Mumbai BJP urges govt to ensure smooth Chhath festivities

The Mumbai unit of the BJP has requested the Maharashtra government to make arrangements for smooth conduct of the 'Chhath Puja', a popular festival celebrated by people in Bihar and parts of Uttar Pradesh.

A delegation led by Mumbai BJP general secretary Amarjeet Mishra met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday and apprised him about the demands and requirements of devotees for the festival, to be celebrated on November 13 and 14.

After the meeting, Mishra said Fadnavis directed the officials concerned to facilitate smooth conduct of the celebration.

Chhath Utsav Mahasangh leader Mohan Mishra said they requested the chief minister to facilitate arrangements for tents, drinking water, mobile toilets, life guards and medical camp at the 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 fast and making offerings to the sun God near a pond or sea.

The Bombay High Court had a few years back prohibited celebrities from taking part in the Chhath Puja celebrations at the Juhu beach here, questioning the need to invite them for song and dance during the rituals which dampen its sanctity and purity.