Chief Minister performs Shankh Abhishek at ISKCON temple in Raipur; says government committed to developing major religious centres and promoting pilgrimage tourism
TFP Bureau, Raipur, September 5, 2026: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday said the life and teachings of Lord Shri Krishna continue to inspire society to follow the path of righteousness, duty and public welfare. He made the remarks while attending the grand Shri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations at the ISKCON Shri Shri Radha Rasbihari Ji Temple in Tatibandh, Raipur.
The Chief Minister offered prayers and performed Shankh Abhishek to Lord Shri Krishna and Radharani, seeking happiness, prosperity and well-being for the people of Chhattisgarh. He also joined devotees in chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra amid a deeply devotional atmosphere.
Greeting people on Janmashtami, Sai said the festival was not merely an occasion to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna, but also an opportunity to imbibe his ideals and philosophy. He said Lord Krishna’s message of Karma Yoga in the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita continues to guide humanity to perform its duties with determination despite challenges.
The Chief Minister said Krishna’s life teaches people to stand against injustice, uphold righteousness and support weaker sections of society. These values, he added, remain relevant for building a responsible and welfare-oriented society.
Chhattisgarh’s religious heritage to receive greater focus
Sai highlighted Chhattisgarh’s long-standing religious, spiritual and cultural heritage, describing it as a priceless legacy that must be preserved and passed on to future generations.
He said the state, associated with Mata Kaushalya and Lord Shri Ram, has a rich network of temples, pilgrimage centres and folk traditions. Along with prominent Shiva temples such as Bhoramdev, Gandheshwar Mahadev, Madheshwar Mahadev and Kuleshwar Mahadev, the state is home to important centres of Shakti worship, including Maa Bamleshwari, Maa Mahamaya of Ratanpur, Mata Danteshwari and Maa Chandrahasini.
The government, he said, is working to improve facilities for devotees and give major religious destinations a more grand and organised form.
The Bhoramdev temple area is being developed at an estimated cost of around ₹150 crore under the PRASHAD scheme. According to the Chief Minister, the project will strengthen religious tourism while creating opportunities for local employment and livelihoods.
Government schemes facilitating pilgrimage
Sai said the government was working to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent devotees from visiting important pilgrimage destinations.
Referring to the Shri Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana, he said more than 50,000 devotees from Chhattisgarh had so far been facilitated to visit Ayodhya Dham following the consecration of Ram Lalla at the Shri Ram Temple.
He also highlighted the Mukhyamantri Tirtha Darshan Yojana, under which senior citizens of the state are being provided opportunities to visit major pilgrimage centres across the country.
The Chief Minister said promotion of religious and cultural tourism would serve a dual purpose—preserving Chhattisgarh’s heritage while strengthening local economies. Improved facilities at pilgrimage sites, he added, would create new opportunities for youth, self-help groups, small traders and artisans.
Three-day ISKCON festival draws devotees
The grand Shri Krishna Janmashtami festival is being organised from September 3 to 5 to mark the 26th year of ISKCON Raipur. The celebrations include worship rituals, bhajan-kirtan and other religious programmes, with large numbers of devotees participating and seeking the blessings of Lord Krishna and Radharani.
Revenue Minister Tankram Verma, MLA Purandar Mishra, ISKCON Raipur office-bearers, saints and a large number of devotees were present at the celebrations.
