On November 7, 2024, the third day of Chhath Puja, thousands of devotees in Delhi gathered along the banks of the Yamuna River to offer ‘Arghya’—a ritualistic offering to the setting sun. Despite the river being blanketed with toxic foam, a result of severe pollution, the faithful continued their age-old traditions, underscoring the Yamuna’s integral role in the festival.
Watch:
#WATCH | On the third day of Chhath Puja, devotees offer 'Arghya' to the setting Sun while standing in the water of toxic foam-laden Yamuna River, in Kalindi Kunj, Delhi#ChhathPuja pic.twitter.com/t0rkaHUrYN
— ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2024
Chhath Puja, a significant festival primarily celebrated in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, has seen a growing number of participants in Delhi over the years. The Yamuna River, considered sacred, serves as a central site for the festival’s rituals. Devotees believe that offering prayers and taking a dip in its waters purify the soul and bring prosperity.
However, the river’s current state poses serious health risks. The toxic foam, caused by untreated sewage and industrial effluents, contains high levels of ammonia and phosphates, leading to skin and respiratory issues. Environmental experts have repeatedly warned about the dangers of direct contact with the polluted water.
In light of these concerns, the Delhi High Court recently prohibited Chhath Puja celebrations on the Yamuna’s banks, citing the river’s hazardous condition. The court emphasized that allowing rituals in such polluted waters could lead to devotees falling ill.
Despite the ban, many devotees continued their rituals at the river, highlighting the deep-rooted cultural and religious significance of the Yamuna in Chhath Puja. This situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the river’s pollution, ensuring that future generations can safely observe their traditions.
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The Delhi government’s efforts to clean the Yamuna have been ongoing, but the persistent pollution levels indicate that more robust actions are necessary. As Chhath Puja concludes, the focus shifts to implementing effective solutions to restore the river’s sanctity and safeguard public health.