Devotees in Delhi’s Geeta Colony staged protest as the AAP constructed artificial Ghats for Chhath Puja remained dry on Thursday. Yesterday, marked the third day of Chhath Puja in which Sandhya puja is performed during the setting sun. During sunset, devotees gather near water bodies and offer prasad etc. to Surya Dev.
However, in Delhi the Chhath Puja celebrations hit a roadblock. Frustrated with not being able to do Sandhya Puja, which entails offering “Arghya” to Surya Dev, the devotees took to the streets, sloganeering and expressing their discontent.
Residents Took To Streets
#WATCH | Delhi: People in Geeta Colony take it to the streets as the artificial ghats prepared for Chhath Puja remain dry and empty without water. pic.twitter.com/8cfF2bkmRC
— ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2024
A devotee upon reaching the dry and empty artificial Ghat in the Geeta Colony questioned the Delhi government’s arrangements. She said, “Why did they make all these arrangements if they were not going to give water? We could have celebrated the festival at home. We will take it to the streets if water is not provided.”
#WATCH | Delhi: "Why did they make all these arrangements if they were not going to give water? We could have celebrated the festival at home. We will take it to the streets if water is not provided…" says a devotee who reached the artificial ghats in the Geeta Colony and found… pic.twitter.com/gnv3qyvS9H
— ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2024
Another infuriated devotee said that the government insulted them by not allowing them to perform the ritual. He voiced his anger by saying that they could have performed the rituals on their rooftops with tubs. There is no water for us to complete the Chhath Puja. The sun is setting and our time to offer the ‘Arghya’ is slipping away… They could have told us earlier, we could have done it on the roofs by filling water in tubs… We are being insulted… The MLA has switched his phone off..,” the devotee said.
#WATCH | Delhi: "There is no water for us to complete the Chhath Puja. The sun is setting and our time to offer the 'Arghya' is slipping away… They could have told us earlier, we could have done it on the roofs by filling water in tubs… We are being insulted… The MLA has… pic.twitter.com/Z8bcVlWXRY
— ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2024
Earlier, Delhi’s CM Atishi had announced that AAP government has made around 1000 artificial Ghats across the capital for the Purvanchali residents. She stated, “These Chhath Ghats have been built across the city so our Purvanchali brothers and sisters never feel far from home.”
Opposition Condemns AAP’s Failure To Deliver..
BJP councilor Sandeep Kapoor condemned the government’s failure to deliver water to the Ghats. He said, “It’s the responsibility of the government to supply water to these Ghats. Water didn’t arrive until 4.30 pm. I had to personally arrange for two tankers to fill the ponds, but even then, the amount of water was insufficient. The government has failed in its duty to ensure the smooth conduct of this important religious festival.”
Congress leader Devendra Yadav said, “The AAP government has failed to address the growing needs of the Purvanchali community, which has significantly increased in population over the past few years.” He added, “Under the leadership of Sheila Dikshit, the Congress government ensured that clean water was provided to the Yamuna before Chhath Puja every year, but the current government has failed to address the toxic condition of the river.”
Meanwhile, despite Delhi High Court’s refusal to allow devotees to perform Chhath puja at the banks of Yamuna river on account of high pollution and toxicity. Devotees thronged to Yamuna Ghats to perform Puja.
Commenting on the dire situation, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, “Many people have gathered here to offer prayers to the Sun god. But the situation is such that the Delhi High Court had to say that no one should go to the Ghats to offer prayers as it may affect their health. Even Congress leaders have said how the condition of the Yamuna river has deteriorated. Today, a thick layer of toxic foam is floating on the surface of the river. Rs 7000 crore have been spent but the condition of the river has worsened. Devotees have gathered here but Arvind Kejriwal is missing. AAP’s politics is responsible for pollution..”
#WATCH | Delhi | BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla at Yamuna ghat, Kalindi Kunj as Chhath devotees are gathered here
He says, "Many people have gathered here to offer prayers to the Sun god. But the situation is such that the Delhi High Court had to say that no one should go to the… pic.twitter.com/qn9gyBUksq
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2024