CHHATH PUJA MAHOTSAV CELEBRATED WITH GREAT ZEAL AT SECTOR-22

The Dwarka Chhath Puja Samiti organized a grand Chhath Puja Mahotsav at the DDA, Durga Puja Ground, Sector-22, near Manish Mall. The four-day festival, deeply rooted in devotion and purity, is widely celebrated across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and other eastern regions of India. Dedicated to worshipping Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, the observance seeks divine blessings for the health, happiness and prosperity of families. This was the 3rd chhath puja held in Sector-22, near Manish Mall. The Puja was held on 27th and 28th October. The organisers include Mukesh Sinha, Patron, Santosh Gupta, President, Ms. Manisha Sinha as gen. Secretary, while Ram Yadav held the position of Secretary and Rupesh Dubey was the Treasurer. The team also included Roshan Mishra, Ashish Shrivastava and Apoorva Kumar as Vice-Presidents and Amar Kumar as Senior Vice-Presidents. Sujit Jha served as the Joint Secretary and Manjush Kumar took on the role of Additional Secretary. Together, the team played a vital role in organising the puja seamlessly. Spanning four days, the festival symbolizes devotion, discipline and purity. The rituals include taking holy dips, fasting and offering Arghya to the setting and rising Sun. Beyond its spiritual significance, Chhath also has a scientific dimension -devotees perform the rituals during sunrise and sunset, when solar radiation is minimal, which is considered beneficial for health. The festival fosters positivity and inner purification, symbolizing the cleansing of body, mind and soul through the energy of the Sun.
Preparations for Chhath Puja begin two days in advance. The first day, known as Nahaye Khaye, involves cleaning the home and preparing traditional food after a sacred bath. The second day, Kharna, marks a day-long fast, primarily observed by women, who break it only after evening rituals. On the third and fourth days, devotees stand waist-deep in water, offering Arghya to the setting and rising Sun, accompanied by songs and chants in praise of Chhathi Maiya. Surabhi Swaroop, a resident of Sector-23, explained, “Chhath Puja is observed twice a year- once in summer and once during winter. The Kartika Chhath is celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartika and the name ‘Chhath’ comes from the fact that it falls on the sixth day of this month.”
The Sector-22, Chhath Ghat was vibrant and devotional, adorned with flowers, fruits and the aroma of freshly prepared Thekua. Folk songs resonated through the air as devotees, dressed in traditional attire, sang bhajans while offering bamboo baskets filled with Thekua, coconuts, bananas, sugarcane and other fruits. Mukesh Sinha, patron, shared, “This was the third Chhath Puja Mahotsav that have been started at DDA ground Sector-22. The residents of Sector- 22 earlier were doing Chhath puja on the terrace and for their convenience and to bring back the traditional experience, we created the Chhath Ghats at Sector-22. Large number of residents attended the festival this year. There was a cultural programme and devotional songs were sung by Bhojpuri singer, Riya Thakur. The evening Arghya was offered from 3 pm. on 27th October, followed by the morning Arghya at 4 a.m. on 28th October.” A specially created ponds filled with clear water and floral decorations served as the main site for offerings. Two ghats were created this year for the convenience of residents. Devotees stood waist-deep in the pond to offer Arghya to Lord Surya, praying for the welfare of their families and the community. After the rituals, Prasad (holy offerings) was shared among relatives and friends as a symbol of divine grace and togetherness. Rolika Mathur, one of the devotees, remarked, “It feels just like being back in my hometown. The arrangements here in Sector-22 were excellent - clean, organized and culturally authentic. I didn’t miss the Chhath of Bihar this year.” Sanika Singh observed, “A well-organized Chhath Puja is a reflection of our deep respect for traditions. This year’s arrangements ensured that every devotee could participate comfortably and meaningfully.”  Gauri Dutta added, “From the spotless ghats to the thoughtful organization, everything was perfect. The Samiti made sure that this sacred occasion was celebrated in its truest spirit by the entire community.” The Chhath Puja Mahotsav at Sector-22 not only brought together hundreds of devotees but also revived a sense of cultural unity and collective joy, reaffirming faith in age-old traditions that continue to shine in the heart of Dwarka.

 Here's what few visitors said about arrangements and thoughts on Chhath Puja in Sector-22.-
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our Patron, Shri Mukesh Sinha, for his constant guidance, encouragement, and for giving us complete freedom in planning and executing this year’s Chhath Puja Mahotsav. His vision and support were instrumental in making the event such a grand success. I also extend my sincere thanks to President Santosh Gupta, Secretary Ram Yadav, Treasurer Rupesh Dubey, and the entire organising team for their dedication and teamwork. Every member worked tirelessly to ensure smooth arrangements and a spiritually fulfilling experience for all devotees. Together, we celebrated Chhath with devotion, unity, and the true essence of our cultural heritage.”

Ms. Manisha Sinha, General Secretary

Dwarka Chhath Puja Samiti

On behalf of our committee and President, I extend a warm welcome to all brothers and sisters present here. In earlier years, devotees from Dwarka and nearby areas used to perform Chhath Puja at different locations. To bring everyone together, we have made an effort this year to organize a grand celebration at the Chhath Ghat. Our aim is to provide all devotees a traditional, well-managed and collective platform to perform this sacred puja. We promise that next year, the event will be organized on an even larger scale with improved facilities and arrangements. For this, we seek your blessings and continued support. Thank you all very much- it is your participation and encouragement that make this festival truly successful. We will always strive to ensure that no devotee faces any inconvenience and when you return next year, you will find an even more beautiful and memorable celebration.

Advocate Rahul Yadav, Vice President

I have come from Sector-24 to perform puja here. It was a truly divine experience. The organizers deserve full credit for the way they managed everything - from the cleanliness of the ghats to the lighting, security and arrangements for water and seating. Every devotee could perform the rituals peacefully. It felt like being part of a big family festival right here in Dwarka.”

                          Jamuna

“I have been coming here since the very first time since Chhath Puja started being celebrated at this venue. The idea behind organizing it here is wonderful. It allows children, elders and everyone to come together and perform the rituals comfortably with great enthusiasm and devotion. This year, there were only two ghats, but I feel there should have been four. I request the organizers to make four ghats next year so that everyone can participate and offer prayers without any difficulty and enjoy the festival in its full spirit.”

Rajneesh Mohan

“I have been participating in the Chhath Puja celebrations here for the past three years. In the first year we spread polythene and did Puja.  In the second year, we prepared two ghats and this year, we made it even better. Everyone in the local community worked together with great enthusiasm. It feels wonderful to be a part of such a united and devoted group. My heartfelt thanks to everyone, who contributed to making this celebration so successful.”

Ram Kumar Yadav, Sector-22 DDA.

“I have come here from Guru Ramdas Society, Sector-22. It was my first time attending the Chhath Puja here and I’m truly touched by the dedication of the organizers. I would like to thank all organisers specially Mukesh Sinha. The ghats were beautifully maintained and the entire event had such positive energy.”

Ashish Srivastava

 I have come from Sector-22. It was a beautifully organized Chhath Puja. The arrangements were excellent - clean ghats, proper lighting and a peaceful atmosphere. The organizers truly did a commendable job.”

                          Vibha Kumari Singh

 

“This year’s Chhath Puja was exceptionally well organized. The ghats were clean, the lighting beautiful and volunteers were present everywhere to help devotees. It was heartwarming to see such teamwork and coordination. The committee has truly set an example for others to follow.”

   Sarita, DDA, SFS

I used to go to Sector-11 earlier, but since last 3 years we are coming here to Sector-22. Every year, the scale and quality of the arrangements keep improving. This time, the organizers paid attention to every aspect - safety, cleanliness and convenience for devotees. It’s inspiring to see so many volunteers working selflessly to preserve this cultural tradition in such a well-managed manner.”

       Chandra Mohan Sinha

I am blessed to have celebrated the divine festival of Chhath Puja offering Arghya to Surya Dev with my family, friends and fellow devotees. The atmosphere was filled with spirituality, devotion and the soothing rhythm of faith. Chhath is not merely a ritual - it’s a soulful expression of gratitude towards nature, honoring the rising and setting sun for sustaining life and spreading positivity. It teaches us purity, patience and the power of faith. May Chhathi Maiya bless every home with health, happiness and unending prosperity.

    Sucheta Sinha, Mahamantari, BJP Dwarka A