Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Nayab Singh Saini participated in the state-level Chhath Puja festival organized at the holy Brahmasarovar in Kurukshetra district today. He extended his heartfelt wishes for a joyous Chhath festival, which is both a celebration of Sun worship and a vibrant folk tradition.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister expressed pride in witnessing the faith and grandeur of the Chhath festival at Brahmasarovar, a revered pilgrimage site where devotees from across the country and abroad take a dip during solar eclipses. He highlighted that Chhath Puja is one of the most sacred festivals dedicated to Surya Narayan, the Sun God, who represents energy and the life force.
The festival, he emphasized, is celebrated with the belief that it fulfills wishes and brings prosperity and progress. The practice of sun worship reflects the deep connection between Indian culture, faith, and nature, underscoring the vital role sunlight plays in our lives.
Discussing the connection between Chhath Puja and Haryana, the Chief Minister noted that according to tradition, the festival dates back to the Mahabharata era, with Suryaputra Karna being the first to honor the Sun God. He mentioned that Karnal, the city associated with the legendary Karna, lies just 35 km from Kurukshetra.
Even today, the influence of Surya Puja is strongly felt in Karnal. He further shared that the Haryana government has built a bathing ghat at a cost of Rs 4.48 crore on the Western Yamuna Canal, opposite the Suryanarayan Temple in Karnal, and an additional ghat has been constructed under the Smart City project nearby. These ghats serve as important sites for worship during the Chhath festival, with a large number of women participating in the rituals.
*Chhath Festival: A Prime Example of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat*
Mr. Saini remarked that Chhath festival exemplifies the spirit of "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat." Originating in Purvanchal, the festival has transcended regional boundaries and is now celebrated nationwide. He credited the hardworking people of Purvanchal for their contributions to the economy across various states, adding that Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has recognized Chhath as a national festival.
He further explained the challenges of obtaining clean water for Chhath Puja, especially in areas without canals. In such places, people often create temporary ponds to perform the rituals. The Haryana government is working to ensure adequate water sources for these occasions. He acknowledged the significant contributions of the Purvanchal community to Haryana's development.
*Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Initiative for Women Empowerment*
The Chief Minister also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his initiatives aimed at empowering women, such as the provision of reserving 33 percent seats in both the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha for women. On the occasion of Chhath Puja, he expressed pride that the people of Purvanchal have embraced the "Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao" movement.
He noted the numerous welfare schemes launched in the last decade under the Prime Minister’s leadership, including worker safety measures, accident insurance, and financial assistance for social concerns. Under the Kanyadan Scheme, the families of labourers are given a Kanyadan of Rs 51,000 for every marriage of up to three daughters and Rs 50,000 for arranging the marriage.
Similarly, a Shagun amount of Rs 21,000 is also given on the marriage of the son and self.Mr. Nayab Singh Saini said that under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Nirman Shramik Samman Yojana, all the registered labour sisters are given an annual financial assistance of Rs 5100 for clothes and their personal needs.
Apart from this, financial assistance of Rs 4500 is provided to women workers to buy sewing machine and Rs 36,000 after delivery. He said that the Haryana government is committed to the safety, protection and empowerment of all citizens including the people of Purvanchal.On this occasion, thousands of devotees including former minister Shri Subhash Sudha were present.