New Delhi [India], October 26 (ANI): Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra on Sunday reviewed the ongoing Chhath Puja preparations at the ghat near the Crown Plaza and Vasudev Ghat, as devotees observed 'Kharna', the second day of the four-day festival. He said that 'BJP never claimed that the Yamuna is clean or that its water is drinkable, but Chhath Puja can be done'.

Speaking to ANI during his visit to Vasudev Ghat, Mishra said, 'We have come here to review the preparation for Chhath Puja. The Delhi government has made preparations for a grand Chhath festival. Chhath Puja was banned by the previous government at Yamuna Ghat, but this time, Chhath Puja will be done at Yamuna Ghat.'

Taking a swipe at former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Mishra mentioned past restrictions on the celebration. 'I want to ask them [Arvind Kejriwal/AAP] about the cases they filed against Purvanchal; they imposed a ban on worshipping. Why did he do this? How is the puja being performed so well this time?' he asked.

Meanwhile, reviewing preparations near Crown Plaza, Mishra said to reporters, 'I have come here to review the preparation of the ghats, and there are a few arrangements that we need to make quickly in the next few hours. They must be blaming Arvind Kejriwal only, as for the past 11 years, it was their government.'

Comparing the Yamuna river last year with its condition this year, he said that there's a 'huge difference'.

'For the last seven years, people of Purvanchal were prevented from celebrating Chhath at the Yamuna. Why were they prevented? Arvind Kejriwal should answer,' Mishra said.

He further said, 'BJP never claimed that the Yamuna is clean or that its water is drinkable, but Chhath Puja can be done.'

Meanwhile, preparations for Chhath Puja are in full swing at the Chhath Ghat near Mayur Vihar Phase 1, as devotees gear up to celebrate the four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God.

Sunday marks 'Kharna,' the second day of the festival. In the evening, after praying to Chhathi Maiya (rhe Goddess), the 'vratis' break their fast with a special meal. This includes: Rasiya kheer and roti. The day's rituals serve as a final step in cleansing the mind, body, and soul after the initial cleanse on the first day (Nahay Khay).

The meal after the Kharna puja is the last time vratis eat before beginning the strict 36-hour waterless fast that continues until the final day of the festival.

Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt greetings on the occasion of Chhath Parva's Kharna Puja and saluted all the devotees observing the fast.

In a post shared on X, PM Modi said, 'Heartfelt greetings to all on the auspicious occasion of Chhath Parva's Kharna Puja. Respectful salutations to all the devotees observing the fast! On this sacred occasion, which symbolises faith and restraint, there is a tradition of partaking in satvik prasad prepared with jaggery-based kheer. My wish is that on this ritual, Chhathi Maiya blesses everyone with her grace.'

The Prime Minister also attached YouTube links of devotional songs dedicated to Chhathi Maiya in his post on X.

The four-day Chhath Mahaparv, dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, began on Saturday with the sacred ritual of Nahay-Khay. This year, the festival will be celebrated from October 25 to 28, with rituals including Nahay-Khay on Chaturthi Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha, Kharna on Panchami, Chhath Puja on Sashti, and the concluding Usha Arghya on Saptami. (ANI)