BJP asks Delhi to declare Chhath Puja a public holiday
By IANSTuesday, November 9, 2010
NEW DELHI - The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tuesday asked the Delhi government to declare a public holiday on Chhath Puja, a festival in which Hindu god Sun is worshipped.
“The government should declare a public holiday on Chhath Puja or, if not, at least a restricted holiday keeping in mind the number of people celebrating this festival here. As many as 50 lakh people do Chhath Puja in Delhi,” BJP’s Delhi unit chief Vijendra Gupta said.
He also demanded sufficient security arrangements at the Chhath ghats. “Also, supply of power, water and transport should be ensured and health camps organised so that the devotees should not feel inconvenienced.”
BJP also asked for the Yamuna banks to be cleaned besides arrangements for free parking at the ghats.
The Sun, considered the god of energy and the life-force, is worshipped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. The festival falls on Nov 12 and 13 this year and is widely celebrated in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
