CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Attends Chhath Puja Celebrations in Khatima, Prays for State’s Prosperity
Khatima: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the Surya Shashthi Vrat Mahotsav (Chhath Puja) organized by the Purvanchal Seva Samiti at Sanjay Railway Park, Khatima, as the chief guest. On his arrival, the Chief Minister offered arghya (prayers) to the setting sun, seeking blessings from Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya for the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of the people of Uttarakhand.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dhami extended heartfelt gratitude to all members and officials of the Purvanchal Seva Samiti for organizing the grand and spiritually uplifting event. He said that Chhath Puja represents the radiant essence of India’s eternal culture, where faith, discipline, austerity, and gratitude to nature blend seamlessly.
“Chhath Puja is not merely a religious observance—it is a celebration of life, values, and family bonds. It teaches us to respect nature and the environment, and to live in harmony with them,” said the Chief Minister.
He noted that the festival stands as a living example of India’s rich and diverse traditions, where devotees offer prayers to both the rising and setting sun—an act symbolizing balance and reverence. The Chief Minister remarked that the uniqueness of Chhath lies in its universality, as people from all regions and walks of life—be it Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, or Uttarakhand—celebrate the festival with unwavering devotion and joy.
Dhami Highlights Development Initiatives in Khatima
Chief Minister Dhami said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is witnessing holistic development along with a renewed pride in its Sanatan culture. He added that the state government is working relentlessly for the all-round progress of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, drawing inspiration from the Prime Minister’s vision.
“Khatima is not just my constituency—it is my home. You all are my family. My journey in public service began here, and every street and village in this region is close to my heart,” he said.
Listing several developmental initiatives, the Chief Minister said that his government has strengthened the local infrastructure in sectors such as health, education, water supply, and transport.
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A hi-tech bus stand, modern ITI and Polytechnic College, and a new 100-bed hospital complex have been constructed in Khatima.
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A state-of-the-art national-level sports stadium has also been built to nurture the sporting talent of the youth.
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For improved connectivity, Gadarpur and Khatima bypasses and a bridge at Nausar have been constructed, along with a comprehensive regional road network.
He announced that the government has also approved the construction of a grand military memorial between Khatima and Tanakpur, work on which will commence soon. Further, M.Com and M.Sc. classes have been introduced at the Government College, Khatima, and an Eklavya Vidyalaya has been established in the tribal-dominated area.
Dhami affirmed that no shortage of resources will be allowed in Khatima’s development. “Our government is fully committed to the welfare of every section of society,” he emphasized.
Uttarakhand Leading in SDG Achievements
Highlighting the state’s progress, the Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand has achieved the first position in the country in the NITI Aayog’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index. He also noted that the state has emerged as one of the leading regions in providing employment opportunities to youth, having reduced the unemployment rate by a record 4.4 percent in a single year, surpassing the national average.
Other Dignitaries Present
District Panchayat Chairman Ajay Maurya and Municipal Council Chairman Ramesh Chandra Joshi also addressed the gathering and extended greetings and best wishes on the auspicious occasion of Chhath Mahaparva.
Among those present at the event were Minister of State Farzana Begum, former MLA Dr. Prem Singh Rana, District Magistrate Nitin Singh Bhadoria, Senior Superintendent of Police Manikant Mishra, VC Jaikishan, CDO Divesh Shashani, Additional District Magistrate Kaustubh Mishra, SP City Dr. Uttam Singh Negi, Sub-District Magistrate Tushar Saini, along with several senior officials, public representatives, and a large number of devotees.
