Uttarakhand CM Dhami offers prayers on Shravan Somwar, urges voter participation in Panchayat polls

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, accompanied by his wife Geeta Dhami, offered prayers to Lord Mahadev on the third Monday of Shravan, a holy month in the Hindu calendar dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The Chief Minister prayed for the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of the people of the state.

On the occasion, CM Dhami said he prayed to Bholenath “for the wishes of all devotees to be fulfilled and for positive energy to be transmitted into their lives.”

Shravan, the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar, began this year on July 11 and will conclude on August 9. It is considered one of the most sacred periods in Hinduism, particularly for devotees of Lord Shiva. Mondays (Somwars) during this month are regarded as especially auspicious, while Tuesdays (Mangalwars) are devoted to worshipping Goddess Parvati, Shiva’s consort.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Dhami also called on residents to actively participate in the ongoing second phase of voting in the three-tier Panchayat elections being held across Uttarakhand.

As per the schedule released by the State Election Commission, Panchayat elections are taking place in 12 districts of the state, with the exception of Haridwar. CM Dhami highlighted the critical role of local governance, stating, “Development schemes are run in rural areas through the three-tier Panchayat system.”

He emphasized the importance of public participation in grassroots democracy, noting, “Panchayats are the foundation of rural development, and the participation of every voter in these elections is crucial.” Appealing to citizens, he added, “I urge all voters, especially young people, women, and senior citizens, to strengthen democracy by turning out in large numbers at the polling stations.”

The Panchayat elections in Uttarakhand are being held in two phases. The first phase took place on July 24, while the second phase is being conducted today, July 28. The counting of votes is scheduled for July 31.