Delhi has never seen such a lively and beautiful atmosphere before, says CM Rekha Gupta

New Delhi, Sept 2025 : During Navratri and Durga Puja, Delhi feels completely alive and different. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said she has been attending many events and sees that along with development, the city is also buzzing with cultural celebrations. For the first time, Ramleelas are happening across Delhi, while Durga Puja, Dandiya and Garba are taking place at the same time. Festivals like Onam are also being celebrated, and the South Indian flower festival, Bathukamma, is adding its own special charm.

The Chief Minister said it is especially heartwarming to see young people taking part with so much energy and joy. She added that visiting these events not only excites her but also brings her great happiness.

A New Energy Around Cultural Celebrations

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta participated in various cultural celebrations on Saturday night. In addition, she is attending Ramleelas daily to offer her prayers to Lord Ram. She said that during the ongoing Seva Pakhwada, organised to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, Delhi has seen major development works too from multi-level parking facilities to Asia’s largest sewage treatment plant. She noted that with the Prime Minister’s support, long-delayed projects in the capital are finally moving forward. But alongside this development, she said, the growing excitement around cultural programmes is equally special. People are participating wholeheartedly, and their desire to give Delhi a unique identity is now clearly visible.

Young People Leading the Celebrations

The Chief Minister joined two events on the Delhi University campus, a Dandiya and Garba night at the Rugby Ground, and the Bathukamma festival at Ramjas College. She said it is the first time that festivals from other states are being celebrated in Delhi with so much enthusiasm, and youth participation is making these events stand out. She also praised Culture and Languages Minister Kapil Mishra for his efforts to bring such celebrations to the city. Delhi University has always hosted unique programmes, she added, but never before have festivals rooted in the traditions of other states been celebrated in this way. Seeing students from across the country engage so deeply with these events, she said, was both moving and surprising.

Bathukamma Festival Captures Hearts

The Chief Minister said she was delighted to celebrate Bathukamma known for its flowers, colours, and community spirit with thousands of students from Telangana studying in Delhi. She described it as a festival that brings new energy and positivity into life. She congratulated everyone from Telangana and added warmly, “You are part of Delhi. This city is yours. And the Chief Minister standing here is like your own elder sister. Keep organising such festivals. I will always be happy to join you.”

Delhi Emerging as the Capital of Culture alongside Development

The Chief Minister recalled her recent participation in the Onam festival and said that more such celebrations would be held in the coming days. She expressed confidence that the people of Delhi, especially the youth, would continue to join in and strengthen India’s cultural identity.

She noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, a new era of cultural renaissance has begun, bringing together the traditions and festivals of diverse states under the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. Carrying this vision forward, the Delhi Government has actively participated in festivals like Navratri, Durga Puja, Garba, Onam and Telangana’s Bathukamma.

The Chief Minister said Delhi is now emerging as a capital of culture alongside development, with the growing involvement of young people showing deep respect for Indian traditions. She asserted that both the Central and State Governments are committed to making Delhi not only developed but also culturally rich and full of pride.