Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has said that while places in other countries are developed primarily as tourist destinations, India places special emphasis on the holistic development of religious sites, recognising their significance as centres of pilgrimage. This is a unique feature of Indian culture, as visiting these sacred places evokes a sense of spiritual purity and devotion. The development of the Chitrakoot region is also being undertaken in line with this vision. On the lines of Mahakal Lok in Ujjain, Ram Raja Lok will be developed in Orchha, while a grand Vanvasi Ram Lok will be established in Chitrakoot.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav visited Chitrakoot in Satna district, the sacred land associated with Lord Shri Ram's period of exile, and performed Deepdaan in the holy Mandakini River on the occasion of Diwali. He prayed for the happiness and prosperity of the people of Madhya Pradesh and the country. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also offered prayers to Maa Mandakini and felicitated the saints of Chitrakoot Dham by presenting them with shawls, coconuts and angavastrams.
Bhoomi Poojan for Four-Lane Road from Chitrakoot Dham to Gupt Godavari
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav performed Bhoomi Poojan and launched the construction of an 81.17-crore four-lane road from Chitrakoot Dham to Gupt Godavari. He said that the road would make travel more convenient for pilgrims and tourists. On the occasion, he also distributed Diwali gifts to children. After the ceremony, the Chief Minister inspected the pontoon bridge constructed in the fair area to facilitate the movement of devotees.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that today is the auspicious occasion of Roop Chaudas, and everyone is celebrating Diwali with joy and enthusiasm. Our festivals are an expression of India's cultural nationalism. The Madhya Pradesh Government is committed to the comprehensive development of various religious and spiritual destinations across the state, including Chitrakoot. On the lines of Mahakal Lok in Ujjain, Ram Raja Lok in Orchha and a grand Vanvasi Ram Lok in Chitrakoot will be developed.
Lord Shri Ram spent more than 11 years of his exile in Chitrakoot, making it a sacred land associated with his penance. Lord Shri Krishna acquired knowledge from his Guru in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Similarly, Jagadguru Shankaracharya met his Guru and attained spiritual knowledge at Omkareshwar. Thus, Madhya Pradesh has been the land of learning and action associated with several significant events and illustrious personalities of ancient Indian history. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav extended his greetings to the people of the state on the auspicious occasion of Diwali.
Chief Minister Offers Prayers to Lord Kamtanath
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav participated in the five-day Deepotsav fair organised at Chitrakoot Dham on the occasion of Diwali and performed Deepdaan at Panchvati Ghat on the banks of the Mandakini River. Lakhs of devotees are participating in the Deepdaan celebrations at Chitrakoot during Diwali. The Chief Minister visited the Lord Kamtanath Temple and offered prayers. He distributed sweets among devotees and extended festive greetings. He also warmly interacted with children selling earthen lamps along the roadside and purchased diyas from them. During his visit, he inspected the health camp established in the fair area to provide medical assistance and emergency healthcare facilities to devotees.
Chief Minister Enjoys Tea at a Roadside Stall
After offering prayers at the Lord Kamtanath Temple, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav interacted with members of the public. In a relaxed and informal gesture, he stopped at a roadside tea stall and enjoyed tea served in an earthen cup. He also interacted with devotees over tea.
Minister of State for Urban Development and Housing Smt. Pratima Bagri, Chairman of Madhya Pradesh Warehousing Corporation Shri Sanjay Nagaich, Member of Parliament Shri Ganesh Singh, Chitrakoot MLA Shri Surendra Singh Gaharwar, Chairman of Chitrakoot Development Authority Shri Vijay Yadav, Organising Secretary of Deendayal Research Institute Shri Abhay Mahajan, District President Shri Bhagwati Prasad Pandey, senior administrative and police officers; and a large number of devotees and members of the public were present.
