Delhi Declares Public Holiday for Chhath Puja on November 7, 2024
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has announced a public holiday on November 7, 2024, for Chhath Puja, highlighting its importance for the residents of Delhi. This decision allows the Purvanchal community to celebrate the festival with enthusiasm. The announcement came after a request from Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena, who emphasized the significance of the third day of Chhath, when offerings are made to the setting sun.
Chhath Puja is a vibrant festival dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, celebrated mainly in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and among the Indian diaspora. It spans four days, involving rituals like fasting, bathing in rivers, and prayers at sunrise and sunset. Devotees, especially women, prepare offerings such as thekua and fruits, gathering at riverbanks to seek health and prosperity for their families.
In response to the festival’s significance, Indian Railways is running special trains to facilitate safe travel for those returning to their hometowns. Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity for the Railway Board, stated that over 160 trains were operated on Thursday, with plans for more than 170 trains today. Special arrangements have been made at major stations across the country, including New Delhi, Anand Vihar, and others, to manage the travel rush.
Doubts Revealed
Chhath Puja -: Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God. It is mainly celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. People perform rituals like fasting and offering prayers to thank the Sun for sustaining life on Earth.
Purvanchal community -: The Purvanchal community refers to people from the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Many of them live in Delhi and celebrate festivals like Chhath Puja with great enthusiasm.
Lieutenant Governor -: The Lieutenant Governor is a government official who acts as the representative of the President of India in a Union Territory. In Delhi, the Lieutenant Governor works alongside the Chief Minister to manage the city’s affairs.
Indian Railways -: Indian Railways is the national railway system of India. It operates trains across the country, helping people travel from one place to another. During festivals, they often run special trains to handle the increased number of travelers.
