Chhath Puja is a festival of paying obeisance to, worshipping and expressing gratitude to nature: Energy Minister Anil Vij

Festivals, irrespective of religion or community, bring immense enthusiasm and joy: Energy Minister Anil Vij

A rigorous three-day waterless fast is observed during Chhath Puja for the good health of all, which is impossible without faith and discipline: Anil Vij

Energy Minister Anil Vij announces ₹10 lakh for the construction of a room, toilets, stage and other facilities at the Chhath Ghat, in addition to the ₹50 lakh already provided

Chandigarh, November 15: Haryana Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij said that India is a land of festivals, where numerous festivals such as Diwali, Holi and others are celebrated in accordance with our rich cultural traditions. Similarly, Chhath Puja is celebrated to worship Chhathi Maiya and offer Arghya (prayers) to the Sun God. Chhath is a festival dedicated to paying obeisance to nature, worshipping it and expressing gratitude towards it.

Sh. Vij was addressing devotees at a programme organised by the Mithilanchal Nav Yuvak Seva Samiti on the occasion of Chhath Puja at the permanent Chhath Ghat situated along the Tangri River in Chandpura, Ambala Cantonment, today. During the programme, the Energy Minister also announced a grant of ₹10 lakh from his discretionary fund for the construction of a room, toilets, a stage and other facilities at the Chhath Ghat.

Addressing the large gathering of devotees, Energy Minister Anil Vij said that Chhath Puja holds immense significance and is a festival deeply connected with nature. We all know that life on Earth is sustained by the Sun God. Offering Arghya to the setting Sun is an expression of gratitude for providing us with water, air, rivers and fertile fields. Through this ritual, we express our gratitude to the Sun God. The rising Sun is worshipped because it brings new enthusiasm, hope and energy.

He said that Chhath Puja involves standing in water at the riverbank, offering prayers with various plants and natural offerings carried on the head, and worshipping the Sun God. All these elements are closely connected with nature. We cannot survive without water, sunlight and vegetation. These are precious gifts of nature to humankind.

Festivals, irrespective of religion or community, bring immense enthusiasm and joy: Energy Minister Anil Vij

Energy Minister Anil Vij said that festivals, irrespective of religion or community, bring immense enthusiasm and happiness, with preparations beginning all around. Festivals are symbols of unity and convey the message of sharing happiness and celebrating together, thereby strengthening social harmony. Everyone becomes immersed in the festive spirit and experiences joy and happiness. This is a reflection of our unity.

He said that Chhathi Maiya, who is regarded as the sister of the Sun God, is worshipped with prayers for the good health of everyone. He added that devotees observe a rigorous three-day fast without consuming even water for the well-being of all. Such a difficult fast cannot be observed without deep faith, devotion and discipline.

Energy Minister Anil Vij had earlier provided ₹50 lakh for the construction of a permanent ghat and now announces another ₹10 lakh for a room, toilets, stage and other facilities

Energy Minister Anil Vij said that he had attended the Chhath festival earlier as well. Last year, he noticed that devotees were digging temporary pits in the ground to perform their rituals. At that time, he had promised to provide them with a permanent place for worship. Fulfilling that commitment, he had released ₹50 lakh from his discretionary fund to the Municipal Council for the construction of a permanent Chhath Ghat.

He said that seeing such a large gathering of devotees at the newly constructed permanent ghat today made it evident that the facility would need further expansion. Minister Vij said that there was a need for a room where devotees could change their clothes, toilets and a permanent stage at the ghat.

Making an announcement on the occasion, Energy Minister Anil Vij declared a grant of ₹10 lakh from his discretionary fund for these additional facilities. He said that the ghat would be further developed and made more beautiful and better equipped for the convenience of devotees.The Energy Minister further said that festivals belong to the entire nation. They are not confined to the East, West, North or South, but are celebrated across the country and should be observed together by everyone.

On this occasion, office-bearers of the Mithilanchal Nav Yuvak Seva Samiti welcomed Energy Minister Anil Vij by presenting him with a shawl and a memento.

Among those present were Municipal Council President Swarn Kaur, Councillor Jasbir Singh Jassi, Madan Lal Sharma, Vijender Chauhan, Ravi Jat, Harsh Bindra, Vikas Bahgal, Surender Bindra, Fakir Chand Saini, Renu Chauhan, Somnath, Anuj Yadav and a large number of devotees.