"Entire city will celebrate Diwali together": Delhi CM Rekha Gupta on Deepotsav

New Delhi [India], October 18 : Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday said that the entire city will celebrate the festival of Diwali together and hoped that this festival would bring a smile to the faces of the people of Delhi.
Speaking to reporters during the celebrations of Deepotsav at Kartavya Path, the Delhi CM said, "Diwali is not just a festival but a symbol of devotion for us. Lord Ram returning to his home and the triumph of good over evil continues to inspire us. The entire city of Delhi will celebrate the festival of Diwali together. Lakhs of diyas are lit at the Kartavya Path...We hope that the festival of Diwali will bring a smile on the faces of the people of Delhi."
The Delhi government organised a "Deepotsav" programme at Kartavya Path for the common public on Saturday on the occasion of Dhanteras.
The event featured the lighting of 1.51 lakh diyas, accompanied by Ram Katha, a drone show, and various cultural performances.
The Kartavya Path was illuminated with diyas and a drone show on the occasion.
Along with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Ministers Majinder Singh Sirsa, Kapil Mishra, Ashish Sood and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
Speaking to ANI, Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra said that the Delhi government is organising historic Diwali event for common people.
"For the first time in Delhi, Delhi Government is organising Diwali event. Lakhs of diya will be lit at Kartavya Path. The diyas are ready. CM will light these diyas and the entire Kartavya Path will be illuminated. Entire India will see badalti hui Dilli ki jagmagati Diwali. Drone show based on Ram Katha will also be done. Laser show has also been organised. Never before in Delhi did the Delhi Govt organise a Diwali event for the people..." Mishra said.
Minister Ashish Sood accused the previous Aam Aadmi Party government of harbouring "malice" towards Sanatana festivals for their vote bank politics.
He further praised Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for giving equal opportunities to all sections of society and religions.
Sood stated, "Previous governments harboured malice towards Sanatana festivals. Previous governments promoted minoritarianism out of vote bank politics. CM Rekha Gupta's government gives equal opportunities to all sections of society and all religions. That is why, you can see 'Jagmag Diwali' today."
Delhi Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh said, "In our culture, diya is lit first of all. So, today, on Deepotsav as well as Dhanteras, the BJP Government has come with a fresh resolve and experience. By lighting the diyas, we have proven our resolve for the future, for the vision of Viksit Delhi..."
Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in India and among Indian communities worldwide. Known as the "festival of lights," it symbolises the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Diwali also marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, as narrated in the Ramayana. During the festival, homes are cleaned and illuminated with oil lamps and lights.
Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Families exchange sweets and gifts, wear new clothes, and burst firecrackers as part of the celebrations.