Raipur, Sept 2026: The Chief Minister’s residence in Nava Raipur turned into a vibrant celebration of Chhattisgarh’s rich folk culture, family traditions and women’s empowerment on the occasion of the Teeja-Pora festival. Women and girls from different parts of the state gathered at the residence, which was specially decorated to recreate the ambience of a Chhattisgarhi village and a traditional maternal home.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai warmly welcomed the women and said that Teeja is associated with the beautiful tradition of daughters and sisters visiting their maternal homes. He said that since women from across the state had come to his residence, the Chief Minister’s residence had become their maternal home for the occasion.
The celebrations featured traditional bullock carts, Nandia-Bail, folk crafts and rural decorations. Women participated enthusiastically in activities including fugdi, tug-of-war, chair races, mehendi and swings, while folk artists presented cultural performances.
Sai said Teeja-Pora is a vibrant festival connected with Chhattisgarh’s soil, family relationships, agriculture, livestock and rural life. He said the state's series of traditional festivals, beginning with Hareli, helps strengthen social and family bonds while connecting successive generations with their cultural roots.
Shiv-Parvati Worship and Prayers for Prosperity
At the beginning of the programme, the Chief Minister performed rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and prayed for the happiness, prosperity and well-being of the people of Chhattisgarh. He said Teeja is associated with Goddess Parvati’s penance, devotion and unwavering faith.
He described Pora as a celebration reflecting the state's agricultural culture and its respect and gratitude towards livestock, noting that farming is not merely a livelihood in Chhattisgarh but an integral part of its way of life.
‘Har Ghar Munga’ Campaign Launched
During the celebrations, Sai launched the statewide “Har Ghar Munga-Ghar Ghar Munga” campaign and unveiled its logo. He highlighted the nutritional value of drumstick, particularly its leaves and pods, and urged people to plant drumstick trees around their homes and spread awareness about their nutritional benefits.
The Chief Minister also launched National Nutrition Month 2026, unveiled its poster and administered a nutrition pledge to women present at the event. He flagged off a Suposhan Rath, which will travel to different areas to spread awareness about balanced and nutritious diets from September 9 to October 8.
Focus on Women’s Economic Empowerment
Sai said the Mahatari Vandan Yojana provides monthly financial assistance of ₹1,000 to more than 68 lakh women. Through 31 instalments, more than ₹20,000 crore has been directly transferred into beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
He said women are using the assistance for education, savings, sewing machines, vegetable businesses, grocery shops and other livelihood activities, helping strengthen household finances.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that more than 13 lakh women in Chhattisgarh have become Lakhpati Didis, surpassing the state's target of eight lakh. Women are increasingly taking up roles such as Dealer Didi, Rani Mistri and Drone Didi, creating new income opportunities through construction and modern agricultural technology.
He also highlighted measures encouraging property ownership among women, including a 50 per cent concession in registration fees and a one per cent concession in stamp duty for property registered in women’s names.
The programme also included an Annaprashan ceremony, during which Sai fed kheer to young children and blessed them for a healthy and bright future.
Sai said the government was also working to ensure housing for needy families, noting that more than 18 lakh houses had been sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in the state over the past two-and-a-half years, with more than 11.5 lakh completed.
Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Rajwade also extended Teeja-Pora greetings and said the state government was committed to women’s welfare, dignity, economic empowerment, health and nutrition.
