CM Rekha Gupta Leads Historic Mahishasura Mardini Stotram Recital at Yamuna Ghat

New Delhi, 16 November 2025– A remarkable and divine scene unfolded today at Vasudev Ghat on the banks of the Yamuna near Kashmere Gate. Under the leadership of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, thousands of women gathered along the sacred riverbank to chant the Mahishasura Mardini Stotram. Through their strong and resonant collective recitation, they sent out a clear message that no terrorist, extremist, or anti-national force attempting to intimidate Delhi can ever succeed in frightening either the city or the nation.

At this grand and spiritual Mahashakti Aradhana Programme, the Chief Minister called upon all the women present, saying that society and the nation need their strength today more than ever. She urged them to come forward, embody the spirit of Goddess Durga, define their roles with confidence, and contribute actively to nation-building.

This was the first event of its kind on the historic Yamuna River after Independence. Organised jointly by the Department of Art, Culture & Languages of the Delhi Government (Delhi Sanskrit Academy) and the Vishwamangalya Sabha, the programme witnessed the presence of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra, and Delhi’s Minister for Art, Culture & Languages Kapil Mishra as special guests. The recitation of the Mahishasura Mardini Stotram and the grand Maha Aarti of Goddess Yamuna filled the entire atmosphere with devotion and patriotic fervour. Thousands of women, families, and devotees from across Delhi took part in this divine occasion.

Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasised the pivotal role of women in shaping the nation and society. She said that if a daughter from an ordinary household can rise to the office of Chief Minister, then any woman can achieve the sky she dreams of, she only needs to take one step forward with determination. She encouraged women to rise above their personal struggles and recognise their responsibilities, not only towards their families but towards the country as well. The Chief Minister congratulated the organisers and expressed confidence that the day is not far when the Yamuna will once again flow freely and in her pristine form throughout her journey across Delhi and beyond.

Praising the leadership of the Chief Minister, Minister for Art, Culture & Languages Kapil Mishra said that under the leadership of Rekha Gupta, Delhi has witnessed unprecedented cultural celebrations be it Teej festivities, Navratri Garba, Diwali, Chhath Puja, or today’s recital of the Mahishasura Mardini Stotram. Such an event has never been seen or heard in the history of Delhi. He said that maternal power is suppressed when it is denied education or crushed by social evils, but once awakened, it gives birth to valiant sons like Chhatrapati Shivaji. He added that just as Goddess Durga annihilated Mahishasura, Chanda-Munda, and Raktabeej, similarly India’s women’s power will destroy the forces of terrorism.