New Delhi is set to host one of its most ambitious Chhath Puja celebrations yet, with an 11-kilometre-long Chhath Ghat developed along the banks of the Munak Canal — a first-of-its-kind infrastructure push in the capital ahead of the four-day festival. The ghat will be inaugurated on 12 November by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin, marking a significant moment for Delhi's large Purvanchal community.

A Canal Transformed

The Munak Canal, long neglected and burdened by filth, debris, and overgrown vegetation, has undergone a sweeping makeover. The Delhi government launched an extensive cleanup drive in which approximately 1,400 truckloads of waste, debris, and refuse were cleared from the stretch. Encroachments on both banks were removed, and the area was redeveloped into a well-organised, aesthetically designed Chhath Ghat.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta personally monitored the project, visiting the site multiple times to oversee progress. The transformation of Singalpur Road and the revitalisation of the canal corridor also represent an expansion of civic amenities for thousands of families in the surrounding area.

What the Government Said

Speaking on the significance of the project, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the Munak Canal had been awaiting rejuvenation for years. She described the development as 'more than just the construction of steps, roads, and other amenities,' calling it 'a tribute to the faith, traditions, and sentiments of the millions of people from the Purvanchal region living in the capital.'

A statement from the Chief Minister's Office added: 'The Delhi government remains committed to connecting the capital with its cultural roots while fostering development, all while paying full respect to the culture, traditions, and faith of the Purvanchal community.'

Facilities for Devotees

For the comfort and safety of Chhath Vratis, the ghat has been equipped with changing rooms, restrooms, tents, and adequate lighting. CCTV cameras have been installed across the site to ensure security. Seating benches and green spaces have also been created to enhance the experience for devotees and improve the overall aesthetics of the area.

The inauguration on 12 November will be attended by Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra, Delhi cabinet ministers, public representatives, and other distinguished guests.

Cultural and Political Significance

Chhath Puja holds deep spiritual and cultural importance for communities with roots in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar — collectively referred to as the Purvanchal community — who form a substantial voting bloc in Delhi. This is the first time a dedicated ghat of this scale has been developed along the Munak Canal, underscoring the state government's emphasis on cultural outreach and civic infrastructure. Notably, the project comes under the BJP-led Delhi government, which came to power earlier this year, and represents one of its early large-scale visible deliverables ahead of the festive season.

With the ghat set to open to the public imminently, Delhi's Chhath celebrations this year are expected to draw larger crowds than in recent years.