Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, along with her cabinet ministers, attended the Yamuna Aarti at Vasudev Ghat in the national capital. The grand ceremony was conducted to emphasize the importance of cleaning and preserving the Yamuna River, a major topic in recent elections.
Ministers and Leaders Present at the Event
Several cabinet ministers, including Parvesh Sahib Singh, Ashish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Ravinder Indraj Singh, Kapil Mishra, and Pankaj Kumar Singh, participated in the aarti. Alongside them, other prominent BJP leaders were also present to offer prayers.
#WATCH | Yamuna aarti is being performed at Yamuna's Vasudev Ghat
— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2025
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta along with her cabinet ministers, attending the aarti pic.twitter.com/iyjuavnO0M
Preparations and Cleanup of Yamuna River
Before the aarti, CM Gupta and her ministers performed rituals and prayers at Vasudev Ghat. A large-scale cleanup operation was carried out to remove silt and waste from the river. The event symbolized a commitment to keeping the Yamuna clean, aligning with the promises made during the elections.
#WATCH | Delhi | Yamuna cleaning process underway near Vasudev Ghat. pic.twitter.com/ld1SollVKS
— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2025
What is Vasudev Ghat?
Vasudev Ghat is located along the western bank of the Yamuna River, between Yamuna Ghat and Nigam Bodh Ghat in Kashmere Gate. This newly developed ghat is the first one built by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and was inaugurated by Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena in March 2024.
Previously, Vasudev Ghat was inaccessible due to deep silt deposits and garbage accumulation. After an extensive restoration project, it now features lush green landscapes, beautifully carved pavilions, and seasonal flower beds filled with tulips, marigolds, and sadabahar. The ghat also boasts over 400,000 riverine grass saplings and 2,000 native trees.
Features of Vasudev Ghat
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Three Entrances: Visitors can access the ghat through three different entrances.
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25 Steps to the River: The ghat has 25 steps leading down to the Yamuna River.
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Maa Yamuna Statue: A statue of Maa Yamuna has been installed as a symbol of reverence.
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300 kg Metal Bell: A grand chhatri covers a 300 kg metal bell brought from Jalesar, Uttar Pradesh, which produces a unique vibration.
Significance of Yamuna Aarti
The first grand evening aarti at Vasudev Ghat took place on Tuesday after the BJP’s victory in the Delhi Assembly elections. Since the cleanliness of the Yamuna was a major election issue, the aarti served as a spiritual and environmental commitment to improving the river's condition.
The Impact of Yamuna Aarti and Future Plans
The Yamuna Aarti at Vasudev Ghat aims to become a regular spiritual event, drawing devotees, tourists, and environmentalists. With ongoing cleaning and preservation efforts, the government hopes to restore the Yamuna River to its former glory.
This development also highlights how urban restoration projects can balance religious traditions and environmental sustainability, similar to initiatives in cities like Detroit, where river clean-up efforts have gained momentum.