Teeja Is a Sacred Festival Reflecting Chhattisgarh’s Rich Folk Culture, Says CM Sai
13.85 Lakh Women in Chhattisgarh Have Become Lakhpati Didis, Says Chief Minister
Bilaspur, September 2026: Bahatrai Stadium in Bilaspur came alive with the colours of Chhattisgarhi culture and tradition as the state celebrated the Teeja festival with enthusiasm on Sunday. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai joined a large gathering of women dressed in traditional attire and shared the festive joy with them, extending his advance greetings and best wishes.
The Chief Minister prayed to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for the happiness, prosperity and well-being of all women in the state.
Sai described Teeja as a sacred festival that represents Chhattisgarh’s rich folk culture and embodies women’s love, faith and prayers for the prosperity of their families. He said the festival holds a special place in the state’s traditions, with married daughters traditionally returning to their parental homes to celebrate the occasion with their families.
He said such festivals not only preserve cultural traditions but also strengthen emotional bonds within families and society.
The Chief Minister was addressing a grand Teeja Milan ceremony organised at Bahatrai Stadium. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade, legislators Amar Agrawal, Dharamlal Kaushik, Sushant Shukla and Bhavana Bohra, along with several public representatives and a large number of women, attended the event.
Sai said women have always been accorded a position of great respect in India’s cultural traditions. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, several initiatives have been undertaken to promote women’s dignity, safety and empowerment.
He highlighted the construction of household toilets, issuing ration cards in women’s names and the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, under which more than 68 lakh women in Chhattisgarh are receiving regular financial assistance. So far, 31 instalments have been paid under the scheme, he said.
Over 13.85 Lakh Women Become Lakhpati Didis
The Chief Minister said women in Chhattisgarh were no longer merely beneficiaries of government schemes but had emerged as active participants in the state’s development journey. More than 13.85 lakh women have now become Lakhpati Didis, he said.
Women associated with self-help groups are strengthening their families financially through various livelihood activities. Sai said women were also adopting modern technology to expand their income opportunities. Drone Didis, for instance, are using technology for self-employment and earning between Rs 6,000 and Rs 7,000 per day.
He said women were also becoming financially independent through businesses such as centring plate manufacturing and by operating e-rickshaws. From Bastar to Bilaspur, women were writing new success stories through their hard work, skills and confidence.
Sai said the state government was encouraging women to enter entrepreneurship and industry, with the aim of providing every woman an opportunity to advance according to her abilities and skills.
Women’s Role Crucial in Building Developed Chhattisgarh
The Chief Minister said Chhattisgarh was rich in mineral resources, forests and natural wealth and had immense potential for development. The government was working to ensure that the benefits of development reached every section of society and that essential facilities were available closer to villages and people’s homes.
He said the state had set a goal of building a developed Chhattisgarh alongside a developed India by 2047. Women would play a crucial role in achieving this objective, he added.
Chorhadevari to Be Renamed Ramdevari
Sai also announced that Chorhadevari village in Bilha development block would be renamed Ramdevari. He further announced financial assistance of Rs 30 lakh for organising the Beltara Mahotsav on the occasion of Maghi Purnima. The announcements were welcomed enthusiastically by the gathering.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao said Teeja was an important festival linked to Chhattisgarh’s rich cultural traditions and represented women’s faith, love and devotion to their families. He praised the Teeja Milan event organised by the Kamal Sakhi Parivar, saying such programmes help preserve cultural traditions while strengthening social bonds.
Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade also described Teeja as an important symbol of the state’s culture, traditions and faith. She said the state government remained committed to women’s dignity, empowerment and overall development.
Beltara MLA Sushant Shukla said Teeja was deeply connected with the soil and culture of Chhattisgarh and reflected the faith, sacrifice and family affection of women.
Bahatrai Stadium Turns Festive With Swings and Mehendi
The Teeja Milan event showcased a vibrant blend of Chhattisgarhi culture and women’s empowerment. Swings, mehendi and various recreational activities were arranged for women attending the celebration. Special food and gifts added to the festive atmosphere, while children also participated enthusiastically in various activities.
With music, traditional attire and colourful celebrations, Bahatrai Stadium remained immersed in the spirit and joy of Teeja throughout the event.
A large number of dignitaries, including Chhattisgarh Textbook Corporation Chairman Raja Pandey, Mayor Pooja Vidhani, District Panchayat President Rajesh Suryavanshi, Divisional Commissioner Sunil Jain, Collector Sanjay Agrawal, SSP Rajnesh Singh, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Prakash Kumar Sarvey and District Panchayat CEO Sandeep Agrawal, were also present.
