As the four-day Chhath Puja festival begins in Delhi, devotees are flocking to the banks of the Yamuna River to offer prayers, despite alarming conditions marked by a thick layer of toxic foam on the water’s surface. The first day of the festival, known as ‘Nahay Khaye’, involves devotees performing rituals and taking ceremonial dips in the river, which holds immense cultural and religious significance. However, the presence of this foam raises serious health concerns and highlights ongoing environmental issues affecting the river.
VIDEO | Delhi: Chhath Puja devotees offer prayer in Yamuna even as a layer of toxic foam floats on the river surface. The four-day Chhath festival begins today with 'nahay khaye'. Visuals from Kalindi Kunj.#ChhathPuja #YamunaRiver
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Visuals from Kalindi Kunj, one of the popular spots for Chhath celebrations, depict a stark contrast between the vibrant festivities and the troubling state of the river. The toxic foam, which is a result of industrial pollution and untreated sewage, poses potential health risks to those participating in the rituals. How can authorities ensure the safety of devotees while addressing the chronic pollution issues plaguing the Yamuna?
Devotees gather at the riverbank with traditional offerings, including baskets of fruits, sweets, and other items dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. Despite the foam’s presence, many devotees are undeterred, driven by their faith and the belief that participating in these rituals will bring blessings to their families. This raises the question: should there be stricter guidelines or alternative practices to ensure the safety and health of participants during religious events?
The Chhath festival, which honours the Sun and is predominantly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, has gained significant popularity in Delhi over the years. The festival is characterized by its unique customs, including fasting, singing traditional songs, and gathering at water bodies to perform rituals at sunrise and sunset. With the growing number of participants, what measures are being taken by local authorities to manage the environmental impact of these large gatherings?
Environmentalists have long raised alarms about the deteriorating condition of the Yamuna River, emphasizing the need for urgent action to improve its water quality. In recent years, various initiatives have been proposed to clean the river and reduce pollution levels, but progress has been slow. As the Chhath festivities unfold, will this event serve as a wake-up call for policymakers to prioritize the health of the Yamuna and its communities?
As devotees continue to offer prayers amidst the foam, the juxtaposition of faith and environmental challenges serves as a poignant reminder of the need for sustainable practices that honour both tradition and public health. The celebrations may bring joy and hope to many, but they also prompt serious reflection on the future of Delhi’s rivers and the responsibility of citizens and authorities alike in preserving these vital water bodies.
