New Delhi [India], November 12 (ANI): BJP national president Nitin Nabin and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday inaugurated a Chhath ghat at the Munak canal in Delhi ahead of the four-day festival, with Nabin praising the Delhi government for providing facilities to devotees and saying that people from Purvanchal would no longer face obstacles in celebrating the festival in the national capital.
Addressing the gathering, Nabin described the occasion as special and credited Chief Minister Rekha Gupta with providing a major facility to Chhath devotees and people from Purvanchal.
"She has given a very big gift to all Chhath devotees, all those who believe in Sanatan traditions and the people of Purvanchal," he said, urging the gathering to applaud the Chief Minister.
Referring to the 11-kilometre stretch of the Munak canal, Nabin said the development had brought significant change to Delhi's environment and overall atmosphere. He congratulated the Delhi government, its ministers and officials for completing the work in a time-bound manner.
He also praised the quality of water in the canal, saying its cleanliness and purity were particularly significant ahead of the festival.
"When I went along the canal just now and saw its sacred, clean water, I was reminded of Chhath. That purity and sanctity are the biggest blessings of this worship," he said.
Describing Chhath as a festival of discipline, cleanliness and nature worship, Nabin said devotees offered prayers to both the setting and rising sun and observed the four-day festival with strict adherence to purity.
He said the festival also highlighted the contribution of farmers, as fruits, vegetables and traditional offerings such as thekua formed an integral part of the rituals.
Nabin also referred to the traditional Mithila attire worn during the event and said it represented respect for Indian culture and the traditions of the Mithila region.
"Some people were calling this paag a cap. They do not understand that this paag is a symbol of respect for Indian culture and Mithila culture," he said.
Drawing a connection between Chhath and the cleanliness campaign, Nabin urged people to carry the spirit of the festival into their daily lives.
"If we imbibe the values of Chhathi Maiya in our lives, the atmosphere of cleanliness and purity that we observe during these four days should remain with us throughout the year," he said, adding that people should work towards keeping Delhi clean and pure.
Nabin said Chhath brought families and communities together and transcended social divisions.
"During this festival, all the distinctions of high and low disappear. The Chhath devotee becomes like God for us," he said.
He further praised the Delhi government for respecting the cultural and religious traditions of people from Purvanchal, adding that the festival was now being celebrated with equal enthusiasm across different communities.
"I may have wanted to go to Bihar, but I knew that now that the BJP government has come to power in Delhi, no one will be able to stop the people of Purvanchal from celebrating the Chhath festival, nor will anyone be able to object to it," Nabin said.
He also expressed confidence that Gupta and her team would receive the blessings of Chhathi Maiya for their work.
Referring to the government's initiatives, Nabin mentioned separate bus services for women, the Rs 5 meal facility under Atal Canteens and efforts to improve the city's road network. He also accused the previous government of prioritising the construction of a 'Sheesh Mahal' over public infrastructure and facilities for ordinary people.
"Earlier, they used to build a Sheesh Mahal for themselves. Building canals, rivers and ponds for the people was not their concern," he alleged.
Highlighting the benefits of a double-engine government, Nabin said coordination between the Centre and the state had helped facilitate arrangements for the festival.
"The benefit of a double-engine government is that Haryana releases water and the people of Delhi perform Chhath Puja. That is the difference," he said.
He also expressed confidence that the Delhi government would fulfil the promises made to people in 2025 and reiterated the BJP's commitment to the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Nabin said the government was working to balance development with the preservation of India's cultural heritage.
"We are committed to development as well as taking our heritage forward. Development will continue, and our heritage will also move forward," he said.
He also said Chief Minister Rekha Gupta would be present at the Chhath ghat during the festival and congratulated the people of Purvanchal ahead of the celebrations.
Nabin said the Delhi government was working towards cleaning the Yamuna under the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
"I am confident that very soon the entire Yamuna will be made clean and pure, and Chhathi Maiya's festival will also be celebrated there," he said. (ANI)
Nitin Nabin inaugurates Chhath ghat at Munak canal, says no one can stop Purvanchal people from celebrating festival in Delhi
