Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav has called upon people to take pride in Indian culture and traditions, saying that preserving cultural heritage while pursuing development can help society progress.
Addressing the Bhojpal Garba Mahotsav at Jamboree Maidan in Bhopal on Thursday, CM Dr Yadav highlighted the cultural significance of Kanya Pujan, the worship of young girls, and Devi Pujan, the worship of goddesses. He said Indian traditions accord reverence to women in both their youthful and maternal forms.
“Women represent the divine feminine and are regarded as embodiments of strength,” the Chief Minister said, referring to the ongoing Navratri celebrations and the worship of Goddess Durga.
A still from the event featuring MP CM Dr Yadav
CM Dr Yadav said that people should remain connected to their cultural roots even as society becomes more modern and developed. He added that the government's approach to development was centred on preserving cultural heritage alongside progress.
The Chief Minister inaugurated the evening programme of the festival by lighting a ceremonial lamp.
CM calls for harmony, respect for women
Extending his Navratri greetings, CM Dr Yadav described Goddess Durga as a symbol of welfare and said that worship during the festival provides devotees with renewed energy.
He described Garba as a way of expressing the joy and peace associated with devotion to the divine feminine.
The Chief Minister urged people to use the festival as an opportunity to strengthen social harmony, respect women, support the poor and needy, and contribute to the development of Madhya Pradesh.
He said the nine forms of Goddess Durga convey messages of strength, courage and determination.
Cultural celebrations and community participation
CM Dr Yadav said festivals and traditions had conveyed important messages across generations, dating back to the time of India's sages and seers.
He noted that Garba celebrations had grown in scale, with large numbers of men and women participating in the festivities. Such events, he said, encouraged people to celebrate festivals collectively and incorporate sports and physical activities into their daily lives.
MP CM Dr Yadav addressing the event
The Chief Minister also spoke about the government's efforts to organise community celebrations throughout the year, citing kite festivals on Makar Sankranti, winter festivities in Bhopal and events marking Janmashtami.
He expressed the hope that India's cultural heritage and national standing would continue to gain recognition globally.
Vision for India by 2047
Referring to Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's leadership, CM Dr Yadav said India's standing and reputation had grown internationally, describing this as a matter of pride.
He expressed the hope that India would emerge as a leading nation across sectors by 2047, when the country will mark 100 years of independence.
The Chief Minister reiterated that cultural preservation and development should proceed together, with traditions remaining an integral part of the country's progress.
Organisers welcome Chief Minister
During the event, Vikas Virani, convenor of the Bhojpal Mahotsav Mela Samiti, along with committee president Sunil Yadav and Aman Yadav, welcomed the Chief Minister.
The organisers said the committee had been holding the Bhojpal Garba Mahotsav for the past three consecutive years, bringing people together to participate in the annual Navratri celebrations.