Chief Minister Sai participates in grand Kanwar Yatra during the holy month of Shravan
Kanwar Yatra is a unique confluence of devotion, culture and social harmony: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
Thousands of Kanwariyas set out with holy water to perform Jalabhishek of Lord Hatkeshwarnath Mahadev
Chief Minister extends greetings to Shiva devotees, says religious traditions connect generations with culture and values
Raipur, August 2026: The capital city of Raipur was immersed in devotion to Lord Shiva during the holy month of Shravan as Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai participated in a grand Kanwar Yatra organised at the Maruti Mangalam complex in Gudhiyari.
Chief Minister Sai performed Rudrabhishek and offered prayers to Lord Shiva according to traditional rituals, seeking peace, prosperity, happiness and well-being for Chhattisgarh and its people. He also encouraged the Shiva devotees participating in the Kanwar Yatra and extended his greetings to everyone on the auspicious occasion of Shravan.
Chief Minister Sai said the month of Shravan is a special period dedicated to the worship and devotion of Lord Shiva. He described the Kanwar Yatra as a unique expression of faith, devotion and dedication. Thousands of Shiva devotees undertake the journey on foot carrying holy water to perform Abhishek of Lord Shiva. He said the enthusiasm and devotion displayed by devotees during the arduous journey reflect the enduring strength of faith rooted in Sanatan culture.
He said thousands of Kanwariyas departed from the Maruti Mangalam complex in Gudhiyari carrying holy water for the Jalabhishek of Lord Hatkeshwarnath Mahadev at Mahadev Ghat. With chants of devotion and slogans in praise of Lord Shiva, the entire atmosphere became spiritually charged.
The Chief Minister said the event was not merely a religious pilgrimage but also a celebration of Chhattisgarh’s culture, traditions and social unity.
Highlighting the historical, religious and cultural importance of the Lord Hatkeshwarnath Mahadev Temple, Sai said the shrine is an important centre of the state’s ancient tradition of Shiva worship. The people of Chhattisgarh have deep faith in Lord Hatkeshwarnath, who is worshipped at Mahadev Ghat. A large number of devotees visit the temple during Shravan to offer holy water and prayers to Lord Shiva.
Sai said Chhattisgarh’s identity is shaped not only by its natural beauty and folk culture but also by its deep spiritual traditions. Ancient Shiva temples and Shakti Peethas located across different regions of the state stand as symbols of its rich religious and cultural heritage.
He noted that festivals, religious celebrations and pilgrimages help keep society connected with its cultural roots and values.
The Chief Minister said religious events such as the Kanwar Yatra also play an important role in introducing the younger generation to India’s culture, traditions and spiritual values. Such occasions bring people from different sections of society together and strengthen mutual harmony, social unity and fraternity.
He said the spirit of service, cooperation and collective participation reflected in such events is an important feature of Chhattisgarh’s cultural identity.
Sai emphasised that protecting and promoting the state’s religious and cultural heritage is a collective responsibility. He said the state government is continuously working to develop major religious and spiritual destinations and improve facilities for devotees. Such efforts would strengthen the identity of these centres of faith while also expanding opportunities for religious tourism.
Extending his best wishes to all devotees participating in the Kanwar Yatra, the Chief Minister prayed to Lord Shiva for Chhattisgarh’s continued progress. He expressed hope that the blessings of Lord Mahadev would always remain with the state and its people and that every family would experience peace, prosperity and happiness.
Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh, former Governor Ramesh Bais, Lok Sabha MP Brijmohan Agrawal, Raipur West MLA Rajesh Munat, Raipur South MLA Sunil Soni, Raipur Rural MLA Motilal Sahu, Raipur North MLA Purandar Mishra, former MP Abhishek Singh, Mayor Meenal Choubey, chairpersons of various corporations and boards, dignitaries, representatives of social organisations and a large number of devotees were present on the occasion.
