“Our Culture Teaches Respect and Gratitude for Both the Living and the Non-Living”: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Hareli Celebrations at CM’s Residence Highlight Chhattisgarh’s Deep Agricultural and Cultural Roots

Raipur : A grand celebration of Hareli Tihar, one of Chhattisgarh’s most cherished festivals, was held today at the official residence of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai in Raipur’s Civil Lines. The premises were beautifully decorated to recreate the atmosphere of rural Chhattisgarh, setting the stage for a vibrant and traditional celebration.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sai stated, “The prosperity and well-being of farmers is our government’s foremost goal. Hareli is not just a festival—it is a celebration deeply connected with our tradition, nature, and agrarian life. It brings us back to our roots.” He emphasized that all of Chhattisgarh, from Bastar to Sarguja, celebrates Hareli in its own unique way, yet the spirit of faith and joy remains the same across the state.

He noted that Hareli is not merely a festival of agriculture, but also a festival of nature worship and green living. “Just as nature takes care of us, we too must take care of nature,” he said, expressing his heartfelt wish that Chhattisgarh Mahtari (Mother Chhattisgarh) continues to bless the people and that all farmers remain happy and prosperous.

Highlighting the government’s initiatives, CM Sai spoke about the historic decision to procure paddy at ₹3,100 per quintal, with a limit of 21 quintals per acre, ensuring direct benefit to farmers. He reaffirmed the government’s vision for a developed Chhattisgarh by 2047, stating that a vision document has already been prepared, and that concerted efforts are underway to eliminate corruption from the state.

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and former Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh also addressed the event, calling Hareli a celebration of Chhattisgarh’s culture, traditions, and the life of its farmers. He extended his heartfelt greetings to the people of the state and said the festival reflects values rooted in nature, agriculture, and livestock.

He added that it is believed Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati descend to earth on this day to visit the fields and bless the farmers. This is why farmers worship their agricultural tools, bullocks, ploughs, and farmlands on Hareli.

Dr. Singh praised CM Vishnu Deo Sai for leading Chhattisgarh toward historic progress in agriculture, pointing out that over ₹90,000 crore has been paid to farmers under various schemes and support price purchases. He remarked, “This is the largest farmer-focused initiative by any state in India and proves that Chhattisgarh has a Chief Minister who not only makes promises but truly values the hard work of farmers on the ground.”

The event was graced by Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, Shri Vijay Sharma, Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Agriculture Minister Ram Vichar Netam, Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma, Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Rajwade, along with MLAs, board and commission heads, public representatives, and several distinguished guests.