For the first time in seven to eight years, devotees celebrating Chhath Puja in Delhi will perform their rituals directly in the Yamuna river, as the Delhi government opens 17 large model ghats from Palla to Kalindi Kunj. These ghats, ranging from half a kilometre to one and a half kilometres in length, are designed to accommodate local population densities, ensuring accessibility and convenience. Each district and sub-division will feature at least one model ghat, with construction actively underway at sites like Kashmiri Gate, ITO, Yamuna Bank, and Chilla Gaon to meet the festival deadline of October 25, 2025.

The initiative addresses long-standing challenges faced by devotees, who previously resorted to performing rituals on rooftops or in artificial ponds due to restricted river access. Amit Singh, a Jharkhand native from Laxmi Nagar’s Lalita Park, expressed relief, stating that the new ghats will simplify the process for his family. Workers like Shivam, involved in ghat construction at ITO, noted that 20 to 30 workers per site are working diligently, with bamboo nets planned for safety. The government’s efforts aim to provide a clean and sacred environment, marking a significant shift from past restrictions.

However, environmental concerns persist. Bhim Singh Rawat from the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP) highlighted that organic and inorganic waste from rituals could further strain the Yamuna’s already compromised ecosystem. The river’s limited capacity to handle such deposits raises questions about balancing cultural practices with environmental sustainability.

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To ensure safety and order, Delhi Police are coordinating with municipal authorities to implement robust security measures. A senior officer confirmed that comprehensive arrangements are in place to facilitate smooth celebrations across the city, including crowd management at key locations like New Delhi railway station, where a three-tier structure has been established to handle the festival rush.

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