- Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai participated in various Garba and Navratri festivals in the capital, Raipur, and extended his Navratri greetings to the people of the state.
- Garba festivals represent a beautiful confluence of our faith, cultural heritage, and social unity: Chief Minister
- Through the ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana’, approximately 6.8 million (68 lakh) mothers and sisters are gaining economic strength, and 1.4 million (14 lakh) women in the state have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’ (financially empowered women).
- The economic self-reliance of women strengthens both the family and society; women play a vital role in the creation of a developed Chhattisgarh.
- In Chhattisgarh—the sacred land of Mata Kaushalya—there exists a rich tradition of worshipping the Divine Feminine (Shakti); the ‘Shakti Peeths’ (seats of the Goddess) are an invaluable treasure of our faith and culture.
- Guided by the vision of “Development as well as Heritage,” the state government is moving forward while preserving the culture, faith, and traditions of the state.
The sacred festival of Navratri is a symbol of the worship of the Divine Feminine, the honoring of women, social unity, and our glorious cultural traditions. In Indian culture, women are revered as the embodiment of ‘Shakti’ (power/divine energy). In line with this spirit, our government is working with full commitment toward the respect, safety, self-reliance, and economic empowerment of our mothers and sisters. The progress of women is the foundation for the progress of not just an individual family, but of the entire society and the state.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai shared these thoughts while participating in various Garba and Navratri festivals held in the capital, Raipur, where he also extended his heartfelt Navratri greetings and best wishes to the people of the state.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai visited the Maa Kali Temple in Kalibari, where he offered prayers and sought blessings for the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of all the people of the state. In addition to this, he participated in various events, including the ‘Shri Patidar Navratri Mahotsav’ organized by the Shri Kachh Kadva Patidar Samaj at the Mandi premises; the Garba celebrations of the Shri Kachh Kadva Patidar Samaj in Bhanpuri; the Navratri Mahotsav organized by the Shri Kachh Gurjar Kshatriya Samaj in Govardhan Nagar; and the ‘Dholida Raas Garba-2026’ held in the Amlidih area.
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the occasion of Navratri creates an extraordinary atmosphere of devotion, faith, and joy throughout the country and the state. The worship of the various manifestations of Goddess Durga—the embodiment of power—over these nine days inspires us to move forward on the path of courage, self-restraint, positivity, and virtuous conduct. This festival not only strengthens our cultural consciousness but also fosters a spirit of love, harmony, and social cohesion.
- Garba: A Celebration of Our Faith and Social Unity
Chief Minister Shri Sai remarked that Garba is not merely a dance event, but a beautiful expression of our reverence and devotion toward Goddess Durga. Originating in Gujarat, the rich tradition of Garba is now celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal across the entire nation. It serves as a wonderful example of unity amidst India’s cultural diversity.
He noted that our festivals and celebrations act as a bridge, bringing society together. When different communities and groups celebrate together, the bonds of mutual love, harmony, and brotherhood are further strengthened—a hallmark of our Indian culture. In Chhattisgarh, too, various communities have preserved their unique traditions and cultures while making significant contributions to the state’s social and economic development.
Expressing his delight at the enthusiastic participation of mothers, sisters, and daughters in these Garba festivals, Chief Minister Shri Sai observed that the involvement of ‘Matrishakti’ (the power of womanhood) makes such events even more beautiful and dignified. The festival of Navratri serves as a reminder to honor women and reflects upon our responsibilities toward them. ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana’ Boosts the Self-Confidence of Mothers and Sisters
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the state government is continuously working through various schemes and programs to make women economically self-reliant. The ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana’ is a significant component of this commitment. Under this scheme, an assistance amount of one thousand rupees is being transferred directly into the bank accounts of approximately 6.8 million (68 lakh) mothers and sisters across the state every month.
He emphasized that the ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana’ is not merely a financial aid program; it has also become a means to strengthen the self-confidence of mothers and sisters, as well as their autonomy in decision-making. Mothers and sisters are utilizing these funds for their daily needs, their children’s education, healthcare, savings, and other family requirements. When a woman becomes economically empowered, it creates a positive impact on the entire family.
The Chief Minister remarked that seeing the self-confidence and contentment on the faces of these mothers and sisters reaffirms the value of the government’s efforts. Our goal is to ensure that every woman in Chhattisgarh has the opportunity to progress and can contribute to the state’s development to the best of her potential.
- 1.4 Million ‘Lakhpati Didis’ – A Testament to the Capability of Chhattisgarh’s Women
Chief Minister Shri Sai noted that, today, 1.4 million (14 lakh) women in the state have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’ (women with an annual income of at least one lakh rupees). This achievement stands as a testament to the hard work, dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and capability of the women of Chhattisgarh. Through their involvement in self-help groups, these women are not only increasing their family incomes but are also strengthening the economies of their villages and society at large.
He added that when women gain economic strength, it brings prosperity to their families, improves children’s education and health, and fosters a positive impact on society.The pace of change is accelerating. The role of our women—our ‘Matrushakti’ (maternal power)—is of paramount importance in building a developed Chhattisgarh. The state government is consistently working towards making women self-reliant and providing them with greater opportunities for skill development, livelihoods, and entrepreneurship.
- Chhattisgarh: A Sacred Land of Divine Feminine Worship
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that Chhattisgarh is the sacred land of Mata Kaushalya. It is the land of revered goddesses such as Maa Danteshwari, Maa Bamleshwari, Maa Mahamaya, and Maa Chandrahasini. For centuries, the state has upheld a glorious tradition of worshipping the Divine Feminine (Shakti).
He noted that during Navratri, a vast multitude of devotees gathers at the shrines of these goddesses—from Maa Danteshwari in Dantewada to Maa Bamleshwari in Dongargarh, Maa Mahamaya in Ratanpur, and Maa Chandrahasini in Chandrapur. Across every village and city, ‘Jyoti Kalash’ (sacred lamps) are lit, and the entire state of Chhattisgarh becomes immersed in devotion to the Divine Mother. This reflects both our profound religious faith and the unique identity of the state’s rich cultural heritage.
The Chief Minister remarked that the culture of Chhattisgarh embodies a remarkable harmony between nature, faith, folk life, and spirituality. Our festivals and religious traditions serve as a bridge between generations. It is our collective responsibility to preserve these customs and pass them on to the next generation.
- Chhattisgarh Advancing with the Mantra of “Development and Heritage”
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is rapidly scaling new heights of modern development while taking pride in its ancient cultural heritage. The Prime Minister has given the nation the mantra of “Development and Heritage” (Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi). In line with this vision, the Chhattisgarh government is committed to the holistic development of the state, alongside the preservation and promotion of its culture, faith, and traditions.
The Chief Minister added that the state government is continuously working towards the development of key religious and cultural sites across the state. Efforts are underway to not only enhance facilities for devotees at Devi Shaktipeeths (sacred shrines of the Goddess) and other centers of faith but also to integrate these sites with the state’s religious and cultural identity and its tourism sector.
He stated that our cultural heritage is not merely a memory of the past; it is a source of strength for the present and an inspiration for the future. In the journey of development, it is essential to remain connected to one’s roots and cultural values. Our government’s endeavor is to ensure that, alongside the creation of a modern and developed Chhattisgarh, the state’s unique cultural identity is further strengthened.
Chief Minister Shri Sai remarked that events like Navratri and Garba serve as vital mediums for connecting the younger generation with their culture and traditions. Such occasions foster social harmony and strengthen family values, while infusing society with enthusiasm and positive energy.
Offering prayers to Goddess Durga, Chief Minister Shri Sai expressed his wish that the blessings of the Divine Mother remain upon all the people of the state. He prayed for happiness, prosperity, and well-being in every household, and for Chhattisgarh to continue its steady progress along the path of peace, prosperity, and development.
Present on this occasion were MLA Shri Purandar Mishra, along with Shri Devji Bhai Patel, Shri Jayanti Patel, Shri Jagdish Patel, various community representatives, elected officials, and a large number of prominent citizens.