Raipur, September 06, 2026: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today attended the Teeja-Pora festival programme in the capital, Raipur and said that the Teeja and Pora festivals are symbols of Chhattisgarh’s rich culture and traditions.
While Teeja is a festival connected to our mothers, sisters, families, and relationships, Pora is a festival honoring our farmers, the providers of food, as well as agriculture and livestock, he said.
Speaking at the event organized by the ‘Mor Mati’ Cultural Organization, Sai remarked that such folk festivals not only keep our culture alive across generations but also strengthen the bonds of affection and harmony within society.
Extending his advance greetings and best wishes to everyone for the Teeja-Pora festivals, the Chief Minister expressed happiness that the ‘Mor Mati’ Cultural Organization celebrates this occasion with grandeur and enthusiasm every year.
He noted that the most significant feature of this event is the participation of all communities and the spirit of harmony it fosters. Our festivals connect us to our roots while bringing us closer to one another.
He emphasized that women are accorded the highest respect in our culture. Our scriptures state: Yatra naryastu pujyante ramante tatra devatah (Where women are honoured, there the gods reside). The Teeja festival celebrates the sacrifice, penance, and dedication of mothers and sisters towards their families. On this day, women observe a fast, worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, listen to the traditional narrative, and keep a night-long awake, all while praying for their family’s happiness and prosperity and their husband’s longevity.
The Chief Minister added that India is a land of festivals, and these celebrations hold special significance in the culture of Chhattisgarh. Many of our festivals, including Ekadashi and Karma, carry underlying social and cultural messages. These traditions are an invaluable legacy left by our ancestors. It is the responsibility of us all to preserve and carry them forward so that future generations may also understand the importance of our culture and traditions and remain connected to them.
Sai stated that the state government is continuously working to bring prosperity to the lives of villagers, the poor, farmers, and women. In the very first cabinet meeting after the government was formed, approval was granted for 1.8 million houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Over the past two years, more than 1.1 million houses have been constructed, and approximately 1,600 houses are being built daily.
He noted that Chhattisgarh is an agrarian state. Paddy is being procured from farmers at a rate of Rs 3,100 per quintal, with a procurement limit of 21 quintals per acre.
The Chief Minister mentioned that, to ensure the economic empowerment of women, financial assistance of Rs 1,000 per month is being provided through the ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana,’ and 31 installments have been paid so far.
