TFP Bureau, Raipur, December 27, 2025: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, accompanied by his wife, attended the five-day Divine Shri Hanumant Katha at Jayanti Stadium Ground in Bhilai on Saturday, joining thousands of devotees in prayers and spiritual discourse. The religious programme, organised by the Seva Samarpan Samiti, is being held from December 25 to December 29 and has drawn large participation from across the state.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said it was a matter of great fortune for the people of Chhattisgarh to receive the blessings of Pandit Shri Dhirendra Krishna Shastri Maharaj. He highlighted the state’s profound spiritual heritage, noting that Lord Rama spent a significant part of his exile in Chhattisgarh and that the land is also associated with Mata Shabari, whose devotion remains an enduring symbol of faith and humility.
Referring to the Shri Ram Lala Ayodhya Dham Yojana, Shri Sai said that more than 38,000 devotees from Chhattisgarh have already been taken to Ayodhya Dham for darshan of Lord Rama, with the pilgrimage programme continuing. He also spoke about the revival of the Chief Minister’s Pilgrimage Darshan Scheme, which had remained closed for the past five years and has now been restarted. Under the scheme, around 5,000 senior citizens have so far benefited, with elderly devotees being facilitated to visit 19 major pilgrimage centres across the country.
The Chief Minister also underlined the state government’s focus on women empowerment through the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, under which eligible women receive Rs. 1,000 per month. He said nearly 70 lakh women are currently benefiting from the scheme. Citing a notable example, Shri Sai mentioned that women from Dansara village in Sarangarh district are collectively contributing the assistance received under the scheme towards the construction of a Lord Rama temple, reflecting the spirit of devotion and community participation.
Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, who also addressed the gathering, said the vision of a united and strong India articulated by Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri would one day be realised. He observed that the enthusiastic participation of people in such spiritual events signals a time of national awakening and growing confidence in India’s role as a global leader.
During the programme, Chief Minister Shri Sai and his wife participated in the aarti and prayed for peace, prosperity and happiness in the state. The event witnessed the presence of Vice Chairman of the Backward Classes Development Authority and MLA Shri Lalit Chandrakar, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Khadi Board Shri Rakesh Pandey, former MP Ms. Saroj Pandey, former MLAs Shri Labhchand Bafna and Shri Arun Vora, members of the organising committee, public representatives, prominent citizens and a large number of devotees.
The Divine Shri Hanumant Katha continues to be a focal point of spiritual discourse and collective devotion, reinforcing Chhattisgarh’s rich cultural and religious traditions.
