Chandigarh- Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Nayab Singh Saini attended the Chhath Mahaparva Mahotsav as the chief guest at a program organized in Karnal on Thursday.
The Chief Minister began by offering prayers and receiving blessings at the Lord Surya Dev temple on the banks of the Western Yamuna Canal.During the event, the Chief Minister graciously accepted the requests of the organizing committee and announced a grant of Rs 21 lakh from his discretionary fund.
Addressing the gathered devotees, he expressed his gratitude, saying, "It is my great fortune to participate in the Chhath Mahaparva Mahotsav in Karnal, the city of Surya Putra Mahavir-Danveer Karna. I extend heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the mothers and sisters on this auspicious Chhath Mahaparva. May Chhath Maiya always bless you with happiness and prosperity."The Chief Minister highlighted how this traditional Purvanchal festival has transcended regional boundaries and is now celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country.
The Chief Minister emphasized that Chhath Mahaparva conveys a message of love for nature, the importance of keeping our water and air clean, and fostering social harmony. He highlighted that the tradition of worshipping Lord Surya (the Sun) reflects our deep cultural and spiritual connection with nature. Through Chhath Puja, we are reminded of the significance of sunlight in our lives. He said, "While everyone worships the rising sun, Chhath Puja honors every form of the sun, including the setting sun, which is remarkable. This teaches us to approach both the highs and lows of life with the same spirit."He said that Chhath Puja is revered as the most sacred festival dedicated to sun worship. Devotees honor Surya Narayan, the deity of energy and life, seeking blessings for prosperity, fulfillment, and progress. As part of this ritual, devotees stand in water and offer prayers to Lord Surya Narayan, strengthening within us a sense of duty to maintain the cleanliness of the holy waters where we worship.
The Chief Minister said that, similar to Navratri, Chhath Mahaparva is celebrated twice a year—first in the month of Chaitra and again in the month of Kartik. He noted that Chhath Puja also has historical roots connected to Haryana. According to tradition, the festival dates back to the Mahabharata era, with Surya Putra Karna being the first to worship the Sun God. Even today, the influence of Surya Puja remains prominent in this region. He emphasized that this festival conveys a powerful message of mutual love and equality, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness among all.The Chief Minister stated that the establishment of the Lord Suryanarayan Temple is a testament to the enduring faith and devotion of the people. Recognizing the tradition of thousands of devotees gathering here each year to celebrate Chhath festival, the Haryana government constructed a bathing ghat on the Western Yamuna Canal at a cost of Rs 4.48 crore. He said that it is a matter of great joy that an additional ghat has been developed under the Smart City project on the opposite side of the canal. Today, a large number of women are offering prayers at these ghats, reflecting the devotion and significance of this festival in the community.The Chief Minister praised the women of Purvanchal families, recognizing them as hardworking and devoted, performing significant penance for the well-being of their families. This dedication is exemplified during Chhath Puja, when they stand in water for hours to worship Lord Surya Narayan. Today, many mothers and sisters are continuing this practice, embodying faith, endurance, patience, and courage. He expressed pride in their contributions, stating that they have realized the vision of "Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao" through their strength and commitment.
The Chief Minister stated that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi and the guiding principle of "Shramev Jayate, " numerous initiatives have been launched over the past ten years to ensure the safety, dignity, and prosperity of the underprivileged. Workplace safety for laborers has been significantly enhanced, and accident insurance is provided along with financial assistance to address their social needs. Through the Kanyadan Scheme, the families of workers receive Rs 51, 000 as "Kanyadan" for each of up to three daughters' marriages, along with an additional Rs 50, 000 to support marriage arrangements. Additionally, a shagun amount of Rs 21, 000 is provided for the marriage of a son or for the worker's own marriage.The Chief Minister highlighted that, under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Nirman Shramik Samman Yojana, all registered women workers receive an annual financial assistance of Rs 5, 100 to support their clothing and personal needs. Additionally, Rs 4, 500 is provided to help women workers purchase sewing machines, and Rs 36, 000 is granted after childbirth to support postnatal care. In the event of an accident at the workplace, the Labor Welfare Board provides immediate financial assistance of up to Rs 3 lakh. The disability pension for workers has been raised to Rs 3, 000, with an additional Rs 1, 000 provided after the age of 60. Under the Mukhyamantri Social Security Scheme, the family of a registered worker is given Rs 5 lakh in case of accidental death during work. He further said that the Haryana Unorganized Workers Social Security Board has been established to ensure the welfare of workers in the unorganized sector. Additionally, longstanding issues in the minimum wage system have been addressed to enhance workers' rights and security.