Schools In Delhi To Be Closed On November 7; Here's Why

All schools in Delhi will be closed on November 7, 2024, Thursday as the Delhi Government has declared a public holiday for Chhath Puja. This decision was communicated by CM Atishi in a letter to the Chief Secretary. The letter stated, "Chhath Pooja is an important festival for the people of NCT of Delhi. Accordingly, Government of NCT of Delhi has decided to declare 7th November 2024 as Public Holiday on account of 'Chhat Pooja'."

In Bihar, schools will be closed from November 6 to November 8 for Chhath celebrations and will reopen on November 11, 2024. This festival sees many devotees taking a holy dip in the Yamuna River to offer prayers to the Sun god "Surya".

Chhath Puja Celebrations and Travel

The Chhath Puja festivities will commence on November 5 and continue until November 8, 2024. As the festival nears, people from various parts of India and abroad are heading towards Bihar and Jharkhand using trains, buses, and other transport modes. Public transport tends to be overcrowded during this period.

However, reports from IANS suggest that Indian Railways has increased its services this year, improving the travel situation compared to previous years.

Controversy Over Access to Ghats

There have been allegations against the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) regarding access issues for Purvanchalis wanting to celebrate Chhath Puja. A video shared by Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj shows a community member claiming that DDA is blocking their access by keeping gates closed at the Ghat.

The Chief Minister criticised BJP for what he termed as engaging in cheap politics over this issue.

This year's Chhath Puja is expected to draw large crowds as usual. The festival holds significant importance for many communities who gather at riverbanks to perform rituals and offer prayers.