- Chief Minister Shri Sai attended various Garba festivals held in Raipur and offered prayers to Goddess Durga at Durga Puja pandals
- Respect, safety, and economic empowerment of women are the top priorities of our government: Chief Minister
- Through the ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana’, approximately 6.8 million (68 lakh) women receive an assistance of one thousand rupees every month; 1.4 million (14 lakh) women in the state have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’ (financially empowered women)
- Preserving culture and faith alongside development is our commitment; major ‘Shaktipeeths’ (sacred shrines of the Goddess) in the state are being developed
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai participated in various Garba festivals and Durga Puja celebrations held in the capital, Raipur. Extending his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of the state on the occasion of Sharadiya Navratri, he prayed to Goddess Adishakti for the prosperity, peace, and well-being of Chhattisgarh.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai stated that Navratri—a grand festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, the embodiment of power—is also a celebration of our rich cultural traditions, social unity, and respect for the power of womanhood. Events like Garba and Durga Puja keep our faith and traditions alive, while binding society together through love, harmony, and brotherhood.
Chief Minister Shri Sai visited the Durga Puja pandals organized by the ‘Mana Bazar Sarvajanik Durga Puja Samiti’ and the ‘Sarvajanik Shri Shri Durga Puja Samiti’ to offer prayers to Goddess Durga. Bowing his head at the feet of the Goddess, he sought blessings for the welfare of the state’s residents and the continuous progress of Chhattisgarh. Following this, Chief Minister Shri Sai attended several events: ‘Raas Garba with Bhajan Dandiya’ organized by the Youth Wing of the Chhattisgarh Sindhi Panchayat at Hukm Lalit Mahal; a Raas Garba event at Rambagh; the ‘Sorthi Rang Rangilo’ Navratri festival organized by the Shri Dasha Sorathia Vanik Samaj at Ram Mangalam Lawn in Pachpedi Naka; and ‘Sankalp Garba,’ organized by the Navratri and Raas Garba Utsav Samiti at the BTI Ground in Shankar Nagar. At these various venues, members of the community and devotees extended a warm welcome to Chief Minister Shri Sai.
The Chief Minister remarked that on the auspicious occasion of Navratri, an atmosphere of devotion, faith, and joy prevails across the entire country, including Chhattisgarh. Garba serves as a beautiful medium to express reverence and devotion toward Goddess Durga. Originating from the cultural traditions of Gujarat, Garba has gained popularity nationwide and has become a symbol of our cultural unity. He noted that the hallmark of India lies in the unity found within its diversity. Our festivals and celebrations bring together various social groups, communities, and generations, inspiring us to remain connected to our roots and culture.
- Navratri: A Celebration of the Honor and Strength of Womanhood
Addressing the large number of mothers, sisters, and daughters present at the Garba events, Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that in Indian culture, women have always been revered as the embodiment of ‘Shakti’ (divine power). Navratri serves as a reminder of the respect due to women, the importance of their dignity, and their invaluable contribution to nation-building.
He emphasized that when women are empowered—participating in decision-making and achieving economic self-reliance—not only their families but society as a whole becomes empowered. Consequently, ensuring the safety, dignity, and economic self-reliance of mothers and sisters remains among the top priorities of the state government. Economic Empowerment for Women through ‘Mahtari Vandan’
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that through the ‘Mahtari Vandan’ scheme, a monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000 is being directly transferred into the bank accounts of approximately 6.8 million (68 lakh) women—mothers and sisters—across the state. This financial support empowers women to make their own decisions regarding their various needs, whether large or small. The assistance is also proving beneficial in meeting expenses related to children’s education, family requirements, and household needs.
He emphasized that the government’s objective goes beyond merely providing financial aid; it aims to boost women’s self-confidence and guide them toward self-reliance and prosperity. Today, 1.4 million (14 lakh) women in Chhattisgarh have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’ (financially empowered women). This achievement stands as a testament to the hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and capability of the women of the state. Through self-help groups, livelihood-generating activities, and various other schemes, the state government is creating new avenues for the economic progress of women.
- Worship of the Divine Mother: An Integral Part of Chhattisgarh’s Cultural Identity
Chief Minister Shri Sai remarked that Chhattisgarh is the sacred land of Mata Kaushalya. It is the hallowed ground of Goddesses Danteshwari, Bamleshwari, Mahamaya, and Chandrahasini. A glorious tradition of worshipping the ‘Adishakti’ (the Primordial Power/Divine Mother) has flourished in the state for centuries.
He noted that during Navratri, a profound atmosphere of devotion permeates the state’s temples dedicated to the Divine Mother and the various ‘Shaktipeeths’—stretching from Dantewada to Dongargarh and Ratanpur to Chandrapur. Hundreds of thousands of devotees arrive to seek the blessings and ‘darshan’ (sacred viewing) of the Divine Mother. This spiritual and cultural legacy of Chhattisgarh is an invaluable treasure.
The Chief Minister stressed that it is our collective responsibility to preserve this heritage and connect the younger generation to it. Events such as Garba, Durga Puja, and other traditional celebrations serve as powerful mediums to introduce the youth to their culture and pass on cherished values and traditions. Development and Heritage Should Advance Together: Chief Minister
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the nation is moving forward by embracing both development and heritage. The Prime Minister has, among the citizens of the country…A new sense of self-respect for our culture, traditions, and glorious heritage has been awakened.
He stated that the Chhattisgarh government, driven by this same spirit, is committed to the holistic development of the state, as well as the preservation and promotion of its cultural, religious, and spiritual heritage. Continuous efforts are being made to develop the state’s prominent Shaktipeeths (seats of the Divine Feminine) and religious sites, ensuring better facilities for devotees and helping these locations gain recognition on a national scale.
Chief Minister Shri Sai remarked that Chhattisgarh is rapidly reaching new milestones in development. Our endeavor is to ensure that our culture and traditions are not left behind in this journey of modern progress; rather, they should become the hallmark and strength of a developed Chhattisgarh. This synergy between development and heritage will connect future generations to their roots while guiding them toward a bright future.
- The beat of the mandar (traditional drum)—a symbol of prosperity—now resonates in Bastar: Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap
Extending his greetings and best wishes to the people of the state for Shardiya Navratri, Cabinet Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the ‘double-engine’ government has waged a decisive battle against Naxalism. As a result, Bastar is now entering a new era of peace, trust, and development.
He noted that where the sounds of explosives and bomb blasts were once heard in Bastar, the rhythmic beat of the mandar—signifying prosperity—now echoes. This transformation in Bastar is a source of pride and joy for the entire state of Chhattisgarh. He added that with the establishment of peace, Bastar’s rich tribal culture, traditions, and way of life are also gaining renewed recognition.
At various Garba events, participants dressed in traditional attire delivered captivating Garba and Dandiya performances. Amidst devotional songs and traditional music, a large number of citizens joined in to celebrate the festival with great enthusiasm. Appreciating the efforts of the organizing committees, Chief Minister Mr. Sai stated that such events serve as an important medium for strengthening social harmony and passing on our cultural heritage from one generation to the next.
In his concluding remarks, Chief Minister Mr. Sai prayed to Goddess Durga for the good health, happiness, prosperity, and well-being of the people of the state. He expressed his wish that the blessings of the Divine Mother (Maa Adishakti) may always remain upon Chhattisgarh, and that the state continues to advance steadily along the path of peace, prosperity, and development.
Present on this occasion were Cabinet Minister Mr. Khushwant Saheb, MLA Mr. Motilal Sahu, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Civil Supplies Corporation Mr. Sanjay Srivastava, representatives from the Sindhi community—Mr. Amit Chimnani and Mr. Mahesh Daryani—as well as Mr. Nitin Dholakia from the Dasha Sorathia Vanik community. Also in attendance were various community office-bearers, public representatives, members of the organizing committees, devotees, and a large number of citizens.