Haryana CM Nayab Saini joins devotees at Chhath Puja, vows cultural inclusivity

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday said the Chhath festival symbolises India’s cultural unity, serving as a bridge between heritage, faith and harmony. Addressing devotees at the state-level Chhath Puja celebrations in Panchkula, Saini called the festival “a living embodiment of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” and an inspiration for social equality and devotion.

Extending greetings, the Chief Minister announced government support for the Panchkula Chhath Puja Committee’s proposal to beautify the local Chhath Ghat. Earlier, he joined devotees in performing rituals and offering arghya to the setting sun.

Highlighting the spirit of unity reflected in the celebration, Saini said, “The soil of Haryana holds strength and spirit, while the culture of Purvanchal reflects emotion and devotion. When these come together, they strengthen not just development but also mutual trust and brotherhood.”

Saini noted that Chhath Puja, once confined to Purvanchal, is now celebrated nationwide. “As people from Purvanchal spread across states with hard work and dedication, they carried their traditions with them and others embraced them wholeheartedly,” he said.

The Chief Minister said his government is committed to promoting cultural inclusivity and has developed several ghats in Haryana, including in Karnal, Panipat, Sonepat and Panchkula.

Reaffirming his government’s welfare focus, Saini said under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Shramev Jayate, Haryana has implemented several schemes worth over Rs 4,600 crore for workers’ welfare during the past 11 years. These include the Kanyadaan Yojana, subsidised meals under Antyodaya Aahar Yojana, and healthcare facilities through 157 empanelled hospitals and seven ESI hospitals.

He added that construction workers receive financial assistance for housing under the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana, and a new policy ensures timely compensation in workplace accidents.