Kumar Bahukhandi
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai addresses devotees and participants during a Navratri and Garba celebration in Raipur on Monday, October 19, 2026. The Chief Minister highlighted the significance of Garba in preserving cultural traditions, promoting social harmony and honouring women’s strength, while reaffirming the state government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and cultural heritage. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/CMO
Chief Minister Visits Durga Puja Pandals and Navratri Celebrations Across Raipur; Highlights Women’s Empowerment, Cultural Unity and the Government’s Commitment to Development Alongside Heritage Preservation
Key Highlights
- Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai participates in Garba and Navratri celebrations at several venues across Raipur.
- Sai describes Garba and Durga Puja as celebrations of cultural heritage, social harmony and respect for women.
- Nearly 68 lakh women receive ₹1,000 every month under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, according to the Chief Minister.
- Sai says 14 lakh women in Chhattisgarh have become Lakhpati Didis through economic empowerment initiatives.
- The Chief Minister reiterates the government’s commitment to developing major Shakti Peethas and preserving religious heritage.
- Cabinet Minister Kedar Kashyap says Bastar is witnessing a transformation towards peace, development and cultural revival.
Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai joined Navratri and Garba celebrations across the Chhattisgarh capital on Monday, October 19, 2026, describing the festivities as a powerful expression of India’s cultural heritage, devotion to Goddess Durga and respect for women’s contributions to society. Visiting Durga Puja pandals and attending several community celebrations, the Chief Minister extended his greetings on Sharadiya Navratri and prayed for peace, prosperity and happiness across the state.
Addressing devotees and participants, Sai emphasised that festivals such as Navratri, Durga Puja and Garba serve a purpose beyond religious celebration. They strengthen social relationships, encourage cultural participation and connect younger generations with India’s traditions.
“Navratri is not merely a festival dedicated to the worship of Maa Durga. It is also a celebration of our rich cultural traditions, social unity and respect for women’s strength and dignity,” Sai said.
He added that such celebrations bring communities together through shared faith, goodwill and mutual respect.
Chief Minister Offers Prayers at Durga Puja Pandals
During his visit, Chief Minister Sai offered prayers at the Durga Puja pandals established by the Mana Bazar Sarvajanik Durga Puja Samiti and the Sarvajanik Shri Shri Durga Puja Samiti.
He bowed before Goddess Durga and sought blessings for the welfare of Chhattisgarh’s people and the state’s continued progress.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai joins community representatives and participants during a ceremonial presentation at a Navratri and Garba celebration in Raipur on Monday, October 19, 2026. The event brought together cultural performers, organisers and devotees to celebrate the festive spirit of Sharadiya Navratri. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/CMO
The Chief Minister later participated in several Garba and Dandiya celebrations organised by different community organisations across Raipur.
These included Raas Garba with Bhajan Dandiya, organised by the Pujya Chhattisgarh Sindhi Panchayat Youth Wing at Hukum Lalit Mahal; Raas Garba at Rambagh; Sorathi Rang Rangilo, organised by Shri Dasha Sorathiya Vanik Samaj at Ram Mangalam Lawn, Pachpedi Naka; and Sankalp Garba, organised by the Navratri and Raas Garba Utsav Samiti at BTI Ground, Shankar Nagar.
Organisers, community representatives and devotees welcomed the Chief Minister at the various venues.
Garba Represents India’s Unity in Diversity
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai joins performers and organisers during an award presentation at a Garba celebration in Raipur on Monday, October 19, 2026. The celebration showcased traditional music, dance and enthusiastic participation by young artists, reflecting Chhattisgarh’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/ CMO
Speaking about the cultural significance of Garba, Sai said the traditional dance, originating in Gujarat, has become a popular expression of devotion and celebration throughout India.
“Garba is a beautiful expression of devotion to Maa Durga. What began as a cultural tradition of Gujarat has now become a celebration across the country, reflecting the unity of our diverse cultural heritage,” he said.
The Chief Minister observed that India’s strength lies in its ability to preserve regional traditions while nurturing a shared national identity.
He said festivals create opportunities for people from different communities, backgrounds and generations to celebrate together.
Such occasions, he added, also encourage young people to understand their cultural roots and appreciate the traditions inherited from earlier generations.
Respect, Safety and Empowerment of Women Remain Government Priorities
Welcoming the large number of women and girls participating in the celebrations, Sai said Navratri represents the strength, dignity and invaluable contribution of women to society.
He observed that Indian traditions have long recognised women as embodiments of Shakti, or divine strength.
“When women become empowered, participate in decision-making and achieve economic independence, not only their families but society as a whole becomes stronger. Their safety, dignity and economic self-reliance are among our government’s highest priorities,” the Chief Minister said.
Sai emphasised that women’s empowerment must extend beyond symbolic recognition and translate into practical opportunities for financial independence, education and participation in social development.
He said the state government was working towards creating conditions in which women could make independent decisions and contribute more effectively to their families and communities.
Mahtari Vandan Yojana Supporting Nearly 68 Lakh Women
Highlighting the government’s flagship Mahtari Vandan Yojana, Sai said approximately 68 lakh women across Chhattisgarh were receiving ₹1,000 every month directly into their bank accounts.
According to the Chief Minister, the financial assistance has helped beneficiaries meet household expenses, support their children’s education and address personal and family requirements.
“Our objective is not limited to providing financial assistance. We want to strengthen women’s confidence and enable them to move towards self-reliance and prosperity,” Sai said.
He explained that direct financial support allows women greater participation in decisions concerning their everyday lives.
The Chief Minister also stated that 14 lakh women in Chhattisgarh had become Lakhpati Didis, describing the achievement as evidence of their determination, entrepreneurship and growing economic capabilities.
He said the government would continue supporting self-help groups, livelihood programmes and other initiatives intended to expand economic opportunities for women.
Chhattisgarh’s Shakti Peethas Represent a Living Spiritual Heritage
Referring to Chhattisgarh’s spiritual identity, Sai described the state as the sacred land of Mata Kaushalya and the revered goddesses Danteshwari, Bamleshwari, Mahamaya and Chandraseni.
He said the worship of Goddess Durga and other manifestations of Adishakti has been an integral part of the state’s cultural traditions for generations.
From Dantewada and Dongargarh to Ratanpur and Chandrapur, major temples and Shakti Peethas attract large numbers of devotees during Navratri.
“Our spiritual and cultural heritage is an invaluable treasure. It is our responsibility to preserve this legacy and ensure that future generations remain connected with it,” the Chief Minister said.
He observed that traditional celebrations, religious gatherings and community festivals play an important role in passing cultural values from one generation to the next.
Development and Heritage Must Progress Together
Sai reiterated the state government’s commitment to balancing modern development with the preservation of cultural and spiritual traditions.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi — development alongside heritage — he said India was moving forward while strengthening public pride in its civilisational identity.
“Our endeavour is to ensure that as Chhattisgarh advances towards modern development, our culture and traditions do not get left behind. Instead, they must become the strength and identity of a developed Chhattisgarh,” Sai said.
He added that work was being undertaken to develop major religious destinations and Shakti Peethas, improve facilities for devotees and enhance their recognition at the national level.
The Chief Minister said development should create better opportunities for people while protecting the traditions that define their communities.
Bastar Now Echoes With the Rhythms of Prosperity: Kedar Kashyap
Cabinet Minister Kedar Kashyap, extending Navratri greetings, spoke about the changing situation in Bastar and the government’s efforts to restore peace and accelerate development in the region.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s guidance and the efforts of the central and state governments for what he described as decisive action against Naxalism.
“In Bastar, where the sounds of bombs and explosives were once heard, the rhythmic beats of the mandar now resonate with happiness and prosperity,” Kashyap said.
The minister described the transformation as a source of pride for Chhattisgarh.
He maintained that improving security conditions were creating opportunities to strengthen Bastar’s tribal heritage, traditional arts, cultural practices and local livelihoods.
Kashyap said the region’s cultural identity was gaining renewed recognition alongside efforts to promote peace and development.
Traditional Garba and Dandiya Performances Enthrall Participants
The Garba celebrations brought together participants dressed in colourful traditional attire, with devotional songs and rhythmic music creating a festive atmosphere.
Women, young people and families participated enthusiastically in Garba and Dandiya performances.
The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the organising committees and community organisations in conducting the programmes.
He said such celebrations help strengthen social harmony and preserve cultural traditions through active public participation.
Sai also expressed appreciation for the enthusiasm of the younger generation, observing that their participation was essential to keeping traditional festivals vibrant and relevant.
Chief Minister Prays for Peace and Prosperity
Concluding his participation in the celebrations, Sai offered prayers to Goddess Durga for the good health, happiness and prosperity of the people of Chhattisgarh.
He expressed hope that the blessings of Adishakti would continue to guide the state towards peace, development and social harmony.
Cabinet Minister Khushwant Saheb, MLA Motilal Sahu, Chhattisgarh State Civil Supplies Corporation Chairman Sanjay Shrivastava, Sindhi community representatives Amit Chimnani and Mahesh Daryani, Shri Dasha Sorathiya Vanik Samaj representative Nitin Dholakia, public representatives, community leaders, organising committee members and a large number of devotees were present at the various celebrations.
