Chief Minister Participates in Garba and Navratri Celebrations Across Raipur, Extends Festive Greetings to the People of Chhattisgarh
Garba Festivals Are a Beautiful Confluence of Faith, Cultural Heritage and Social Unity: Chief Minister
Nearly 68 Lakh Women Benefit from Mahtari Vandan Yojana; 14 Lakh Women in the State Have Become Lakhpati Didis
Women’s Economic Self-Reliance Strengthens Families and Society; Matrashakti Has a Vital Role in Building a Developed Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh, the Sacred Land of Mata Kaushalya, Has a Rich Tradition of Worshipping the Divine Feminine; Shaktipeeths Are an Invaluable Part of Its Cultural Heritage
Chhattisgarh advancing on the path of progress with the Vision of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’
The sacred festival of Navratri signifies the expression of reverence towards Shakti- the power of divine feminine, honouring the strength of women, celebrating the harmony and unity, and celebrating the glorious cultural traditions of India. In Indian culture, women are revered as embodiments of Shakti.
In keeping with this spirit, the Chhattisgarh Government is committed to strengthening the dignity, ensuring safety, encouraging self-reliance and facilitating economic empowerment of women.
Women’s progress is not merely the progress of an individual family, but a foundation for the advancement of society and the state as a whole.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai expressed the aforementioned views while addressing the Garba and Navratri celebrations in Raipur, extending his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of Chhattisgarh on the occasion of Navratri.
Chief Minister Shri Sai visited the Maa Kali Temple in Kali Bari and offered prayers for the happiness, prosperity and well-being of the people. He also attended the Shri Patidar Navratri Mahotsav organised by the Shri Kutch Kadva Patidar Samaj at the Mandi premises, a Garba celebration organised by the same community in Bhanpuri, a Navratri Mahotsav organised by Shri Kutch Gurjar Kshatriya Samaj in Govardhan Nagar, and Dholida Raas Garba 2026 in the Amlidih area, along with other festive gatherings. Shri Sai further said that Navratri creates an atmosphere of devotion, faith and enthusiasm across the country and the state. Over nine days, worshipping the various forms of Maa Durga inspires people to embrace courage, restraint, positivity and righteous conduct. The festival strengthens cultural awareness while fostering love, harmony and social cohesion.
Garba Celebrates Faith and Social Unity
Chief Minister said that Garba is not merely a dance celebration but a beautiful expression of devotion to Maa Durga. Originating in Gujarat, this rich tradition is now celebrated with enthusiasm across the country, reflecting unity in India’s cultural diversity. He said that festivals and celebrations bring society together. When people from different communities celebrate collectively, mutual affection, harmony and brotherhood grow stronger. This is one of the greatest strengths of Indian culture. In Chhattisgarh, communities have preserved their traditions and cultural identities while making important contributions to the state’s social and economic development.
Expressing happiness at the enthusiastic participation of women and girls in the Garba celebrations, Shri Sai said their presence made these events more vibrant and dignified. Navratri also reminds society of the importance of respecting women and fulfilling the responsibilities towards them.
Mahtari Vandan Yojana Strengthens Women’s Confidence
Chief Minister said that the state government is continuously working through various schemes and programmes to make women economically self-reliant. Mahtari Vandan Yojana is an important part of this commitment. Under the scheme, financial assistance of ₹1,000 per month is being transferred directly to the bank accounts of nearly 68 lakh women across the state. He said that the scheme was not merely a financial assistance programme but also a means of strengthening women’s confidence and independence in decision-making. Women are using the financial aid to meet daily expenses, support their children’s education, address healthcare needs, save money and manage household requirements. When women become economically empowered, the positive impact extends to the entire family.
Shri Sai added that seeing confidence and satisfaction on the faces of women reinforced the value of the government’s efforts. The objective is to ensure that every woman in Chhattisgarh has opportunities to progress and participate in the state’s development to the fullest of her potential.
Fourteen Lakh Lakhpati Didis Reflect the Strength of Women in Chhattisgarh
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that 14 lakh women in the state have become Lakhpati Didis, reflecting their hard work, dedication, entrepreneurial spirit and capabilities. Women associated with self-help groups are increasing their household incomes through various economic activities while also strengthening the economies of their villages and communities.
He said that women’s economic empowerment brings prosperity to families, improves children’s education and healthcare, and accelerates positive social change. Women have a vital role in building a developed Chhattisgarh. The state government is continuously working to expand opportunities for women in self-employment, skill development, livelihoods and entrepreneurship.
Chhattisgarh Is a Sacred Land of Shakti Aradhna
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Chhattisgarh is the sacred land of Mata Kaushalya and home to revered goddesses such as Maa Danteshwari, Maa Bamleshwari, Maa Mahamaya and Maa Chandrahansini. The state has a glorious tradition of worshipping Shakti and the divine feminine that dates back centuries.
During Navratri, large numbers of devotees visit Maa Danteshwari in Dantewada, Maa Bamleshwari in Dongargarh, Maa Mahamaya in Ratanpur and Maa Chandrahansini in Chandrapur. Jyoti Kalash lamps are lit in villages and cities, and the entire state is immersed in devotion to the Goddess. This reflects not only deep religious faith but also the distinctive identity of Chhattisgarh’s rich cultural heritage.
Chief Minister further said that Chhattisgarh’s culture reflects a remarkable harmony of nature, faith, folk life and spirituality. Festivals and religious traditions connect generations, and preserving them and passing them on to the younger generation is a shared responsibility.
Chhattisgarh Moving Forward with the Vision of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’
Shri Sai said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is progressing towards new heights of modern development while taking pride in its ancient cultural heritage. In line with the Prime Minister’s vision of Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi i.e. ‘Development Alongside Heritage’, Chhattisgarh Government is committed to preserving and promoting the state’s culture, faith and traditions while pursuing comprehensive development. He said that the state government is continuously working to develop major religious and cultural destinations. Efforts are underway to improve facilities for devotees at Shaktipeeths and other centres of faith, while also integrating these sites with the state’s religious and cultural identity and tourism potential. Chief Minister observed that cultural heritage is not merely a memory of the past but also a source of strength in the present and inspiration for the future. Remaining connected to one’s roots and cultural values is essential throughout the journey of development. The government aims to build a modern and developed Chhattisgarh while further strengthening its distinctive cultural identity.
Shri Sai said that celebrations such as Navratri and Garba play an important role in connecting younger generations with their culture and traditions. Such events strengthen social harmony and family values while spreading enthusiasm and positive energy throughout society.
Praying to Maa Durga, the Chief Minister wished that the blessings of the Goddess remain with all the people of Chhattisgarh, bringing happiness and prosperity to every household and enabling the state to continue progressing on the path of peace, prosperity and development. On the occasion, MLAs Shri Purandar Mishra, Shri Devji Bhai Patel and Shri Jayanti Patel, Shri Jagdish Patel, office-bearers of various communities, public representatives and a large number of distinguished citizens were present.