Navratri is a grand festival dedicated to the worship of Shakti and the honour of women: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
Chief Minister offers prayers to Goddess Durga and wishes happiness, prosperity and well-being for the people of Chhattisgarh
Respect and empowerment of women are top priorities of the government: Sai
Nearly 6.8 million women receiving financial assistance under Mahtari Vandan Yojana; 1.4 million women in the state have become Lakhpati Didis
State government committed to preserving and developing Chhattisgarh’s rich cultural heritage and Shakti Peeths
Gujarati community playing an important role in building a developed Chhattisgarh: Chief Minister
Raipur, October 2026: The Chief Minister’s residence was immersed in the devotion of Navratri and the vibrant rhythm of Garba as the festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm in the presence of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. A large number of women, young girls and members of the Gujarati community participated in the event. Dressed in traditional attire, participants presented captivating Garba performances while worshipping Goddess Durga. The entire premises resonated with devotional music, festive energy and the rhythmic beats of Garba.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai offered prayers to Goddess Durga and wished the people of Chhattisgarh happiness, prosperity, good health and well-being. He extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes for Sharadiya Navratri to the women, young girls and all devotees present at the celebration.
Sai said Navratri is a grand festival that represents the worship of Shakti, faith, devotion and respect for women. In India’s Sanatan cultural tradition, women are regarded as embodiments of divine power. The festival reminds society of its responsibility to respect, protect and empower women.
He said Garba is not only a beautiful expression of devotion to Goddess Durga but also a symbol of India’s vibrant cultural heritage. Originating in Gujarat, the tradition of Garba is now celebrated enthusiastically across the country. Such events strengthen the spirit of unity in India’s cultural diversity.
Festivals Are a Cultural Force That Unites Society
The Chief Minister said India’s festivals are not limited to religious faith alone. They play an important role in bringing families and communities together, strengthening mutual affection, harmony and brotherhood, and familiarising younger generations with their cultural traditions.
He observed that Garba has emerged as a distinctive symbol of Indian culture across the country and around the world. Enthusiasm for Garba has also been growing steadily in Chhattisgarh. The participation of large numbers of women and young girls makes the celebration even more special.
Women’s Empowerment Is a Key Government Priority
Sai said respect for women is a fundamental principle of Indian culture, and making women self-reliant and empowered is among the state government’s highest priorities. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, unprecedented efforts are being undertaken to bring women into the mainstream of development and strengthen their social and economic empowerment.
He said nearly 6.8 million women in Chhattisgarh are receiving financial assistance of ₹1,000 per month under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana. The amount is transferred directly into their bank accounts, providing financial support to meet personal needs, children’s education, healthcare expenses and other family requirements.
The Chief Minister added that 1.4 million women in the state have become Lakhpati Didis. He described this achievement as evidence of the hard work, capabilities and self-confidence of women.
“Our resolve is that women in Chhattisgarh should not remain merely beneficiaries of government schemes but should also play a leading role in building a developed Chhattisgarh,” he said.
From Mata Kaushalya to Maa Danteshwari, Chhattisgarh Is a Sacred Land of Shakti Worship
Sai said Chhattisgarh is the sacred land of Mata Kaushalya and has a centuries-old tradition of worshipping Adi Shakti. The state’s prominent religious centres include Maa Danteshwari in Bastar, Maa Bamleshwari in Dongargarh, Maa Mahamaya in Ratanpur and Maa Chandrahansini in Chandrapur. These temples are important centres of faith and represent the state’s cultural identity.
He said that during Navratri, large numbers of devotees visit temples dedicated to the Goddess, from Dantewada to Dongargarh and from Ratanpur to Chandrapur. The entire state appears immersed in the worship of Shakti. These Shakti Peeths are not merely centres of religious devotion but also important symbols of Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage and identity.
The Chief Minister said India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, is progressing with the vision of “Development as well as Heritage”. The country is building a modern future while taking pride in its culture and glorious traditions.
In keeping with this vision, the Chhattisgarh government is committed to preserving and promoting the state’s religious, spiritual and cultural heritage. Continuous efforts are being made to develop major religious sites and expand facilities for devotees.
Gujarati Community Plays an Important Role in a Developed Chhattisgarh
Appreciating the contribution of the Gujarati community, Sai said its entrepreneurial spirit, hard work, commitment to service and social unity have earned it a distinctive place in the country’s development. In Chhattisgarh, too, the community is making a significant contribution to the state’s progress through trade, industry, education, service and social activities.
He said Chhattisgarh has always welcomed different communities and cultures with warmth and inclusiveness. The Gujarati community has also made the state its place of work and livelihood and has become an important participant in its social and cultural journey.
Sai emphasised that the community’s participation would remain important in realising the vision of a developed Chhattisgarh alongside the broader goal of a developed India.
The Chief Minister said Navratri conveys the message of strength, positivity and collective spirit. He expressed hope that, with the blessings of the Goddess, Chhattisgarh would continue to progress and every family would enjoy happiness, peace and prosperity.
Ministers and Representatives of the Gujarati Community Attend
Those present at the event included Cabinet Minister Ramvichar Netam; School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav; Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma; Food Minister Dayaldas Baghel; and Technical Education and Skill Development Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb.
Also present were chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of various commissions and boards; Pritesh Gandhi, state president of Sarv Gujarati Samaj Chhattisgarh; former MLA Devji Patel, president of the N.R. Gujarati Association Chhattisgarh; Gujarati School president Jayanti Patel; Mitul Kothari; Nitin Dolakia; Mahendra Kodiyar; Babu Bhai Patel; Ashok Patel; Mukesh Shah; Gourang Kacha; Kirti Vyas; Rajendra Faujdar; other prominent members of the Gujarati community; and a large number of devotees.
