Spirit of unity and goodwill in festivals is the greatest strength of Sanatan Dharma: Chief Minister

Gorakhpur : Gorakshapeethadhiswar and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Gorakhpur and the entire state on the occasion of Holi, the festival of social harmony, joy, and enthusiasm. He emphasized that the spirit of unity and goodwill embedded in festivals is the greatest strength of Sanatan Dharma.

Addressing the gathering at the Bhakt Prahlad Shobha Yatra organized by the Holika Dahan Utsav Samiti in Pandeyhata, the Chief Minister said, “After demonstrating the immense power of Sanatan Dharma to the world through the divine and grand Prayagraj Mahakumbh, followers of Sanatan across the country and beyond are now reaffirming the message of truth, unity, and goodwill through the tradition of Holika Dahan and the Holi festival.”

Extending his best wishes to the people of Uttar Pradesh, CM Yogi stated that all Sanatani festivals, including Holi, convey the same message—Satyamev Jayate (Truth alone triumphs). “Truth always prevails, no matter the circumstances. One may have to wait, but truth cannot be defeated, denied, or destroyed.”

He emphasized that the path of truth is the path of righteousness, and shortcuts or opportunism cannot lead to lasting success.

Highlighting the global impact of the divine and grand Mahakumbh, the Chief Minister said, “Prayagraj Mahakumbh showcased that if one wishes to witness the discipline of religion, unity, and goodwill, they should look at the traditions of Sanatan Dharma. Mahakumbh was not just a religious congregation but a great festival of discipline, where over 66 crore devotees gathered in one Sangam area for 45 days, displaying unmatched order and devotion. This is the true victory of Sanatan Dharma.”

He further added that the event witnessed the participation of devotees, diplomats, heads of state, ministers from across the country, and representatives from over 100 nations. The President, Vice President, Prime Minister, several Union Ministers, Governors, Chief Ministers, and judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, along with eminent personalities from various fields, expressed their desire to be part of the Mahakumbh and fulfilled it.

The Chief Minister emphasized that people from every faith, religion, caste, and region took a dip in the sacred Triveni, symbolizing the unifying spirit of Sanatan traditions. “Just as Maha Kumbh conveyed the message of harmony and unity, Holi too reinforces the spirit of togetherness by dissolving differences,” he remarked. He praised the exceptional hospitality of the people of Uttar Pradesh during Maha Kumbh and commended the dedication of personnel from various departments in making the event a grand success.

Appealing for the preservation of cultural traditions, CM Yogi Adityanath urged people to revive traditional Holi songs and folk tales. “These folk traditions are an integral part of our history, and there is a need to bring them back. By next year, efforts should be made to form community groups in different localities to keep the tradition of Holi songs alive,” he said.

Referring to the legend of Holika Dahan, the protection of Bhakt Prahlad, and the divine incarnation of Lord Narasimha to vanquish Hiranyakashyap, the Chief Minister warned people against arrogance. “If not today, then tomorrow, one is bound to face the consequences of their actions,” he stated.

He urged everyone to draw inspiration from Bhakt Prahlad’s unwavering devotion and walk the path of righteousness. “The highest form of devotion is having a deep sense of dedication towards our nation,” he asserted.

On the occasion of Holi, the Chief Minister appealed to people to celebrate with harmony and uphold the eternal traditions of thousands of years. “Festivals become more joyous when celebrated with unity and mutual respect. Do not apply color on anyone without their consent, and avoid putting color on those who are unwell,” he advised. He further encouraged people to use Holika Dahan as an opportunity to burn away arrogance and negative tendencies from their lives.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared the day as a momentous occasion for the youth, announcing the results of the police constable recruitment. He shared that 60,244 new constables have been selected to join the police force, including over 12,000 women, marking a significant step towards gender inclusivity in law enforcement.

Following his address, the Chief Minister performed the aarti of Bhakt Prahlad on the chariot specially adorned for the Holika Dahan procession. He then showered flowers on Prahlad’s image and joined the crowd in celebrating Holi with a vibrant floral display, adding to the festive spirit. The excitement and enthusiasm of the gathered devotees made the event a spectacle to behold.

On this occasion, MP Ravi Kishan Shukla uplifted the spirit of the festival by singing a Holi song, “Yogi khelen phaag, Modi sang liye ho.” Mayor Dr. Manglesh Srivastava and MLA Vipin Singh also addressed the gathering, extending their wishes. The event witnessed the presence of BJP state vice-president and MLC Dr. Dharmendra Singh, Jagadguru Santosh Das alias Satua Baba from Kashi, Mahant Ravindradas of Kalibari, along with several prominent community leaders, including Durgesh Bajaj, President of Holika Dahan Utsav Samiti Vipin Patwa, and Patron Bholendra Narayan Dubey. A large number of devotees participated in the celebrations, making it a grand and memorable occasion.