Delhi Declares Public Holiday for Chhath Puja on November 7, 2024

In the latest announcement, the Delhi government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party, has declared November 7, 2024, a public holiday in observance of Chhath Puja. As a result, all educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, will be closed on that day.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi emphasized the importance of the festival for the people of Delhi, stating, “Chhat Pooja is an important festival for the people of NCT of Delhi. Accordingly, the Government of NCT of Delhi has decided to declare 7th November 2024 as a Public Holiday on account of 'Chhat Pooja.'” She also took to her social media account to express her joy about the holiday, saying, “I am happy to inform you that the Delhi government has decided that there will be a holiday on 7 November for the festival of Chhath, so that all the brothers and sisters of Purvanchal can celebrate the festival with pomp and show.”

In preparation for the festivities, the Chief Minister noted that over 1,000 Chhath Puja ghats have been constructed across the city. She mentioned, “Today, Chhath ghats are being made at more than 1000 locations in the city. All our ministers and MLAs are inspecting the Chhath ghats...I urge the BJP not to do politics over Chhath puja."

Chhath Puja is a revered four-day festival that began on November 5. The festival features a series of rituals and offerings, starting with Nahay Khay, where participants take a ritual bath and share a simple meal. The following day, known as Kharna, involves fasting throughout the day, with devotees breaking their fast after sunset as a tribute to the deities.

The main ritual, filled with devotion, occurs on the third day. Devotees gather at bodies of water, such as rivers and ponds, before sunrise to perform 'arghya' (water offerings) to the rising sun while chanting prayers. This year, the Chhath Puja festivities will be celebrated from November 5 (Tuesday) to November 8 (Friday).

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