Delhi Art and Culture Minister Kapil Mishra on Monday, 5 October 2026, chaired back-to-back review meetings to assess preparations for the upcoming Chhath Puja and Durga Puja celebrations across the capital, pledging to surpass last year's scale and organisation.

Chhath Puja Preparations

Mishra said the government is committed to delivering a smoother, more culturally enriching experience for devotees this year. 'Last year, Chhath Puja was organised very successfully under the vision of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. This year too, efforts are being made to make the celebrations even better than last year,' he said.

A key administrative tool — the Single Clearance Window System — will again be deployed to streamline permissions and inter-departmental coordination. Mishra confirmed the process will be activated from 15 October, giving departments adequate lead time before the festival. He added that more cultural programmes will be woven into the Chhath Puja itinerary this year so devotees have both improved facilities and a richer festive experience.

The minister issued firm directions that no anti-social activity would be tolerated during the festival, and warned of strict action against those found involved in any such conduct.

Durga Puja Safety and Logistics

Chairing a separate session of the Special Committee constituted for Durga Puja celebrations, Mishra directed that devotee convenience and safety be treated as non-negotiable at all pandal and cultural event venues. He instructed all District Magistrates to conduct regular on-ground monitoring of arrangements in their respective jurisdictions.

Mishra specified that CCTV cameras and scanners must be installed at pandals, and that clear signage be erected to help devotees navigate venues. He called for robust logistics covering health teams, sanitation, mobile toilets, water supply, adequate electricity, traffic management, and crowd control.

Idol Immersion and Cleanliness

Mishra stressed that cleanliness at immersion sites must be maintained and that the immersion of idols should be carried out in a dignified, coordinated manner across all concerned departments. The Irrigation and Flood Control Department was specifically directed to prioritise the preparation of immersion pits and water supply arrangements.

All NOCs and permissions through the Single Window System, he added, must be obtained within the stipulated timeline to avoid last-minute procedural bottlenecks.

What to Expect

With the Single Clearance Window kicking in from 15 October and District Magistrates tasked with real-time monitoring, authorities appear to be front-loading logistical work this year. How well the capital's festival infrastructure delivers — particularly at crowded ghats and pandals — will be the ultimate measure of these commitments.