Makar Sankranti Symbolizes Indian Culture, Unity and Prosperity: Chief Minister Shri Sai

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai today inaugurated the three-day Tatapani Festival in Balrampur district with a grand ceremony. Addressing the gathering on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, he said that the festival of Sun worship represents Indian culture, unity, and prosperity. He extended warm greetings to the people of the state on Makar Sankranti, Lohri, and Pongal. On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced an annual grant of Rs. 25 lakh for the Tatapani Festival to provide sustained support to faith, tourism, and local culture. He also performed rituals at the ancient Shiva platform at the Tapeswar Mahadev Temple, praying for the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of the people of the state.

The Chief Minister announced the construction of a transit hostel for government women employees, a building for DIET operations, and a district registration office building at the Balrampur district headquarters. He also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development works worth over Rs. 655 crore, giving a major boost to development in the district.

Addressing the program, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that two years of the state government have been completed and every promise made to the people of Chhattisgarh is being fulfilled with full commitment. He stated that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, permanent houses are being provided to all eligible beneficiaries. Farmers are now receiving fair prices for their produce. More than 7 million women are being given Rs. 1,000 per month under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana. Over 5 lakh landless farmers are receiving Rs. 10,000 each under the Deendayal Upadhyay Landless Agricultural Labourer Welfare Scheme. Under the Shri Ram Lalla Ayodhya Dham Darshan Yojana, more than 40,000 devotees have so far undertaken pilgrimages to Ayodhya.

Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam, Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, and Member of Parliament Shri Chintamani Maharaj also addressed the event.

The Chief Minister celebrated Makar Sankranti by flying kites with schoolchildren near the 60-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva at Tatapani, creating a joyful and emotionally uplifting atmosphere.

Under the Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Yojana, Shri Sai extended his blessings and best wishes to 200 newly married couples, wishing them a future filled with love, trust, and prosperity.

Promoting traditional pottery and rural handicrafts, the Chief Minister honored artisans by personally operating the potter’s wheel alongside potter Shri Shivmangal from village Ara in Rajpur block, boosting confidence and enthusiasm among craftsmen.

The Chief Minister also visited the exhibition set up by various departments at the venue, witnessing a vibrant blend of tradition and development. Stalls showcasing tribal cuisine, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Atal Digital Service Centers, road safety, cyber awareness, and innovations such as “waste-to-wealth” reflected Chhattisgarh’s progress while staying rooted in its cultural heritage.

Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal, MLAs Smt. Uddeshwari Paikra and Smt. Shakuntala Porte, Forest Development Corporation Chairman Shri Ram Sewak Paikra, MLA Shri Anuj Sharma, several public representatives, and a large number of citizens were present at the event.