Today’s headline from India spotlights the celebration of Chhath Puja, an important festival for communities from Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, which is also widely celebrated in Delhi. Observing the significance of this festival, the Delhi government declared a public holiday on November 7 to allow devotees to fully participate in the rituals, following a request from Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. The festival involves worshipping the Sun god and is particularly observed by Purvanchali communities in Delhi, who form a significant portion of the capital’s population and play a vital role in local elections.
Chhath Puja spans four days, featuring rigorous rituals that include fasting, holy dips in rivers, and offering prayers at sunrise and sunset. Devotees often gather near rivers and water bodies to present offerings, including wheat, fruits, and sugarcane. Recognizing the community’s needs, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi also announced the setup of around 1,000 temporary ghats to accommodate worshippers safely and comfortably
With this observance, Delhi celebrates not only a cultural tradition but also acknowledges the electoral influence of the Purvanchali population, as the community will be a pivotal demographic in the upcoming assembly elections in 2025. This cultural and political significance underscores Chhath Puja as not just a religious festival, but a vital community event in the heart of India’s capital.
Chhath Puja, a festival deeply valued by the Purvanchali community (from regions like Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh), is receiving significant attention in Delhi today. Here’s a detailed breakdown of today’s highlights:
1. Public Holiday Declaration
- Government Decision: The Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Atishi, declared a full public holiday on November 7 to honor Chhath Puja. This decision replaced the previously planned restricted holiday, following a request from Lieutenant Governor VK SaxenaIndia TodayLiveMint.
- Reasoning: The holiday aims to enable the Purvanchali community, which makes up approximately 42% of Delhi’s electorate, to fully participate in the festival. This demographic has significant influence in Delhi’s electoral landscape, especially with assembly elections coming up in early 2025.
2. Chhath Puja Significance and Rituals
- Cultural and Religious Context: Chhath Puja is dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (Mother Goddess). It’s celebrated on the sixth day after Diwali and involves a four-day observance of purity, fasting, and prayer. Devotees gather near rivers or water bodies to offer arghya (offerings) to the setting and rising sun.
- Four-Day Celebration:
- Day 1 (Nahay Khay): Devotees take a ritualistic bath, often in the Ganges or other sacred rivers.
- Day 2 (Kharna): Observers fast and break it in the evening with offerings to Chhathi Maiya.
- Day 3 (Sanjhiya Arghya): The main ritual involves evening offerings to the setting sun.
- Day 4 (Usha Arghya): Devotees offer prayers to the rising sun before ending their fastLiveMint.
3. Infrastructure and Community Support
- Temporary Ghats: The Delhi government has set up approximately 1,000 temporary ghats (riverbank setups) across the city. This initiative, aimed at easing the worship process, reflects the government’s support for the community, ensuring safe and convenient locations for the rituals in all 70 assembly constituenciesIndia Today.
- Public Sentiment and Community Impact: Chhath Puja’s observance not only allows the Purvanchali community to celebrate freely but also highlights their cultural contributions to Delhi. This initiative, coming just before the election season, may enhance the political engagement of Purvanchali voters.
4. Political Relevance
- Electoral Importance: With assembly elections approaching, the Purvanchali vote is crucial. This community is influential in nearly half of Delhi’s 70 assembly seats, making Chhath Puja a strategic opportunity for political outreach.
- Public Relations and Cultural Acknowledgment: Both the AAP (current governing party) and BJP are using Chhath Puja as a platform to connect with Purvanchali voters. Acknowledging their traditions, the holiday announcement and infrastructure support may resonate with the community in upcoming electionsLiveMint.
