Tue Oct 28 20:19:21 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

The article reports on the conclusion of the Chhath Puja festival in Delhi, focusing on the gatherings at the Yamuna River ghats. Thousands of devotees, including Delhi’s Chief Minister, participated in the rituals. The event was marked by devotional fervor, but also intertwined with political considerations, given the upcoming Bihar elections and the significant Purvanchali population in Delhi. While some devotees acknowledged improvements in facilities, concerns were raised about the Yamuna’s cleanliness and the potential for over-regulation of the rituals. Political parties attempted to leverage the event, but many devotees emphasized the separation of faith and politics, stressing the importance of addressing real issues like jobs and inflation. Security and support services were heavily deployed to ensure a successful celebration.

News Article:

Chhath Puja Draws Thousands in Delhi, Politics Simmers Beneath Devotion

New Delhi, October 29, 2025 – As the first rays of sun kissed the Yamuna River this morning, thousands of devotees gathered at Delhi’s ghats to conclude the four-day Chhath Puja festival, offering prayers to the Sun god. The air was filled with chants of “Bhor Bhai” and “Jai Chhathi Maiya” as women in vibrant saris and men standing guard behind them, stood knee-deep in the water, marking the end of their fast.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was among those participating in the rituals at Vasudev Ghat, where live music, chai stalls, and a general atmosphere of devotion prevailed.

However, the celebrations were not without a political undercurrent. With Purvanchalis, who mostly hail from Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, making up a substantial portion of Delhi’s electorate, and the Bihar elections on the horizon, political parties were keen to engage with the community.

Rajendra Kumar, a businessman from Chandni Chowk, voiced concerns about the Yamuna’s cleanliness despite claims of improvement. He also criticised some regulations. Sushila, a devotee from Haryana, expressed frustration with being removed from the electoral rolls.

Following the prayers, Chief Minister Gupta, accompanied by Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and BJP members, initiated a cleanliness drive at Vasudev Ghat.

The previous night at Hathi Ghat, the line between faith and politics blurred, with supporters of different parties engaging in heated arguments. Dilip Paswan, a long-time Delhi resident, urged politicians to focus on pressing issues like employment, inflation, and citizen safety rather than trying to exploit religious sentiments for electoral gain.

Authorities deployed over 1,500 police personnel across 76 sites, including major ghats, to ensure security. Medical booths, civil defense volunteers, and helplines were also available. Overall, the celebrations were considered a success by many participants, who found time for faith and family in these trying times.

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