CM Rekha Gupta Opens Blind Relief Association’s Annual Diwali Bazaar 2026
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta inaugurates the Blind Relief Association's Annual Diwali Bazaar 2026, pledging better accessibility for visually impaired citizens.
In a gesture of inclusivity and support, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta officially inaugurated the Blind Relief Association’s Annual Diwali Bazaar 2026 in New Delhi this Friday. The event serves as a platform for the visually impaired to showcase their talents and gain economic independence during the festive season, while the Chief Minister used the occasion to reaffirm the state government's dedication to creating a society where accessibility and equal opportunity are guaranteed for all.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Gupta lauded the Blind Relief Association for its tireless efforts over the last eight decades. She highlighted the organization's nearly 80-year journey in empowering visually impaired children and adults, transforming lives through welfare initiatives.
The Chief Minister stressed that the goal is not just support, but the creation of an environment where visually impaired individuals can lead lives defined by dignity and independence. She noted that it is a collective social responsibility to ensure that every single facility is made accessible to those who need it.
“I extend my heartiest congratulations to the Blind Welfare Association, which has been working for nearly 80 years for those children and individuals who are visually impaired... It is our collective responsibility to create a world for them where they can live, with every facility made accessible to them,” CM Rekha Gupta stated.
She further assured the attendees that the Delhi Government is consistently working toward upgrading city infrastructure to ensure it is fully accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities.
Preparations for Chhath Puja Underway
Beyond the festivities of Diwali, the Chief Minister is also ensuring the city is ready for the upcoming Chhath festival. On October 28, Rekha Gupta chaired a comprehensive review meeting with district administration, various government agencies, and department officials to scrutinize the preparations for the puja.
Strict Directives for Ghat Management
During the review, the Chief Minister left no room for negligence, directing officials to prioritize the safety, cleanliness, and convenience of the devotees. Key highlights of her directives include:
- Personal Inspections: Officials were instructed to personally visit every ghat to verify arrangements rather than relying on written progress reports.
- Increased Capacity: The government plans to develop more ghats this year compared to the previous year to accommodate the influx of worshippers.
- Strict Timelines: All major arrangements must be finalized at least two days before the festival to prevent last-minute chaos.
- Public Holiday: A public holiday will be observed to mark the occasion.
CM Gupta emphasized that since Chhath is a festival of immense faith for millions, the government must ensure a clean and safe environment for those observing the rigorous fast and their families.
High-Level Coordination
The review meeting saw a wide array of leadership and departmental presence to ensure seamless coordination. Attendees included Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra, representatives from the Chhath Puja committee, and MLAs Abhay Verma, Chandan Kumar Chaudhary, and Sandeep Sehawat.
To ensure a holistic approach to the festival's management, officials from the following agencies were present:
- Delhi Police and Traffic Police
- Revenue Department
- Delhi Jal Board
- Municipal Corporation and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)
- Public Works Department (PWD)
- Irrigation and Flood Control Department
- Fire Service