Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Lucknow, October 27 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that Chhath Puja, the great festival of folk faith, is not only a medium of spiritual upliftment but also a symbol of social unity, ancient Indian heritage and harmony with nature.
CM Yogi Adityanath attended the grand program organized at Chhath Ghat on the banks of river Gomati at Laxman Mela Ground. During the program he enjoyed Chhath songs and unveiled Bhojpuri Sandesh souvenir.
The Chief Minister filled the atmosphere with enthusiasm while addressing the devotees in Bhojpuri. He said that no drainage or sewer from Lucknow will fall into the Gomti river; Gomti will be clean between Pilibhit and Ghazipur.
CM Yogi said that the great festival of Chhath connects the Bhojpuri community living all over the world on the path of self-purification and public welfare.
Extending his greetings in Bhojpuri, he said, “Chhath Maiya’s blessings remain normal for everyone, every day there is happiness, prosperity and happiness in everyone’s family. We eat only from Chhathi Maiya. Aashirvaad maangat aani. As many people visit the temple, we wish to receive blessings from the Mother Goddess so that everyone can fulfill their dreams.”
CM Yogi said that this festival represents the ancient heritage of India and teaches harmony with nature. He praised the four days of rigorous devotion, especially the penance of women, saying that the festival is associated with family prosperity and public welfare.
The Chief Minister said that this tradition, which has been going on since ancient times, has now spread all over India. Lakhs of devotees are participating in it from eastern Uttar Pradesh to western areas.
Giving the example of Ghaziabad and Noida, he said that 50,000 to 1,00,000 devotees are celebrating Chhath there.
CM Yogi said that there is no such temple, pond or lake where devotees are not connected. This unity is not only cultural but also gives the message of national unity. He said that this festival connects us and strengthens social bonds.
CM Yogi said that no country can develop unless its citizens are connected with their national duties. Linking the Swachh Bharat Mission with Chhath, he said that this campaign, started in 2014 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has become the foundation of environmental protection.
CM Yogi urged people to stop indiscriminate use of single-use plastic and polythene and reduce waste.
He urged people to eliminate sources of pollution and avoid throwing garbage in rivers or drains. If everyone follows this then more than half the problem will be solved.
He emphasized that cleanliness is not just the responsibility of the administration but the duty of every citizen. The nation cannot progress without citizens performing their national duties. He said that such collective efforts will help in realizing the vision of a developed, self-reliant India.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that in the last two years there have been complaints of low water level and foul smell in the Gomti River, but this time the situation has improved due to the efforts of the administration, irrigation department, municipal corporation and voluntary organizations.
He said that a meeting was held a month ago and the All India Bhojpuri Society had launched a cleanliness campaign. As a result, now the water of Gomti is clean and sufficient.
He said that if the water given in Arghya is not pure then how can God accept it? Just as the place of worship should be clean, the river should also be clean.
CM Yogi said, “Within one to one and a half years, no drain or sewer from Lucknow will fall into Gomti. The river will be clean and uninterrupted between Pilibhit and Ghazipur.”
He appealed to the devotees to conduct a cleanliness drive on Tuesday morning after the festival. This is the national duty and responsibility of every resident of Lucknow and the state.
In the program, the CM praised the officials of All India Bhojpuri Samaj for taking the organization to new heights despite the challenges.
The Chief Minister mentioned the tradition of celebrating Chhath from homes to river banks and wished everyone, praying Chhathi Maiya to fulfill everyone’s wishes and bring happiness and prosperity to families and society.
On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Mayor Sushma Kharwal, All India Bhojpuri Samaj President Prabhunath Rai, former Secretary to the Prime Minister of Mauritius Suresh Rambaran and many local public representatives and officials were present.
–IANS
and/uk