Raipur: Chhattisgarh celebrated its first major folk festival, Hareli Tihar, with traditional fervour at the Chief Minister’s residence in Nava Raipur. The celebration brought together the state’s rich folk culture, agricultural traditions and rural way of life, while also highlighting modern farming technology and farmer welfare initiatives.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai performed traditional rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva, cows and agricultural tools and prayed for good rainfall, a healthy harvest and prosperity for the people of Chhattisgarh.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai Arrives in Pink Auto
The celebration began in a unique manner as Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh arrived at the venue in a pink auto-rickshaw driven by woman driver Sangeeta Yadav.
The Chief Minister, dressed in traditional Chhattisgarhi attire, interacted with people and joined the celebrations, adding a personal touch to the festival.
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Traditional Puja of Lord Shiva and Agricultural Tools
The main ceremony began with Vedic chants and the worship of Gauri-Ganesh and Navgraha.
The Chief Minister subsequently performed the Jalabhishek of a Shivling and worshipped traditional agricultural implements, including:
- Nangal
- Rapa
- Kudali
- Spade
Greeting the people of Chhattisgarh on Hareli, CM Sai described the festival as an important expression of the state’s agricultural culture and gratitude towards nature.
He said the prosperity of farmers is closely linked to the well-being of villages and the overall prosperity of Chhattisgarh.
CM Performs Gau Seva at Cowshed
The Chief Minister and Dr Raman Singh also visited the cowshed at the Chief Minister’s residence and performed Gau Aarti.
They fed the cow and calf with green fodder, gram-jaggery and the traditional dish ‘Londi’.
CM Sai highlighted the importance of livestock in rural life and agriculture, saying that protecting livestock is an important part of Chhattisgarh’s cultural responsibility.
₹16 Lakh Subsidy Cheque Given to Farmer
The Hareli celebration also showcased the integration of traditional agriculture with modern farming technology.
Chief Minister Sai handed over a ₹16 lakh subsidy cheque to Raipur farmer Indra Kumar Verma towards the purchase of a harvester machine.
The initiative highlighted the government’s efforts to support farmers in adopting modern agricultural equipment.
CM Interacts with ‘Drone Didi’
At the Agriculture Department’s stall, CM Sai interacted with ‘Drone Didi’ Chandrakali Verma and learned about the use of drones in agriculture.
Chandrakali demonstrated the use of drones for spraying nano urea and pesticides.
The Chief Minister appreciated the initiative and described agricultural drone services as an important step towards women’s empowerment and self-reliance.
Raman Singh Highlights Farmer Welfare
Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh praised the state government’s efforts towards strengthening agriculture and improving the economic well-being of farmers.
He said that the real progress of Chhattisgarh depends on prosperous farmers, full granaries and the development of rural areas.
Raman Singh also highlighted the government’s paddy procurement policy and referred to the ₹3,100 per quintal procurement rate, describing it as an important measure in the interest of farmers.
Traditional Games and Chhattisgarhi Cuisine Add to Celebrations
The Chief Minister’s residence was decorated with mango and neem leaves, marigold flowers and rural artworks to create a traditional festive atmosphere.
Several traditional Chhattisgarhi games were organised, including:
- Gedi
- Billas
- Goti
- Bati
- Rahchuli
Folk artists performed to the beats of the mandar, with Chief Minister Sai also joining the celebrations.
Guests were served traditional Chhattisgarhi delicacies such as Thethri, Khurmi and Bada.
Tree Plantation Gives Environmental Message
The festival also carried a strong message of environmental conservation.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai and Dr Raman Singh planted a Parijat sapling at the Chief Minister’s residence.
Ministers and senior officials also participated in the plantation drive and took a pledge to contribute towards increasing greenery and protecting the environment.
Hareli Tihar Highlights Agriculture and Nature
CM Sai said Hareli is not merely a festival but a symbol of Chhattisgarh’s faith in nature and agriculture.
He expressed his wish for good rainfall, better agricultural production and prosperity across the state.
The celebrations brought together agriculture, folk traditions, farmer welfare, women’s empowerment, modern technology and environmental conservation, reflecting the broader significance of Hareli Tihar in Chhattisgarh.
Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam, Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Rajwade, Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma, legislators, senior officials and other dignitaries were also present at the event.
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