Respect for all living and non-living beings is inherent in Chhattisgarh's culture: CM Sai

A magnificent traditional celebration of Hareli Tihar was held at the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister’s residence in Civil Lines, Raipur on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

The entire premises were beautifully decorated with elements depicting rural life, capturing the true spirit of Chhattisgarh’s agrarian heritage.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai addressed the gathering, reiterating his government’s unwavering focus on farmers' welfare and prosperity. He said that Hareli Tihar is a festival deeply rooted in the traditions, natural harmony, and agricultural ethos of Chhattisgarh, connecting people with their origins. “Today, the entire state is immersed in the joyful celebration of Hareli, and the Chief Minister’s residence too reverberated with festive fervour and traditional spirit,” he said.

He further noted that the festival is celebrated uniquely across different regions of the state. “From Bastar to Sarguja, each region celebrates Hareli in its own unique manner, yet the underlying spirit remains the same—faith and enthusiasm. Just as nature takes care of us, we too must care for nature. Hareli is not merely a festival of agriculture; it is a celebration of greenery and reverence for nature. May the blessings of Chhattisgarh Mahtari continue to shower upon us, and may all our farmer brothers remain happy and prosperous. That is my heartfelt prayer,” he said.

Highlighting a major policy decision, Chief Minister Shri Sai shared that the state government has decided to procure paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal with a procurement limit of 21 quintals per acre, directly benefiting farmers. “We have envisioned a developed Chhattisgarh by the year 2047, and in this direction, we have also prepared a comprehensive Vision Document. Our government is committed to eradicating corruption from the state in all forms,” he added.

Speaker of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, Dr. Raman Singh, also addressed the event and extended festive greetings. He said, “Hareli is a celebration of the culture, traditions, and agrarian life of Chhattisgarh. This festival echoes the values embedded in our relationship with nature, agriculture, and livestock. It is widely believed that on this auspicious day, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati descend to the earth to visit the farmers and inspect their fields. Hence, farmers worship their agricultural tools, ploughs, oxen, and fields with great reverence on this day.”

Dr. Singh commended the state’s achievements under the current leadership. “More than Rs 90,000 crore has been disbursed to farmers through minimum support price procurement and various schemes. This is the largest-ever initiative for farmers undertaken by any state in India. It is a testament to the fact that Chhattisgarh has a Chief Minister who does not merely make announcements but honours the hard work of farmers in tangible ways,” he said.

The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao, Shri Vijay Sharma, Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Agriculture Minister Shri Ram Vichar Netam, Revenue Minister Shri Tank Ram Verma, Women and Child Development Minister Mrs. Laxmi Rajwade, MLAs, chairpersons of corporations and commissions, and several public representatives and dignitaries.