BJP requests govt to prepare for smooth Chhath Puja in city

Mumbai: The Mumbai unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has requested the state government to prepare for the smooth conduct of “Chhath Puja” in the city. A popular festival in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh (UP), north Indians staying in Mumbai celebrate it in a big way every year. A delegation of the Mumbai BJP met chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and apprised him about the demands and requirements for the festival. Chhath Puja will be celebrated on November 13 and 14 this year.

A delegation led by Mumbai BJP general secretary Amarjeet Mishra met Mr Fadnavis and informed him about ongoing preparations by the north Indian community for Chhath Puja. After the meeting, Mr Mishra said that Mr Fadnavis had directed the concerned officials to facilitate smooth conduct of the celebration.

Chhath Utsav Mahasangh leader Mohan Mishra said that they had requested the CM to facilitate arrangements including tents, drinking water, mobile toilets, lifeguards and medical camps at festival venues in the city. A large number of people from UP and Bihar have settled in Mumbai and they celebrate the two-day Hindu festival by observing a fast and making offerings to the Sun god near a pond or sea.

A few years ago, the Bombay high court prohibited celebrities from participating in Chhath Puja celebrations at Juhu beach, questioning why they should be invited for the song and dance routine which dilutes the festival’s sanctity and purity.