The Chhath puja celebration in Delhi's Geeta Colony took a disappointing turn as devotees were met with a dry ghat. Outraged by the lack of water, devotees staged a protest and demanded answers from the government. In response, the Delhi government made arrangements for puja at 1,000 different spots in the city, but did not allow the Chhat puja to be performed at the polluted Yamuna ghats. Amidst the chaos, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, JP Nadda, and Lalu Yadav were seen offering prayers at the Ganga ghats.
Chhath Puja Furore: Dry Ghat and Devotee Outrage in Delhi
Chhath Puja, the grand festival celebrated in honor of the Sun God, witnessed a controversial turn in Delhi's Geeta Colony this year. Devotees arrived at the traditionally used Surya Gaya Ghat only to find it dry, sparking anger and disappointment.
Background:
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival primarily observed in the Indian states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. It is dedicated to the Sun God and his consort, Usha. The festival involves rigorous fasting, offerings of prasad, and worshiping the sun at river banks or water bodies on the concluding two days.
Present Event:
As per tradition, devotees gather at prominent ghats along the Yamuna River in Delhi for Chhath Puja. However, this year, the Surya Gaya Ghat was found to be bone-dry due to the ongoing drought in parts of Northern India. Enraged by the lack of water, devotees staged a protest and demanded action from the government.
Government Response:
In response to the protest, the Delhi government announced arrangements for the puja at 1,000 alternative spots in the city. However, it strictly prohibited the performance of Chhath Puja at the polluted Yamuna ghats. This decision further fueled the anger among devotees.
Political Intervention:
Amidst the chaos, prominent political figures such as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, BJP National President JP Nadda, and RJD leader Lalu Yadav were seen offering prayers at the Ganga ghats. Their presence highlighted the political significance of the festival and the importance of addressing devotees' concerns.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. Why was the Surya Gaya Ghat dry? A: The dry ghat was a result of the ongoing drought in parts of Northern India, which has caused water shortages in rivers and other water bodies.
2. Why did the government ban Chhath Puja at the Yamuna ghats? A: The government cited concerns about pollution levels in the Yamuna River, which made it unsafe for religious rituals.
3. Where were alternative puja spots arranged by the government? A: The government designated 1,000 spots across Delhi for Chhath Puja, including parks, community centers, and temporary ghats.
4. Did devotees accept the government's arrangements? A: While some devotees welcomed the alternative arrangements, others continued to protest the ban on the Yamuna ghats.
5. What is the political significance of Chhath Puja? A: Chhath Puja is a major festival for people from the Eastern Indian states. It is seen as a symbol of their cultural identity and has gained political significance in recent years.
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