Yamuna ghats come alive as festivities kick off in Delhi

As the four-day Chhath Puja festival began on Saturday, the Yamuna banks and temporary ghats across Delhi came alive with chants, bamboo frameworks, and the fragrance of incense. From ITO and Kashmere Gate to Kalindi Kunj, the capital wore a devotional look as final touches were made to preparations for one of the most significant festivals of the Purvanchali community.

At ITO Ghat, workers were seen cleaning the riverfront, putting up barricades, and setting up tents while women arranged baskets filled with *thekua* and fruits. Teams from the Delhi Jal Board sprayed anti-foam chemicals to curb frothing on the Yamuna, a recurring issue during the festive season.

“This year, the arrangements seem much better,” said Savitri Devi, a devotee from Laxmi Nagar. “There’s proper lighting, toilets, and the water looks cleaner than before,” she added.

At Kashmere Gate Ghat, volunteers and civic workers swept the steps and installed floodlights. Loudspeakers played traditional *Chhath geet* as families arrived carrying bamboo baskets. A group of young volunteers helped devotees carry offerings to the riverbank.

“We began cleaning two days ago. Earlier, this area used to be dark and crowded. Now, there’s better lighting and more space for people to stand safely,” said Anil Kumar, a volunteer. The Flood and Irrigation Department, along with the Delhi Jal Board, has deployed cleaning boats, sewage inspectors, and safety marshals at major ghats including Kalindi Kunj, Wazirabad and Sonia Vihar.

For those unable to visit the Yamuna, several artificial ghats have been set up in residential areas across Mayur Vihar, Dwarka, and Burari. Large water tanks have been filled to create makeshift ponds, allowing devotees to perform rituals closer to home.

“It’s good that the government is thinking about people living far from the river. The local ghat here has lights, water tanks, and volunteers. It feels just like home,” said Ramesh Prasad, a resident of Burari.

The Delhi Police and Traffic Department have issued advisories, and diversions are expected near ITO, Kalindi Kunj, and Akshardham during *arghya* hours on Sunday and Monday. Mobile toilets, first-aid camps, and water tankers have been placed at key points to manage the festive rush.

Police personnel are conducting foot patrols, while drone surveillance is being carried out at major ghats to ensure safety. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has also deployed its personnel and divers across various locations.

Despite concerns over the Yamuna’s pollution levels, the festive spirit remains high. Families have begun arriving with sugarcane, earthen lamps, and offerings to worship the setting Sun.