Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel greets the people of Chhattisgarh on ‘Hareli Tihar’

Raipur, 

Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel extends his greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of ‘Hareli Tihar’. He highlights that Hareli Tihar brings joy and prosperity to all. In his message, Mr. Baghel emphasises that the festivals in Chhattisgarh vividly showcases the state's culture. ‘Hareli Tihar’, unique to Chhattisgarh, is the first agricultural festival of the state and holds immense significance in the lives of its people. During this festival, farming tools are worshipped, symbolising the prayer for abundant and good harvests. By venerating Mother Earth on this day, people express gratitude for her role in sustaining us.

Chief Minister Mr. Baghel highlighted the vibrant celebrations of Hareli Tihar in rural areas, where various agricultural tools such as ‘naagar’(plough), geti (pickaxe), ‘kudali’, and ‘fawda’(shovel) are meticulously cleaned and worshipped. Following ancient customs, neem leaves are planted outside homes for protection. A traditional feature of Hareli is playing Gedi, and this year, the Forest Department has made ‘Gedi’ available for purchase at C-Mart, enabling people of urban areas to engage with their ancestral traditions and contribute to the economic progress of people of rural areas. Mr. Baghel announced that the Chhattisgarh Government has declared a public holiday on the day of the ‘Hareli Tihar’ to strengthen the connection between the people and their traditions. It is gratifying to note that the enthusiasm and fervour of Hareli Tihar, a folk festival of Chhattisgarh, have now spread to foreign countries as well. Overseas Indians celebrate Hareli Tihar with great enthusiasm, promoting and sharing their culture worldwide.

Chief Minister Mr. Baghel shared that the Chhattisgarh Government has made significant efforts to preserve the state's culture and traditions. Three years ago, on the occasion of ‘Hareli Tihar’, the state government launched the ambitious and distinctive 'Godhan NYAY Yojana' in the state. In 2022, the state government started a new initiative to procure ‘gau-mutra' (cow urine) to promote organic farming and economic empowerment. This year, the state government has decided to commence the Chhattisgarh Olympics on the auspicious day of ‘Hareli Tihar’.

Chief Minister Mr. Baghel emphasised the farmer's prosperity as an important factor in ensuring overall happiness and prosperity for the people of Chhattisgarh. The state is actively strengthening the rural economy by reviving traditional resources through initiatives such as ‘Narva, Garuva, Ghurva, Bari Yojana, Godhan NYAY Yojana, and ‘Roka-Chheka Abhiyan’. The state government has established Gauthans, designed as rural livelihood centres, to support this endeavour. The Chief Minister stressed that preserving and passing on traditions to future generations is a collective responsibility. It is hoped that all citizens of the state will actively participate in realising the vision of a vibrant and prosperous Chhattisgarh.