Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel Participates in Chhath Puja Maha Parva in Ahmedabad

Gandhinagar, Oct 2025: Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel participated in the Chhath Maha Parv celebration held in Ahmedabad and extended Diwali greetings to all. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the joy and grandeur of Diwali have multiplied manifold with the construction of the magnificent and divine Ram Temple. The Prime Minister’s mantra of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” resonates with our festivals.

Congratulating the organisers of Chhath Puja, the Chief Minister said that in Gujarat, people resume their work on Labh Pancham after the Diwali celebrations conclude, while in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Purvanchal, the grand festival of Chhath, dedicated to the worship of the Sun, begins simultaneously.

He said that along with the grand celebration of Chhath Maha Parv, there is also great enthusiasm in Bihar for the festival of democracy. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Central Government is making dedicated efforts to include Chhath Puja in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. He further noted that while people across the world worship the rising sun, Chhath Puja stands out as the only major festival in which the setting sun is also worshipped.

Chief Minister stated that Gujarat and Bihar have shared a special bond since ancient times. Bihar is known as the land of Buddha, while Gujarat has played a vital role in preserving the heritage of Buddhism. Vadnagar, the birthplace of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, was once a major centre of Buddhist learning. Under Shri Modi’s guidance, a Buddhist museum is being developed in Vadnagar.

He added that Mahatma Gandhi, the son of Gujarat, initiated the first movement for India’s independence from Champaran in Bihar and later launched the non-violent struggle against British rule through the Salt Satyagraha from Dandi in Gujarat. He further noted that many people from Bihar and other states have made Gujarat their Karma Bhoomi — their place of livelihood.

He urged everyone to unite and move forward with fellow citizens to fulfil the resolve set forth by the Prime Minister to build a Viksit Bharat@2047, extending his warm greetings on the occasion of Chhath Maha Parv. He further said that to realise the Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, we must adopt indigenous products and actively promote the purchase of local goods.

The Chhath Puja celebration was organised by the Chhath Maha Parv Samanvay Trust, Hindi Bhashi Mahasangh, and Maa Janki Seva Samiti. Families from Bihar, Jharkhand, and the eastern regions of Uttar Pradesh residing in Ahmedabad participated in the festival with great joy, devotion, and enthusiasm.

Dr Mahadev Jha, Chairman of the Chhath Maha Parv Organising Committee, delivered the welcome address and extended greetings to all. Emphasising the significance of the Chhath Puja festival, he stated that owing to the efforts of the Prime Minister, Chhath Maha Parv is no longer confined to Bihar alone; today, it has evolved into a grand festival celebrated across the entire nation.

Also present at the event were Minister of State Smt. Darshna Vaghela, MLA, Dr Payal Kukrani, Deputy Mayor Shri Jatin Patel, Standing Committee Chairman, Shri Devang Dani, Additional Chief Secretary, Shri M.K. Das, Additional Chief Secretary, Shri S.J. Haider, former ministers Shri I.K. Jadeja, Shri Gordhan Zadafia, Shri Pradip Parmar, along with families from Bihar and other states in large numbers.

Source: Information Department, Gujarat