The debate surrounding Chhath Puja celebrations on Mumbai's beaches has intensified, with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) raising objections to organising the festival at these locations. Amid the ongoing controversy, Bollywood actor Sonu Sood has announced that he will participate in the Chhath Puja celebrations at Juhu Beach in 2026.
The actor has also invited devotees to join him for the festival, adding another prominent voice to the ongoing discussion.
Sonu Sood announces participation in Chhath Puja
Sonu Sood shared a video on social media announcing his participation in the Chhath Puja celebrations scheduled for November 15, 2026.
According to his announcement, the actor will join devotees at Juhu Beach, behind Hotel Palm Grove, in Mumbai. He has invited people to come together and participate in the celebrations.
Chhath Puja is an important festival dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees observe rituals, offer prayers and perform traditional offerings while standing in water, particularly during sunset and sunrise.
The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in several parts of India, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and communities across Maharashtra.
Why is MNS opposing Chhath Puja on Mumbai beaches?
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has raised objections to organising Chhath Puja celebrations on Mumbai's beaches.
The party has argued that such activities should not take place on beaches, citing concerns about cleanliness and the maintenance of these public spaces. It has also raised questions about security arrangements at the locations where the celebrations are organised.
The objections have sparked a wider discussion, with organisers and political parties responding to the MNS's position.
BJP also reacts to the controversy
The issue has drawn reactions from the BJP, which has criticised the MNS's opposition to the celebrations.
BJP leaders have accused Raj Thackeray's party of bringing religious festivals into political debates. The disagreement has turned the organisation of Chhath Puja on Mumbai's beaches into a political issue.
However, the central question remains how the celebrations will be organised while addressing concerns regarding public safety, cleanliness and access to beach areas.
Chhath Puja 2026: What devotees should know
Sonu Sood's announcement has brought additional attention to the Juhu Beach celebrations.
The event is scheduled for the evening of November 15, 2026, behind Hotel Palm Grove at Juhu Beach. Devotees planning to attend should follow the organisers' announcements and local administration guidelines regarding timings, safety arrangements and permitted areas.
With the festival approaching, further developments regarding permissions and arrangements are awaited.
