DDMA allows Chhath Puja celebrations at select spots

The DDMA, which lays down or eases restrictions in place to curb the spread of Covid-19, banned the festival at public places including on the banks of the Yamuna and temples, on September 30, evoking sharp political reactions.

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Wednesday allowed the celebration of Chhath Puja in public at designated places with Covid-19 protocols in place, said deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia.

Public Chhath Puja celebrations were prohibited last year too . (HT Photo)

“Covid-19 cases in Delhi are significantly low for a while now. Experts are also of the opinion that Chhath Puja celebrations can be allowed with some strict protocols in place. It can be celebrated only at designated spots with strict adherence to social distancing and other Covid-19 regulations. It is a major festival for a large number of Delhi residents celebrate,” said Sisodia at a press briefing after attending a meeting of the DDMA.

The DDMA, which lays down or eases restrictions in place to curb the spread of Covid-19, banned the festival at public places including on the banks of the Yamuna and temples, on September 30, evoking sharp political reactions.

This year, Chhath Puja will be celebrated on November 10, six days after Diwali. It is a community festival involving worship of the Sun and taking dips in a water body. It is celebrated by people from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand, collectively called the Poorvanchal region.

Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on October 14 wrote to Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal urging him to allow Chhath Puja celebrations with adherence to Covid-19 protocol. Baijal is DDMA chairperson.

On October 12, Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia wrote to the Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya, urging the Centre to issue guidelines for the Chhath festival as soon as possible following consultation with health experts.

Public Chhath Puja celebrations were prohibited last year too .

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was protesting against restrictions on Chhath Puja celebrations and organised several protests in the last three weeks.

Reacting to the DDMA decision, Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta tweeted (in Hindi), “The struggle by BJP4Delhi has succeeded. DDMA and Delhi lieutenant governor has allowed Chhath Puja celebrations. Congratulations and best wishes to all Delhi residents, especially the Puvanchalis.”

In the last decade, Chhath has become one of the major festivals in Delhi with the Purvanchalis -- people belonging to areas known as the Purvanchal -- accounting for over one-third of Delhi’s population of around 20 million, according to government estimates and migration data from Census 2011.