PTI reported.
The L-G-approved proposal to celebrate Chhath Puja was, however, limited to select Ghats. L-G has asked the Revenue and Environment departments to strictly execute the NGT's orders regarding pollution in the Yamuna, PTI reported.
Chhath Puja, which involves fasting people giving 'arghya' to the Sun God in knee-deep water, will be held on October 30 and 31. The celebration is extremely popular among Purvanchalis (people from Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh who live in Delhi).
The Chhath Puja for this year begins on October 28th. Chhath Puja is one of the most important festivals in the country. This festival honours the Sun God and the sixth mother. During this time, a 36-hour fast is observed.
During Chhath Puja, both men and women fast for 36 hours for the child's health, success, and longevity. Because this fast is incredibly tough, several crucial considerations should be addressed during the festival of religion, Chhath Puja.
(With Inputs From Agencies)