Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], February 27 (ANI): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday addressed the grand closing ceremony of Rajim Kumbh Kalp, reaffirming its status as a sacred confluence of spirituality, social harmony, and cultural unity.Speaking at the ceremony, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai emphasized that Rajim Kumbh Kalp is not just a religious congregation but a monumental celebration of Chhattisgarh's rich traditions, heritage, and devotion.

'From Magh Purnima to Mahashivratri, thousands of devotees gather at the Triveni Sangam to take a holy dip and seek blessings from revered saints. This festival embodies the soul of our state, fostering unity, devotion, and cultural pride,' Sai stated.

He highlighted that Rajim Kumbh Kalp was first initiated in 2005, gaining immense support from the people and the blessings of saints. However, disruptions in recent years had impacted its traditional form. 'In 2023, the people of Chhattisgarh reinstated their trust in us, allowing the festival to reclaim its former grandeur. We have expanded the event to 54 acres, ensuring improved infrastructure and a larger, more inclusive gathering for devotees,' he said.

Chief Minister Sai reaffirmed the government's commitment to further expanding and elevating Rajim Kumbh Kalp, making it one of India's premier spiritual and cultural events.

Speaking about Ramlala Darshan Yojana, CM Sai said that the government is facilitating pilgrimages to Ayodhya Dham and Kashi Vishwanath, with over 20,000 devotees benefiting from the initiative so far.

'The consecration of Shri Ramlala in Ayodhya, after 500 years of devotion and struggle, is a historic milestone for our nation. We are proud to help devotees from Chhattisgarh witness this divine moment,' he stated.

Further he added, 'Last year, we procured 145 lakh metric tons of paddy. This year, we surpassed it with 149 lakh metric tons. Our promise to buy paddy at Rs3,100 per quintal and ensure direct payments to farmers within a week has been fulfilled.'

Drawing inspiration from the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, where over 70 crore devotees participated, CM Sai outlined his vision for scaling up Rajim Kumbh Kalp to national prominence. He said that Chhattisgarh had secured 4.5 acres of land in Prayagraj, where a dedicated Chhattisgarh Pavilion had been established. Over 25,000 devotees from the state benefited from free accommodation, meals, and spiritual services at this facility.

'This initiative strengthens Chhattisgarh's religious and cultural footprint on a national level, ensuring our heritage receives the recognition it deserves,' he added.

Chief Minister Sai praised the role of folk artists and cultural performers, who enhanced the vibrancy of Rajim Kumbh Kalp with their spectacular performances. He assured that state support for cultural and religious festivals will continue, ensuring better infrastructure, accessibility, and facilities for devotees in the coming years.

'Rajim Kumbh Kalp is a testament to our faith, culture, and social unity. It connects us to our roots and keeps our Sanatan traditions alive for future generations,' he stated.

Addressing the gathering, Food Minister Dayaldas Baghel emphasized that Rajim Kumbh is a cultural heritage that must be preserved and promoted. Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap urged collective efforts to protect sacred rivers and water bodies.

The ceremony was attended by Kurud MLA Ajay Chandrakar, Rajim MLA Rohit Sahu, Basna MLA Sampat Agarwal, Abhanpur MLA Indra Kumar Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary Subrat Sahu, Raipur Divisional Commissioner Mahadev Kavre, Chhattisgarh Tourism MD Vivek Acharya, and Gariaband Collector Deepak Kumar Agarwal, along with eminent saints, religious leaders, and thousands of devotees. (ANI)