Chhath Puja in the Capital: Delhi & NCR
Over the last few decades, Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) have witnessed a massive demographic shift with a large influx of people from Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern UP (the Purvanchal diaspora). Consequently, Chhath Puja has transformed into one of the largest and most prominently celebrated festivals in the capital.
The Yamuna Ghats: The Traditional Hubs
Traditionally, devotees in Delhi gathered at the banks of the Yamuna River to offer Arghya. Some of the most famous locations include:
- ITO Ghat: One of the oldest and most crowded Ghats for Chhath Puja in Delhi.
- Kalindi Kunj: A massive gathering spot near the Delhi-Noida border.
- Wazirabad and Sonia Vihar Ghats: Heavily populated by devotees from North and East Delhi.
The Shift to Artificial Ponds
In recent years, due to the severe pollution and toxic foam in the Yamuna River, the Delhi Government and local civic bodies have pioneered the creation of artificial Ghats and ponds.
Thousands of temporary, clean water pits are dug in local parks, stadiums, and community centers across neighborhoods like Dwarka, Rohini, Mayur Vihar, and Burari. These ponds are filled with clean municipal water, decorated with lights, and equipped with mobile toilets and medical tents. This initiative has made the festival safer and more accessible for families.
Community Celebrations in Gurgaon and Noida
In the tech hubs of Gurgaon and Noida, lavish residential societies organize their own Chhath Pujas. Swimming pools are often temporarily repurposed and purified to serve as Ghats. It represents a beautiful blend of ancient tradition finding a way to thrive in ultra-modern urban settings.
The original article text is preserved from the supplied Chhath Puja collection. Navigation, summaries, imagery and clearly labeled editorial notes were added for this edition.