Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav visited the world-famous Shri Ram Raja Sarkar Temple in Orchha, the renowned religious and tourist destination in Niwari district, on Saturday on the occasion of Chhoti Diwali. He offered prayers and performed rituals in accordance with tradition. After having darshan of Shri Ram Raja Sarkar, he prayed for the prosperity, progress and well-being of the people of the state.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the Shri Ram Raja Temple in Orchha, dedicated to Lord Shri Ram, is a major centre of faith and devotion. Since assuming office, the State Government has been consistently working towards the development of Shri Ram Raja Lok. Orchha is an exceptional destination for both religious tourism and heritage, with immense historical significance. This is why everyone who visits Orchha feels a deep spiritual connection with the place.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the development of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi, Shri Ram Dham in Ayodhya and Shri Mahakal Mahalok in Ujjain has given religious tourism a new identity. Similarly, an enabling environment has been created for the development of religious and cultural destinations in Madhya Pradesh. The State Government is making concerted efforts to bring similar development and prosperity to Orchha.
After offering prayers and performing rituals at Shri Ram Raja Sarkar Temple, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also interacted with media representatives. He said that according to popular belief, Lord Shri Ram resides in Orchha during the daytime in the form of a king. He is revered by all, and everyone bows before Him with devotion. The Chief Minister said that he was fortunate to visit Orchha and seek the blessings of Shri Ram Raja Sarkar on the occasion of Roop Chaudas, a day before the auspicious festival of Diwali.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav prayed to Lord Shri Ram for the prosperity of the state and the well-being of all. He said that the government's objective is to ensure the welfare of every section of society, including farmers, youth and cattle rearers, and to ensure that all public welfare policies achieve their intended objectives. The Chief Minister further said that the State Government is continuously working to establish new milestones of development and prosperity in Orchha, this remarkable centre of religious tourism.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that all concerned officials have been directed to complete every category of construction and development works being undertaken under Shri Ram Raja Lok within the stipulated timeframe and with the highest standards of quality.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav extended greetings to the people of the state on the auspicious occasions of Roop Chaudas and Diwali and wished everyone happiness, prosperity and well-being. Minister of State for Forest and Environment Shri Dilip Ahirwar, Rajya Sabha Member Shri Mahesh Kevat, Niwari MLA Shri Anil Jain, MP Representative Shri Rajesh Pateria, other local public representatives and district-level administrative officials were present on the occasion.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav Visits Exhibition, Appreciates Local Products and Bundeli Art
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav visited an exhibition organised by various departments at the Hathi Saw Supari Saw premises in Orchha. During the visit, he toured various
stalls and gathered information about the region's history, culture, traditional food products, medicinal crops and local art. Appreciating the participants' efforts, the Chief Minister announced a cash award of ₹5,000 for each exhibition stall.Chief Minister Dr. Yadav first examined the map displayed at the exhibition and gathered information about Sita Madhi and other historically and culturally significant places in the region. He also learnt about local lifestyles, the distinctive features of the area and its traditions.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav visited stalls showcasing local food products and traditional delicacies. He gathered information
about food items prepared from millets, tulsi cultivation and tulsi-based tea, medicinal crops and other local products. The Chief Minister also showed interest in their uses, health benefits and potential for local production. The Chief Minister took special interest in learning about the medicinal herbal decoction and tasted it himself at the stall of the AYUSH Department. This is the traditional Ayurvedic herbal decoction that was distributed by the AYUSH Department to people during the COVID period. He enquired about its medicinal significance and usefulness. During the visit, he also examined various local food products displayed at different stalls and purchased some of them. The Chief Minister interacted with young girls showcasing Bundeli art and paintings at the exhibition. He viewed their paintings and appreciated their artistic skills and creativity. The Chief Minister purchased some of the paintings made by the girls and encouraged them by making cash payments. He also appreciated their efforts to promote local art and culture.Chief Minister Dr. Yadav planted a sapling at the Hathi Saw Supari Saw premises and conveyed the message of environmental conservation. He appreciated the efforts of various departments in showcasing local products, traditional cuisine, medicinal plants and Bundeli art and culture through the exhibition.
Cultural Revival and Tourism Development Works in Orchha
Various important projects, involving a total investment of ₹239.87 crore, are being undertaken to revive Orchha's cultural heritage and promote tourism. These include the construction of the grand Shri Ram Raja Lok at a cost of ₹126.96 crore, which is currently in progress. In addition, projects worth ₹7.5 crore through the State Archaeology Department and ₹19.73 crore through the State Tourism Department, along with other special-experience and development initiatives, are being expedited. Under the initiatives for the conservation of local heritage, several works have been successfully completed. These include the construction of the boundary wall of Laxmi Temple, conservation of Rai Praveen Mahal and its garden, Nazir Bagh and Phool Bagh, and conservation of Raja Mahal along with the construction of its boundary wall. Through these development initiatives, Orchha is being established as a prominent global destination for tourism and religious faith.
