Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and ministers perform Yamuna Aarti at Vasudev Ghat

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Leads Ministers in Spiritual Yamuna Aarti at Vasudev Ghat

In a rare display of devotion and environmental consciousness, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta along with her cabinet ministers participated in the evening Yamuna Aarti at Vasudev Ghat on Tuesday. The event, organized as part of the government's "Clean Yamuna Mission," saw political leaders joining priests and local residents in the centuries-old ritual, sending a powerful message about spiritual ecology.  

As twilight descended over the ghats, the Chief Minister, dressed in a simple cotton saree, lit the ceremonial lamp alongside Environment Minister Dr. Alok Verma and Culture Minister Smriti Joshi. The rhythmic chanting of Vedic hymns blended with the gentle lapping of Yamuna's waters as hundreds of diyas (earthen lamps) floated downstream, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.  

"This isn't just a religious ceremony but our commitment to revive Delhi's lifeline," said CM Gupta, her face illuminated by the aarti flames. "When we pray to Maa Yamuna, we're reminded of our duty to protect her." The Chief Minister personally collected plastic waste from the ghat after the ceremony, setting an example for attendees.  

The event took special significance as it marked the anniversary of the Delhi government's Yamuna Cleaning Project. Environment Minister Verma highlighted recent improvements: "Through our bioremediation efforts, we've increased dissolved oxygen levels by 38% in this stretch. Today's aarti celebrates both our cultural heritage and environmental progress."  

Local boatman Rameshwar Prasad, whose family has served at the ghat for generations, expressed gratitude: "After decades, we're seeing fish return to these waters. Having our leaders participate in the aarti shows they understand the river's spiritual and practical importance."  

The ceremony concluded with ministers distributing saplings to visitors, symbolizing the government's green initiative. As the last lamps drifted away, Culture Minister Joshi announced plans to develop Vasudev Ghat as a cultural hub, blending spiritual tourism with ecological conservation.