Chhattisgarh Government gears up to celebrate state’s indigenous ‘Hareli’ festival on a grand scale, CM Baghel to launch procurement of ‘go-mutra’

Raipur, 26 July 2022

The present state government in Chhattisgarh led by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has undertaken an initiative to celebrate state’s popular festivals like ‘Hareli’, ‘Teeja-Pora’, and ‘Chher-Chhera’ on a grand scale. For the last 3.5 years, these festivals are being celebrated with much fanfare in a bid to connect people with the rich tradition and culture of Chhattisgarh. In a first, the state government has declared a public holiday on this festival so that people can join the celebrations.

Hareli, which is considered to be the first festival of Chhattisgarh marks the beginning of Shravan month. This traditional farm festival has a special significance for the farmers, who celebrate the festival with great pomp and show worshipping their farm equipment and cow. As Chhattisgarh gears up for the celebrations of the state’s indigenous festival ‘Hareli Tihar’, the state government has made elaborate arrangements to celebrate the festival on a grand scale just like past three years.

“Chhattisgarh is a state with rich culture, tradition and customs which are unique. It is the need of hour to raise cultural awareness of local traditions in youth by celebrating our state’s festivals with great zeal and enthusiasm. We must feel proud about our state’s cultural legacy and celebrate ‘Hareli’ with great fervor”, said Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.

Procurement of ‘gau-mutra’ to begin from ‘Hareli’ this year

On this auspicious occasion, the state government is all set to expand the scope of one of its flagship schemes—Godhan Nyay Yojana and begin procurement of ‘gau-mutra’ (cow urine) in the state. The move aims to promote organic farming and boost income of cattle rearers and women groups, thereby strengthening the rural economy of state. The procured cow urine will be used to prepare ‘Jeevamrit’ (organic liquid fertilizer) and pest control products by local women Self-Help Groups. Meanwhile, chief minister has launched Godhan Nyay Yojana in the year 2020 on the occasion of Hareli, which has become exemplary for other states due to its success in just 2 years.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel will launch this initiative from village Karsa in Patan block of Durg district on July 28. Besides, the latest agricultural equipment will also be launched at the agricultural conference to be organized here. One such piece of equipment includes a drone through which the appropriate amount of fertilizer and insecticide can be sprayed in a very short span of time.

Festive atmosphere pervades Gauthans ahead of ‘Hareli’ celebrations

A festive atmosphere pervaded Gauthans across the state as they prep up for Hareli festival celebrations. Various programmes including traditional game competitions, special health checkup and vaccination camps for cattle and discussions on important topics will be organized here. Besides, the attendees will also get to enjoy Chhattisgarhi delicacies as a part of the celebrations.

Citizens will enjoy playing traditional ‘Chhattisgarhi’ games

As a part of ‘Hareli’ celebrations competitions on traditional games including Gedi Race, spinning top, ‘Pitthu’, ‘Kancha’, ‘Goli-Chammach’, Kho-kho, tug of war, ‘Tigga Goti’ and ‘Gilli Danda’ will be organized across the state. One of the major attractions of this festival is the ‘Gedi’ race which is enjoyed by people of all ages, most prominently in rural areas. These games are played all day long after the completion of all ‘puja’ rituals. Taking a step ahead to promote this popular folk game in schools, the state government has directed to organize Gedi dance competitions in all government and aided schools across the state on Hareli.

Special festivities will be organized at CM House in Raipur

Special festivities will be organized at CM House in Raipur, wherein a large number of common people will join the Hareli celebrations. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel will perform the customary ritual and worship the agricultural equipment. Preparations for this grand celebration of the Hareli festival have started in full swing at the Raipur-based residence of the Chief Minister.