Delhiites Brace For ‘Dry Day’ For Chhath Puja Amidst World Cup Fever

The Delhi government, in its latest order on Friday, said that a 'dry day' will be observed in the city on November 19 on the occasion of Chhath Puja.

"In pursuance of the provisions of Rule 52 of Delhi Excise Rules, 2010, it is hereby ordered that the following date shall be observed as "Dry Day" in the National Capital Territory of Delhi by all L-1, L1F, L-2, L-3, L-4, L-5, L-6, L-6FG, L-6FE, L-8, L-9, L-10, L-11, L-14, L-18, L-23, L-23F, L-25, L-26, L-31, L-32, L-33, L-34 and L-35 licensees of the Excise department and opium vends located in Delhi: Pratihar Shashthi or Surya Shasthi 19.11.2023 (Chhath Puja)," the order read.

"The licensees will not receive any compensation for alterations made to the aforementioned list. All licensees must prominently display this directive within their licensed premises. On a dry day, the business premises of a licensee must remain closed," stated the order.

Interestingly, the dry day in the national capital also coincides with the World Cup Finals, where Team India is set to face Australia on November 19 at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium.

Chhath Puja, a significant Hindu festival revered in regions such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, commences around seven days after Diwali, marking its start as the Diwali festivities conclude. Dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, along with his sister Shashti Devi, often referred to as Chhathi Maiya, this celebration involves profound religious rituals.

Occurring twice a year, during the months of Chaitra and Kartika, Chhath Puja holds immense significance in Hindu traditions. In 2023, this auspicious festival spans from November 17 to November 20.

The festival's historical roots trace back to the Ramayana era when Lord Rama and Goddess Sita returned to Ayodhya after completing their 14-year exile. To absolve the sin of Ravana's demise, Lord Rama performed the Rajasuya Yagya. Invited by Sage Mudgal, Rama and Sita visited his ashram. Following the sage's counsel, Goddess Sita observed a fast and worshipped the Sun God on the sixth day of Kartik Shukla. Both Rama and Sita stayed at Rishi Mudgal's ashram, engaging in worship for six days, marking the beginning of Chhath Puja as per this historical narrative.