TFP Bureau,Raipur, January 15, 2026: Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai on Wednesday inaugurated the three-day Tatapani Festival in Balrampur district, marking the occasion with major announcements aimed at strengthening faith-based tourism, local culture and regional development. Addressing a large gathering on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, the Chief Minister described the festival as a symbol of Indian culture, unity and prosperity, rooted in the tradition of sun worship.
Extending warm greetings to the people of the state on Makar Sankranti, Lohri and Pongal, Shri Sai announced a permanent annual grant of ₹25 lakh for the Tatapani Festival, calling it an important step towards preserving cultural heritage and promoting tourism in the region. He offered prayers at the ancient Shiva platform in the Tapeshwar Mahadev Temple परिसर and sought happiness, prosperity and well-being for the people of Chhattisgarh.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development works worth approximately ₹667 crore, giving a major boost to infrastructure in Balrampur district. Among the key announcements were the construction of a transit hostel for women government employees, a building for the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), and a district registration office building at the district headquarters.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Sai said that his government has completed two years in office and is fulfilling every promise made to the people with full commitment. He said eligible beneficiaries are being provided permanent houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, while farmers are now receiving fair returns for their hard work. Highlighting welfare initiatives, he said over 70 lakh women are receiving monthly assistance of ₹1,000 under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, and more than five lakh landless agricultural labourers are being provided ₹10,000 each under the Deendayal Upadhyaya Landless Agricultural Labourer Welfare Scheme.
The Chief Minister also noted that more than 40,000 devotees have so far benefited from the Shri Ram Lalla Ayodhya Dham Darshan Yojana, under which pilgrims are being taken to Ayodhya. He said such schemes reflect the government’s resolve to ensure inclusive development while respecting cultural and spiritual values.
Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam, Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade and Member of Parliament Shri Chintamani Maharaj also addressed the programme, highlighting the significance of the Tatapani Festival and the development initiatives being undertaken in the district.
Later, Shri Sai celebrated Makar Sankranti with school children by flying kites near the iconic 60-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva at Tatapani. The moment created a festive and emotional atmosphere, reflecting the joy of the children and the cultural spirit of the occasion.
The Chief Minister also extended his blessings to 200 newly married couples united under the Chief Minister’s Kanya Vivah Yojana, wishing them a life filled with happiness, trust and prosperity.
Encouraging traditional skills and rural livelihoods, Shri Sai turned the potter’s wheel along with artisan Shri Shiv Mangal of village Ara in Rajpur development block, sending a strong message of support to craftsmen and traditional occupations.
He also visited various departmental exhibitions at the venue, where stalls showcasing tribal cuisine, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Atal Digital Suvidha Kendra, road safety, cyber awareness and innovative ideas such as ‘Jugaad from Junk’ reflected the state’s journey from tradition to modern development.
Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal, MLAs Smt. Uddeshwari Pankra, Smt. Shakuntala Porte and Shri Anuj Sharma, Chairman of the Forest Development Corporation Shri Ram Sevak Pankra, several public representatives and a large number of citizens were present at the event, which combined cultural celebration with a strong message of progress and inclusive development.
