CM Dhami Attends Chhath Puja Celebrations In Khatima

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday participated in the Surya Shashti Vrat Mahotsav organised by the Purvanchal Seva Samiti at Sanjay Railway Park, Khatima. The Chief Minister attended the celebration as the chief guest and offered prayers to the setting sun, wishing for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of the people of Uttarakhand.

Our correspondent reports that the Chief Minister said the Chhath festival symbolises the deep values of Sanatan culture, reflecting faith, discipline, devotion, and gratitude towards nature. He added that the celebration is not merely a religious event but a festival that conveys life’s moral values and family traditions.

He said Chhath Puja holds a special place as it honours both the rising and the setting sun, representing the eternal balance between human life and nature. The Chief Minister described it as a festival of social harmony and collective faith, celebrated across Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand with equal devotion and enthusiasm.

Our correspondent adds that Dhami praised the organisers of the Purvanchal Seva Samiti for upholding the rich traditions of Indian culture through such a grand event. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the glory of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage has spread globally alongside rapid progress in development.

Calling Khatima his home, the Chief Minister expressed his deep emotional connection with the people of the region. He said that his journey in public service began in Khatima, and every village and street of the area remains close to his heart.

He highlighted that under his government, significant developmental projects have been implemented in Khatima. These include a modern bus terminal, a 100-bed hospital complex, a new ITI and Polytechnic College, and a national-level sports stadium to support young athletes.

The Chief Minister also mentioned that regional connectivity has improved through the construction of the Gadarpur and Khatima bypasses, a new bridge at Nausar, and an expanded road network. He added that the government has announced a war memorial between Khatima and Tanakpur, and construction work will begin soon.

He said M.Com and M.Sc classes have started at the Government College in Khatima, while an Eklavya Model Residential School has been opened in the tribal region. Dhami added that his government remains fully committed to the welfare of every section of society.

The Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand ranks first in the country in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, as reported by NITI Aayog. He said the unemployment rate has been reduced by 4.4 percent within one year, exceeding the national average.

Dhami reiterated that his government is dedicated to protecting the state’s cultural identity and demographic balance. He said strict action has been taken against land encroachment, illegal conversions, and activities that threaten the state’s social fabric. Over 9,000 acres of government land have been recovered, 250 illegal madrasas sealed, and more than 500 unauthorised structures demolished.

He said his government has taken major steps by implementing the Uniform Civil Code, enacting a strict anti-cheating law, and launching Operation Kalnemi against those misusing religion for personal gain. These measures, he added, have strengthened Uttarakhand’s administrative integrity and social harmony.

Dhami said over 26,000 youth have secured government jobs under fair recruitment policies. He emphasised that his administration follows a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, which has led to the arrest of more than 200 people involved in corrupt practices in the past four years.

The Chief Minister concluded by seeking the blessings of Chhathi Maiya and Lord Surya Narayan for the continued prosperity of Uttarakhand.

District Panchayat Chairman Ajay Maurya, Municipal Chairman Ramesh Chandra Joshi, former MLA Dr Prem Singh Rana, District Magistrate Nitin Singh Bhadauria, and senior police officials were also present.