In a significant move, the Delhi government has declared a groundbreaking decision to extend the public holiday for Chhath Puja. This year, for the first time, Delhi residents will get a one-and-a-half-day holiday to celebrate the important festival, primarily observed by people from Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta confirmed that government offices will close at 2 pm on October 27, 2025, and will remain closed for the entirety of October 28. The announcement marks a notable departure from the previous practice of granting just a single day off, ensuring that the festival is celebrated with greater recognition and participation across the city.
Chhath Puja: A Significant Festival for Purvanchali Communities
Chhath Puja is one of the most important festivals for the Purvanchali community, which is largely composed of people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The celebration is an expression of gratitude and devotion to the Sun God, with people offering prayers and rituals by the river. Over the years, the festival has gained prominence in Delhi, especially with the increasing population of Purvanchali migrants. The announcement of a one-and-a-half-day holiday is being widely seen as a gesture of goodwill towards this community, which has a significant influence in the city.
A Strategic Political Move Ahead of Bihar Elections
This announcement is also being interpreted as a political maneuver, aimed at consolidating support among the Purvanchali voter base in Delhi, especially in the lead-up to the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. With an estimated 500,000 Purvanchali voters in Delhi, many of whom return to their native states to participate in the elections, the timing of this decision holds political significance. The move is seen as a way for the Delhi government to further strengthen its ties with this important voting bloc, which has the potential to impact local electoral outcomes.
Enhancing Chhath Puja Celebrations in Delhi
Apart from the holiday declaration, the Delhi government has made extensive preparations to ensure that the Chhath Puja celebrations are carried out smoothly and safely across the city. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has emphasized that the 2025 Chhath Puja will be celebrated with the same grandeur as Diwali, underlining the government’s commitment to elevating the status of this important cultural occasion.
The Delhi government is making significant efforts to improve the infrastructure and facilities for Chhath devotees. Model Chhath ghats are being constructed at 17 key locations along the Yamuna River, with some of these ghats extending several kilometers from Palla to Kalindi Kunj. This effort is part of a larger initiative to ensure that devotees have a safe and pleasant experience during the festival.
Expanding the Number of Chhath Ghats
In response to growing demand and the increasing number of devotees, the Delhi government is building more Chhath ghats this year. In 2025, over 1,000 applications have been received for organizing the puja, which represents a significant increase from the previous year, when there were only 929 applications. To accommodate this rise in participation, the government has committed to establishing at least one model ghat in every district of Delhi. This widespread construction of ghats will make it easier for devotees to access safe and well-maintained spaces for performing the rituals.
Comprehensive Preparations for the Festival
The Delhi government’s preparations for Chhath Puja go beyond just the construction of ghats. The authorities are ensuring that the celebration is well-organized and safe for all participants. This includes the installation of welcome gates, which will greet devotees at various locations. Additionally, cultural programs will be organized at several ghats to add to the festive atmosphere.
Efforts are also being made to maintain cleanliness at the ghats, with enhanced cleaning drives taking place in the days leading up to the festival. Security arrangements have been significantly upgraded, with the government deploying additional personnel to ensure the safety of devotees. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has personally visited several of the ghats to inspect the arrangements, signaling the government’s high level of commitment to the smooth running of the celebrations.
Addressing Past Grievances and Ensuring Inclusivity
A crucial aspect of the announcement made by Chief Minister Gupta was the commitment to address past grievances related to the festival. The Chief Minister directly referenced a previous ban on Chhath Puja celebrations at the Yamuna Ghats, which had caused significant distress among devotees. This ban was imposed by the previous government, and in 2021, cases were filed against several devotees who had gathered to celebrate the festival at these ghats.
Chief Minister Gupta assured the public that her government would take immediate action to rectify these past wrongs. She pledged that all cases filed against Chhath devotees in 2021 would be withdrawn, a commitment that was promptly endorsed by Minister Kapil Mishra. Mishra confirmed that all FIRs related to the cases would be canceled, marking a significant step towards ensuring justice for the affected devotees. This move has been widely praised, as it reflects the Delhi government’s commitment to inclusivity and respect for religious traditions.
The Political Context: Aligning with Voter Sentiments
The timing and scale of the Delhi government’s decision are being closely examined in light of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Political observers have pointed out that the move to declare a one-and-a-half-day holiday for Chhath Puja is a strategic effort to win the support of Purvanchali voters in Delhi. Given the large number of Purvanchali voters in the city, this gesture could have significant political ramifications.
The Purvanchali community in Delhi has traditionally been an important voting bloc, and the government’s decision to honor their cultural practices could strengthen their loyalty. Additionally, many Purvanchali voters travel to Bihar during the election period, making the Chhath Puja celebrations an ideal opportunity for the Delhi government to reach out to this influential group ahead of the elections.
The Importance of Chhath Puja for Delhi’s Cultural Landscape
Chhath Puja holds immense cultural and religious significance for the Purvanchali community, and its growing popularity in Delhi reflects the city’s changing demographic and cultural fabric. The extended holiday and the government’s efforts to improve the facilities for Chhath celebrations are an acknowledgment of the importance of this festival in the lives of many Delhi residents.
For years, Chhath Puja has been a time for the Purvanchali community to come together, celebrate their traditions, and pay homage to the Sun God. The festival’s importance has only grown in recent years, and the Delhi government’s decision to give it greater recognition speaks to the city’s commitment to embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment for all communities.
The Delhi government’s decision to declare a one-and-a-half-day public holiday for Chhath Puja is a momentous step in recognizing the cultural significance of the festival for Purvanchali communities in the city. The move is expected to be well-received by the community and could have far-reaching political implications in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Along with the extended holiday, the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure, provide better facilities, and ensure safety for devotees are commendable. As Delhi gears up for the celebrations, this historic announcement underscores the government’s commitment to honoring the diverse cultural traditions that contribute to the city’s vibrant identity.
