In Shakur Basti, Delhi, the festival of Chhath was celebrated with immense energy and devotion by local residents, who took great care to arrange everything for the festival themselves. This traditional celebration, held annually to honor the Sun God and seek blessings for health and prosperity, is an important occasion, particularly for the Purvanchali community, which has a strong presence in Delhi. The event drew large crowds, with families coming together in colorful attire, offering their prayers and rituals at the Chhath ghat.
However, social worker and BJP leader Naveen Garg expressed disappointment at the lack of government support for the festival. Upon arriving at the ghat, Garg was warmly welcomed by the organizers and the community, who appreciated his support for the cause. Addressing the gathering, Garg praised the local community for its dedication and hard work in preparing for Chhath, noting that such celebrations reflect the spirit and unity of the people. He pointed out that while the festival was celebrated across Delhi with enthusiasm, the arrangements in Shakur Basti fell short due to insufficient support from the authorities.
Garg stated that the residents and organizers had managed the preparations themselves, even though the festival demands specific facilities such as clean ghats, proper lighting, sanitation, and safety measures for the large number of people who gather to offer prayers. According to Garg, despite repeated requests from the community, there was a visible absence of government-provided infrastructure and resources at the Shakur Basti ghats. This gap in facilities, he said, has been a common issue for years, with the government failing to take proactive steps to meet the needs of the people during this festival.
Furthermore, Naveen Garg highlighted the broader issues faced by the residents of Shakur Basti throughout the year, specifically water scarcity and inadequate sewage systems. “For years, the people of Shakur Basti have been struggling with a lack of clean water and a poorly maintained sewage system,” Garg said, calling out the Delhi administration for neglecting these essential needs. He criticized the local MLA for being largely absent from the constituency and failing to address these chronic problems. Garg expressed concern that the MLA has only made promises with no concrete actions taken, leaving residents feeling overlooked and dissatisfied.
The lack of arrangements for Chhath Puja, he said, is just one example of the larger issue of government apathy towards the basic needs of the people in Shakur Basti. Garg emphasized that the community deserves better and urged the government to address their grievances seriously. “The Chhath festival is deeply significant to the Purvanchali community in Delhi, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that proper facilities are in place to support this cultural event,” he said. “The people here are willing to contribute their efforts, but they also expect the government to stand by them.”
Despite these challenges, Garg extended his gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi for announcing a holiday on the day of Chhath Puja, allowing people the time to celebrate the festival peacefully. He said, “I thank the Lieutenant Governor for recognizing the importance of Chhath and for granting a holiday so that everyone in Delhi can celebrate this occasion without any hindrance.” Garg added that this gesture reflects an understanding of the cultural significance of Chhath for Delhi’s Purvanchali residents.
In closing, Naveen Garg called upon the government to improve its efforts in supporting not just festivals but also the day-to-day needs of the community in Shakur Basti. He urged the authorities to listen to the concerns of the people and take effective steps to provide reliable water and sewage facilities. Garg also appealed to the local MLA to be more engaged with the constituency and take concrete action on pressing issues. “The people of Shakur Basti deserve attention and care from their leaders. Festivals like Chhath are an important part of our heritage, and it is crucial that they are celebrated in a safe and supportive environment,” he concluded.
