Markets Bustle with spirits of Chhath Puja as Delhi-NCR gears up for final rituals

The national capital is abuzz with Chhath Puja essentials, including bamboo baskets, vegetables, fruits, sugar cane, betel leaves, and more. 

Devotees are fervently preparing for the final day, where women will break their fast and offer prayers while standing in running water.

The four-day Chhath festival, in which worshippers, both men and women, fast and pay obeisance to the deity on the last two days, began on November 17 with ‘nahai-khai’ in which devotees usually bathe at ghats and perform Chhath rituals.

In light of the festivities, the Delhi government has declared a public holiday on November 19 and 20, allowing residents to fully engage in the celebration. 

As the final day nears, shoppers were seen purchasing puja items, fruits, camphor, lamps, holy water, roli, dates, and other materials in Noida Sector 4.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government has made special arrangements, including the cleaning of the Yamuna River. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated, “Preparations are being made at various places in Delhi for Chhath Puja, this time also Chhath Puja will be organized at more than 1000 places. Teams have started work regarding that (cleaning of River Yamuna) also.”

The ghats along the Yamuna River are being cleaned and adorned, providing a picturesque setting for devotees to offer their prayers to the setting and rising sun.

In the neighboring NCR region, Gautam Budh Nagar and Ghaziabad authorities have constructed over 100 ghats across 50 areas for worshipers. Sector 21A in Noida boasts the largest ghat, housed in a stadium, while temporary ghats are set up in various sectors, including 12, 19, 20, 62, 66, 71, 75, 82, 83, and 110.