Delhi government sets up over 1,000 ghats for Chhath Puja, heavy security in place

The Delhi government has developed more than 1,000 ghats across the city to enable people to perform rituals for the ongoing Chhath Puja festivities.

Eight artificial ponds have also been developed at a DDA ground in the city's Mayur Vihar Phase-3 area to ensure that devotees can perform their Chhath rituals together, said Delhi minister Atishi.

Chhath Puja, also known as Dala Chhath or Surya Shashti, is a four-day Hindu festival dedicated to worshipping the Sun God, Surya, and his wife, Chhathi Maiya.

This year, Chhath Puja is being celebrated from November 17 to 20.

Speaking to the media, Atishi said the work on most of the ghats is almost complete, and the remaining work will be finished by Sunday morning.

From Sunday evening, devotees can celebrate ‘Sandhya Arghya’ at the ghats with grandeur, she added.

Atishi also said cultural programs will be organised at ghats for the devotees.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY AHEAD OF CHHATH

Delhi Police has issued a traffic advisory in the national capital amid the Chhath Puja celebrations.

As per the police, the traffic flow is likely to be affected from Sunday afternoon to Monday morning on roads adjoining major ponds and ghats in the city.

The ponds at Sonia Vihar, Krishna Market, Jhilmil Colony, DDA Land near JPC Hospital, Tughlakabad Kaya Maya Ground, DDA Ground near Jain Mandir Suraj Kund Road, opposite D-Block Mangol Puri and Chhat Puja Kalyan Samiti Sainik Enclave could witness heavy footfall of devotees.

The police have also advised devotees to park their vehicles in the designated parking spots to avoid any punitive action.

When asked about movement to railway stations, Delhi Police said that there would be no restrictions on going to railway and bus stations.

SECURITY MEASURES IN PLACE

As per the Delhi Police, eight additional companies of the reserve force will be deployed in the ghats for crowd management and to avert any mishap.

In addition, over 120 barricades will be installed across the national capital to restrict the heavy traffic flow along the ghats.