Durg. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on monday attended Govardhan puja festival celebration in Janjgiri and Kumhari village of Patan block in Durg district and offered prayers to Gaura Gauri. CM wished happiness and prosperity to the people of the state.
He got whipped with 'sonta' (whip made up of kush, a grass) as per the tradition seeking blessings for the prosperity of the state, officials said.
"Like every year, CM Baghel on Friday took part in Govardhan puja in Janjgiri village and bore the pain of sonta (whip) to uphold the custom that has been going on in the state for years for the well-being and prosperity of the people," a state public relations officer said.
On this occasion, Birender Thakur hit on the hands of CM Baghel with a whip. As per the tradition, on Govardhan puja that is celebrated on the next day of Diwali, a person is beaten up with the whip with full force on his hands as people believe that the practice helps in getting rid of the problems and bringing good luck. The Chief Minister takes part in this folk ritual every year to wish for the prosperity of the state.
Earlier, village elderly Bharosa Thakur used to conduct the sonta tradition and hit people with a whip as per their wish in Janjgiri and after his death, his son Birendra Thakur has been carrying forward his legacy, the officials said.
After reaching Jajangiri, Chief Minister congratulated the people on Diwali and wished them happiness and prosperity. Baghel also participated in Gaura Gauri Puja in Kumhari.
On the occasion, the chief minister highlighted the significance of Govardhan puja, during which cows are worshipped and said the festival signifies our gratitude towards govansh (cow progeny).
""The festival of lights should continue to illuminate the lives of you people like this.'' He said. It is the duty of everyone to preserve the identity of our soil and promote it, he added.
Chhattisgarh CM gets 'whipped' as part of Diwali Govardhan puja ritual
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on monday attended Govardhan puja festival celebration in Kumhari village of Patan block in Janjgiri district and offered prayers to Gaura Gauri. CM wished happiness and prosperity to the people of the state.
He got whipped with 'sonta' (whip made up of kush, a grass) as per the tradition seeking blessings for the prosperity of the state, officials said.
"Like every year, CM Baghel on Friday took part in Govardhan puja in Janjgiri village and bore the pain of sonta (whip) to uphold the custom that has been going on in the state for years for the well-being and prosperity of the people," a state public relations officer said.
On this occasion, Birender Thakur hit on the hands of CM Baghel with a whip. As per the tradition, on Govardhan puja that is celebrated on the next day of Diwali, a person is beaten up with the whip with full force on his hands as people believe that the practice helps in getting rid of the problems and bringing good luck. The Chief Minister takes part in this folk ritual every year to wish for the prosperity of the state.
Earlier, village elderly Bharosa Thakur used to conduct the sonta tradition and hit people with a whip as per their wish in Janjgiri and after his death, his son Birendra Thakur has been carrying forward his legacy, the officials said.
After reaching Jajangiri, Chief Minister congratulated the people on Diwali and wished them happiness and prosperity. Baghel also participated in Gaura Gauri Puja in Kumhari.
On the occasion, the chief minister highlighted the significance of Govardhan puja, during which cows are worshipped and said the festival signifies our gratitude towards govansh (cow progeny).
"The festival of lights should continue to illuminate the lives of you people like this.'' He said. It is the duty of everyone to preserve the identity of our soil and promote it, he added.
