CM leads massive spiritual gathering at Vasudev Ghat

A striking spiritual spectacle unfolded at Vasudev Ghat near Kashmere Gate on Sunday, as thousands of women gathered along the Yamuna riverbank to recite the Mahishasura Mardini Stotram under the leadership of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The massive congregation marked the Mahashakti Aradhana Programme, organised jointly by the Delhi Government’s Department of Art, Culture & Languages (Delhi Sanskrit Academy) and the Vishwamangalya Sabha.

According to the organisers, this is the first event of its scale to be held on the Yamuna after Independence. The collective recitation, followed by a Maha Aarti, created a charged spiritual atmosphere, drawing participation from women, families and devotees from across the city.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the country needed the strength and courage of women now more than ever. She urged women to take inspiration from Goddess Durga and step forward with confidence to contribute to society and national development. “If a daughter from an ordinary household can become the Chief Minister, then any woman can realise her dreams,” she said, stressing the importance of determination and collective responsibility. She also expressed hope that the Yamuna would soon be restored to its natural, pristine flow.

Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra and Delhi’s Minister for Art, Culture & Languages Kapil Mishra attended as special guests. Mishra praised the Chief Minister’s leadership, noting that Delhi had witnessed numerous large-scale cultural festivals, from Teej celebrations and Navratri events to Diwali and Chhath Puja, during her tenure. He described Sunday’s gathering as unprecedented in the capital’s cultural landscape.

Speaking on the significance of the recital, Mishra said, “Such an event has never been seen or heard before in Delhi.” Drawing parallels with mythological narratives, he said the collective strength of women would stand firm against forces of terror and extremism.