Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai performs aarti during the Raas Garba Mahotsav at his official residence in Civil Lines, Raipur, on Friday, October 16, 2026, in the presence of former Rajya Sabha MP Saroj Pandey, MLA Sunil Soni , members of the Gujarati Samaj and other dignitaries. The occasion celebrated devotion to Goddess Durga and the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat.Photo: channel24india.com via CG/CMO
Welcoming the Gujarati community to the Chief Minister’s residence, Sai invokes Goddess Durga, highlights financial empowerment of 68 lakh women through Mahtari Vandan Yojana and celebrates the contribution of 14 lakh Lakhpati Didis to Chhattisgarh’s development.
Key Highlights
- Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai joins Raas Garba celebrations at his official residence in Civil Lines, Raipur, on Friday, October 16, 2026.
- Sai describes Navratri as a celebration of divine power, devotion and respect for women.
- Approximately 68 lakh women receive ₹1,000 monthly assistance under Mahtari Vandan Yojana, according to the Chief Minister.
- Sai says 14 lakh women in Chhattisgarh have become Lakhpati Didis.
- Government reiterates its commitment to preserving Chhattisgarh’s religious heritage and developing major Shakti Peethas.
- Chief Minister praises the Gujarati community’s contribution to business, education, industry and social development.
- Ministers Ramvichar Netam, Gajendra Yadav, Tank Ram Verma, Dayal Das Baghel and Guru Khushwant Saheb attend the celebrations.
Raipur: The official residence of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in Civil Lines, Raipur, came alive with devotional music, colourful traditional attire and the rhythmic movements of Raas Garba on Friday, October 16, 2026, as members of the Gujarati community gathered for a cultural celebration dedicated to Goddess Durga. Addressing the gathering, Sai described Navratri as a sacred celebration of divine power, devotion and respect for women, while emphasising that the dignity, security and economic empowerment of women remain central to his government’s priorities. The Chief Minister offered prayers to Goddess Durga and wished the people of Chhattisgarh happiness, prosperity, good health and well-being.
Women, young girls and members of the Gujarati community participated enthusiastically in the celebrations, presenting traditional Garba performances accompanied by devotional music.
The Chief Minister extended his greetings to those present and appreciated the community’s participation in preserving and celebrating India’s cultural traditions.
Navratri Reminds Society of Its Responsibility Towards Women: Sai
The Chief Minister described Navratri as more than a religious festival, emphasising its deeper cultural message of honouring feminine strength.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, wearing traditional Gujarati headgear and a devotional stole, addresses members of the Gujarati Samaj during the Raas Garba Mahotsav at his official residence in Civil Lines, Raipur, on Friday, October 16, 2026. The Chief Minister described Navratri as a celebration of divine power and women’s dignity, emphasising the importance of cultural heritage and women’s empowerment. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/CMO
“Navratri is a great festival of worshipping divine power, devotion and respect for women. In our Sanatan culture, women are regarded as the embodiment of Shakti. This festival reminds us of our responsibility towards the dignity, safety and empowerment of women.”
Sai said that respect for women occupies a central position in Indian cultural traditions and that the spirit of Navratri should also be reflected in society’s everyday conduct.
He described Garba as a beautiful expression of devotion to Goddess Durga and a living symbol of India’s cultural heritage.
Garba Reflects India’s Unity in Cultural Diversity
Referring to the origins and growing popularity of Garba, Sai said the traditional dance had travelled far beyond Gujarat to become a widely recognised expression of Indian culture.
“Garba is not merely a beautiful expression of faith and devotion towards Goddess Durga; it is also a symbol of our vibrant cultural heritage. Originating from Gujarat, this tradition is now celebrated with enthusiasm across the country and strengthens the spirit of unity in India’s cultural diversity.”
He observed that festivals bring families and communities together, encourage harmony and introduce younger generations to the traditions inherited from their ancestors.
The growing participation of women and girls in Garba celebrations across Chhattisgarh, he said, had made the festival increasingly prominent in the state’s cultural life.
Festivals Strengthen Social Harmony and Connect Generations
Sai emphasised that Indian festivals have a social significance extending beyond religious observance.
They provide opportunities for people from different backgrounds to come together, strengthen mutual understanding and preserve the values of cooperation and collective celebration.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai offers prayers before a beautifully decorated shrine of Goddess Durga during the Raas Garba Mahotsav at his official residence in Civil Lines, Raipur, on Friday, October 16, 2026. Members of the Gujarati Samaj and other devotees join the prayers as the Chief Minister seeks peace, prosperity and happiness for the people of Chhattisgarh. Photo: channel24india.com via via CG/CMO
“Our festivals are not confined to religious faith alone. They are an important means of connecting families and society, strengthening mutual affection, harmony and brotherhood, and introducing the younger generation to our culture and traditions.”
The Chief Minister said Garba had become a distinctive cultural identity of India across the world.
The participation of mothers, sisters and daughters, he added, made such celebrations particularly meaningful.
Women’s Empowerment Is a Leading Priority of the State Government
Linking the spiritual significance of Navratri with government policy, Sai highlighted initiatives aimed at improving women’s financial independence and participation in development.
He said the government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, was working to bring women into the mainstream of economic and social progress.
The Chief Minister particularly referred to Mahtari Vandan Yojana, one of the state’s major financial assistance programmes for women.
“Respect for women’s power is fundamental to our culture, and making women self-reliant and empowered is among the highest priorities of our government.”
Mahtari Vandan Yojana Provides Financial Support to 68 Lakh Women
According to the Chief Minister, approximately 68 lakh women in Chhattisgarh are receiving financial assistance of ₹1,000 per month through Mahtari Vandan Yojana.
The amount is transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
Sai said the assistance had provided women with greater financial support for household requirements, children’s education, healthcare and other family needs.
“Through Mahtari Vandan Yojana, approximately 68 lakh mothers and sisters in Chhattisgarh are receiving financial assistance of ₹1,000 every month. This amount reaches their bank accounts directly and provides economic support for their personal needs, children’s education, healthcare and family responsibilities.”
The Chief Minister presented the scheme as an important element of the government’s commitment to strengthening women’s economic security.
Fourteen Lakh Women Become Lakhpati Didis
Sai also highlighted the progress of women associated with income-generating activities and self-reliance initiatives.
He said that 14 lakh women in Chhattisgarh had become Lakhpati Didis, describing the achievement as evidence of women’s hard work, capabilities and growing confidence.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai receives a commemorative plaque and traditional shawl during a felicitation ceremony at the Raas Garba Mahotsav organised at his official residence in Civil Lines, Raipur, on Friday, October 16, 2026. Representatives of the Gujarati Samaj honour the Chief Minister during the cultural gathering celebrating devotion, community participation and Chhattisgarh’s inclusive cultural traditions.Photo:channel24india.com via CG/CMO
“Fourteen lakh sisters in Chhattisgarh have become Lakhpati Didis. This is proof of the hard work, capability and self-confidence of our mothers and sisters. Our resolve is that women should not remain merely beneficiaries of government schemes but should assume a leading role in building a developed Chhattisgarh.”
He stressed that women’s participation in economic activities and decision-making would be essential to achieving the state’s long-term development objectives.
From Mata Kaushalya to Maa Danteshwari: Chhattisgarh’s Sacred Heritage
Turning to Chhattisgarh’s spiritual traditions, Sai described the state as the sacred land of Mata Kaushalya and a region with a rich history of worshipping Adi Shakti.
He referred to several prominent centres of devotion, including Maa Danteshwari in Bastar, Maa Bamleshwari in Dongargarh, Maa Mahamaya in Ratanpur and Maa Chandrahasini in Chandrapur.
“Chhattisgarh is the sacred land of Mata Kaushalya, where the tradition of worshipping Adi Shakti has flourished for centuries. Our Shakti Peethas are not only centres of religious faith but also important symbols of our cultural heritage and identity.”
The Chief Minister said that during Navratri, devotees visit these religious centres in large numbers, reflecting the state’s deep spiritual traditions.
He described the temples and sacred sites as an inseparable part of Chhattisgarh’s cultural identity.
Development Must Advance Alongside Preservation of Heritage
Sai reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving and developing important religious and cultural sites.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi — development alongside heritage — the Chief Minister said modernisation should proceed without weakening India’s cultural roots.
“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the country is moving forward with the spirit of development alongside heritage. We are building a modern India while taking pride in our culture and glorious traditions.”
He said the Chhattisgarh government was committed to conserving the state’s religious, spiritual and cultural heritage while improving facilities for pilgrims at important centres of worship.
Gujarati Community Has an Important Role in Building Viksit Chhattisgarh
The Chief Minister praised the Gujarati community for its enterprise, dedication, service-oriented outlook and contribution to social development.
He said members of the community had made significant contributions to commerce, industry, education and various social activities in Chhattisgarh.
“The Gujarati community has established a distinctive identity through its entrepreneurship, hard work, spirit of service and social unity. In Chhattisgarh too, the community is making an important contribution to progress through business, industry, education, service and social activities.”
Sai observed that Chhattisgarh had always welcomed different communities and cultures with warmth.
He said the Gujarati community had made the state its place of work and enterprise while participating actively in its social and cultural development.
“The participation of the Gujarati community will be important in realising our resolve to build a developed Chhattisgarh alongside a developed India.”
The programme also reflected the close association between the Gujarati community and the wider cultural life of Raipur.
Chief Minister Prays for Peace, Prosperity and Continued Progress
Concluding his remarks, Sai expressed the hope that the blessings of Goddess Durga would bring peace and prosperity to every family in Chhattisgarh.
“Navratri gives us the message of strength, positivity and togetherness. With the blessings of Mata Rani, may Chhattisgarh continue progressing and may every family experience happiness, peace and prosperity.”
The gathering brought together religious devotion, cultural expression and community participation in the setting of the Chief Minister’s official residence.
Ministers, Public Representatives and Gujarati Community Leaders Attend
The programme was attended by Cabinet Minister Ramvichar Netam, School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav, Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma, Food Minister Dayal Das Baghel and Technical Education and Skill Development Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb.
Among the prominent community representatives present were Sarva Gujarati Samaj Chhattisgarh State President Pritesh Gandhi, former MLA and N.R. Gujarati Association Chhattisgarh President Devji Patel, Gujarati School President Jayanti Patel, Mitul Kothari, Nitin Dolakia, Mahendra Kodiyar, Babu Bhai Patel, Ashok Patel, Mukesh Shah, Gaurang Kacha, Kirti Vyas and Rajendra Faujdar.
Chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of various commissions and boards, other dignitaries and a large number of devotees also participated.
A Celebration Bringing Together Devotion, Culture and Community
The Raas Garba programme at the Chief Minister’s residence illustrated the enduring appeal of traditional celebrations in bringing together people from different communities.
For the Gujarati Samaj, it provided an occasion to celebrate and share an important part of its cultural heritage.
For the Chief Minister, the gathering also offered an opportunity to connect the spiritual message of Navratri with his government’s stated commitment to women’s dignity, economic independence and the preservation of Chhattisgarh’s cultural traditions.
The celebrations concluded with a message of faith, social harmony and collective aspiration for a prosperous Chhattisgarh.
The official residence of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in Civil Lines, Raipur, came alive with devotional music, colourful traditional attire and the rhythmic movements of Raas Garba on Friday, October 16, 2026, as members of the Gujarati community gathered for a cultural celebration dedicated to Goddess Durga. Addressing the gathering, Sai described Navratri as a sacred celebration of divine power, devotion and respect for women, while emphasising that the dignity, security and economic empowerment of women remain central to his government’s priorities. The Chief Minister offered prayers to Goddess Durga and wished the people of Chhattisgarh happiness, prosperity, good health and well-being. Video Credit: CMO
