Mumbai, November 2026: Indian festivals and celebrations are expressions of our ancient and eternal culture. They bring together all sections of society and play an important role in further strengthening national unity, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis participated in the grand Chhath Puja festival organised at Juhu Chowpatty and extended his greetings to the devotees on the occasion of Chhath Mahaparv.
MLA Amit Satam, former MLA Kripashankar Singh, Chhath Puja organisers Mohan Mishra and Divakar Mishra, among other dignitaries, were present on the occasion.
An ocean of devotion on the occasion of Chhath Puja
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that Juhu Chowpatty presented a unique sight on the occasion of Chhath Puja, with two vast oceans visible simultaneously—the endless expanse of water and the ocean of devotees.
Thousands of devotees had gathered with deep faith to offer Arghya to the Sun God and seek the blessings of Chhathi Maiya, he said.
The Chief Minister said that the Sun was the primary source of energy, and its light made life possible for living beings and plants on Earth. Chhath Mahaparv was an important festival through which people expressed their gratitude to the Sun God for human life, agriculture and the well-being of families.
During the worship, Arghya is offered to both the setting and the rising Sun. The Sun God, water and Chhathi Maiya do not discriminate, he said. Irrespective of caste, religion, language, region or economic circumstances, everyone who offers Arghya with devotion receives blessings. This, he said, was the broader message conveyed by the festival.
Permanent facilities for women observing the Chhath fast
Speaking about the arrangements for Chhath Puja, the Chief Minister said that since 2014, special arrangements had been made to ensure the safety, comfort and convenience of mothers and sisters observing the Chhath fast.
Women observing the rigorous fast without water visit the beach for worship even during the night. A permanent system has been established to ensure their safety and provide the necessary facilities, he said.
Efforts to keep Mumbai's beaches clean: Amit Satam
On the occasion, MLA Amit Satam spoke about the efforts made by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to improve the cleanliness of Mumbai's beaches.
He said that untreated sewage from Mumbai's rivers and drains had been discharged into the sea. Against this backdrop, during his first term as Chief Minister, Fadnavis pursued the matter with the National Green Tribunal and ensured that the necessary standards for the discharge of sewage were laid down.
At present, sewage treatment plant projects are underway at seven locations in Mumbai. These facilities will help ensure that only treated sewage is discharged into the sea.
MLA Satam said these measures would play an important role in improving the cleanliness of Mumbai's coastline, including Juhu Chowpatty.
