Garba Mahotsav at Chief Minister’s Residence Celebrated with Devotion and Enthusiasm

Navratri Is a Grand Festival of Shakti Worship and Respect for Women: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai

Chief Minister Offers Prayers to Maa Durga for the Prosperity and Well-Being of the People of Chhattisgarh

Women Hold the Highest Place in Our Culture; Their Dignity and Empowerment Are Among the Government’s Top Priorities: Chief Minister Shri Sai

Mahatari Vandan Yojana Provides Financial Support to Nearly 68 Lakh Women; 14 Lakh Women in the State Have Become Lakhpati Didis

State Government Committed to Preserving Chhattisgarh’s Rich Cultural Heritage and Developing Its Shaktipeeths

Gujarati Community Is Playing an Important Role in Building a Developed Chhattisgarh: Chief Minister Shri Sai

Raipur, 16 October 2026/

The Chief Minister’s residence came alive on Friday with Navratri devotion, the rhythm of Garba and festive enthusiasm. A large number of women, girls and members of the Gujarati community enthusiastically participated in the Garba Mahotsav held in the presence of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai. Dressed in traditional attire, participants offered captivating Garba performances in devotion to Maa Durga. Devotional music and rhythmic Garba filled the premises with a festive atmosphere.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai offered prayers to Maa Durga for the happiness, prosperity, good health and well-being of the people of Chhattisgarh. He extended warm greetings and best wishes for Sharadiya Navratri to the women, girls and all devotees present.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Navratri is a grand festival of Shakti worship, faith, devotion and respect for women. In our Sanatan culture, women are revered as embodiments of Shakti. The festival reminds us of our responsibility to uphold women’s dignity, ensure their safety and support their empowerment.

He said that Garba is a beautiful expression of faith and devotion to Maa Durga and a symbol of our living cultural heritage. Originating in Gujarat, the Garba tradition is now celebrated enthusiastically across the country. Such events further strengthen the spirit of unity in India’s cultural diversity.

Our Festivals Are a Cultural Force That Brings Society Together

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that India’s festivals extend beyond religious faith. They are an important means of bringing families and communities together, strengthening mutual affection, harmony and brotherhood, and familiarising younger generations with their culture and traditions.

He said that Garba has become a distinctive symbol of Indian culture across the country and the world. Enthusiasm for Garba has also grown steadily in Chhattisgarh. The participation of women and girls in large numbers makes the celebration even more special.

Women’s Empowerment Is a Key Priority of Our Government

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that respect for women is central to our culture, and making women self-reliant and empowered is among the State Government’s top priorities. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, unprecedented efforts are being made to bring women into the mainstream of development and strengthen their social and economic position.

He said that nearly 68 lakh women in Chhattisgarh are receiving financial assistance of Rs. 1,000 every month under the Mahatari Vandan Yojana. The amount is transferred directly to their bank accounts, providing financial support to meet their personal needs, children’s education, healthcare and family requirements.

The Chief Minister said that 14 lakh women in the state have become Lakhpati Didis. This reflects their hard work, capabilities and self-confidence. The government is committed to ensuring that women in Chhattisgarh take on leadership roles in building a developed state, alongside benefiting from government schemes.

From Mata Kaushalya to Maa Danteshwari, Chhattisgarh Is a Sacred Land of Shakti Worship

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Chhattisgarh is the sacred land of Mata Kaushalya and has a rich, centuries-old tradition of worshipping Adi Shakti. Maa Danteshwari, the presiding deity of Bastar; Maa Bamleshwari of Dongargarh; Maa Mahamaya of Ratanpur; Maa Chandrahasini of Chandrapur; and several other goddess shrines are prominent centres of the state’s faith and cultural identity.

He said that during Navratri, devotees throng the shrines of the Mother Goddess from Dantewada to Dongargarh and from Ratanpur to Chandrapur. The entire state appears immersed in Shakti worship. These Shaktipeeths are centres of faith as well as important symbols of Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage and identity.

The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the country is progressing with the spirit of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi”—development alongside preservation of heritage. A modern India is being built with pride in its culture and glorious traditions. In keeping with this spirit, the Chhattisgarh Government is committed to preserving and promoting the state’s religious, spiritual and cultural heritage. The government is making consistent efforts to develop major goddess shrines and expand facilities for devotees.

Gujarati Community Has an Important Role in Building a Developed Chhattisgarh

Appreciating the Gujarati community’s contribution, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that its enterprise, hard work, spirit of service and social unity have earned it a distinctive place in the country’s development. In Chhattisgarh too, the community is making an important contribution to the state’s progress through trade, industry, education, service and social activities.

He said that Chhattisgarh has always been known for warmly embracing all communities and cultures. Having made Chhattisgarh their place of work, members of the Gujarati community have played an important part in the state’s social and cultural journey. This participation is important to realising the vision of a developed Chhattisgarh while contributing to a developed India.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Navratri conveys a message of strength, positivity and togetherness. He prayed that, with the blessings of Mata Rani, Chhattisgarh would continue on the path of progress and every family would enjoy happiness, peace and prosperity.

Cabinet Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam, School Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav, Revenue Minister Shri Tank Ram Verma, Food Minister Shri Dayaldas Baghel, Technical Education and Skill Development Minister Shri Guru Khushwant Saheb, chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of various commissions and boards, State President of Sarva Gujarati Samaj Chhattisgarh Shri Pritesh Gandhi, former MLA and President of N.R. Gujarati Association Chhattisgarh Shri Devji Patel, President of Gujarati School Shri Jayanti Patel, Shri Mitul Kothari, Shri Nitin Dholakia, Shri Mahendra Kodiyar, Shri Babu Bhai Patel, Shri Ashok Patel, Shri Mukesh Shah, Shri Gaurang Kacha, Shri Kirti Vyas and Shri Rajendra Faujdar were present, along with distinguished members of the Gujarati community and a large number of devotees.