Grand Inauguration of Three-Day Taatapani Festival | 300 Daughters Married Off in Mass Ceremony | Development Projects Worth ₹177 Crore Launched
Raipur, January 14, 2025

Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, emphasized the unique traditions and culture of the state while inaugurating the Taatapani Festival in Balrampur-Ramanujganj district. He remarked, “Chhattisgarh is the only state in the world where nephews are worshipped as divine beings. They are honored by washing their feet and bowing down before them.”
The Chief Minister highlighted the success of the state government’s ‘Shri Ram Lala Darshan Yojana,’ under which over 20,000 devotees have visited Ayodhya to seek the blessings of Lord Ram.
Transforming Taatapani into a Major Tourist Hub
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister stated, “The Taatapani Sankranti Parab is a symbol of pride for Chhattisgarh. Last year, we promised to develop this sacred site into a prominent tourist destination. Today, that promise has been fulfilled. The thermal springs here are a testament to the power of nature. Similar untapped potential exists in other areas like Sarguja and Bastar, which can become global tourist attractions.”
The Chief Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation for 198 development projects worth ₹177 crore. This includes the foundation of 140 new projects worth ₹134 crore and the inauguration of 58 completed projects costing ₹43 crore. Additionally, he announced the construction of an auditorium at Balrampur College.
300 Marriages Under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana
Under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana, a mass wedding ceremony was organized where 300 daughters were married off. The Chief Minister personally blessed the newlywed couples and wished them a happy and prosperous married life.
Creating New Opportunities for Employment and Development
The Chief Minister stressed that transforming tourist sites like Taatapani will generate employment and income opportunities for the local population. The festival also offers unique attractions, including kite flying, parasailing, and performances by folk artists.
Support for Farmers and Poor Families
Highlighting the government’s commitment to farmers and marginalized families, the Chief Minister announced several initiatives:
- Procurement of Paddy: Farmers are being paid ₹3,100 per quintal for up to 21 quintals per acre, ensuring record earnings this year.
- Tendu Leaves Collection Rate Hike: The collection rate for tendu leaves has been increased from ₹4,000 to ₹5,500 per standard bag.
- Free Ration Scheme: The state will provide free ration for five years to all eligible poor families.
Significant Reforms in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
The Chief Minister shared updates about the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, under which all eligible families in Chhattisgarh are being provided with pucca houses. Key reforms include:
- Increasing the income eligibility limit to ₹15,000 per month.
- Families owning up to 2.5 acres of irrigated land or 5 acres of non-irrigated land are now eligible.
- Beneficiaries can also apply for housing through a mobile app, ensuring transparency and ease of access.
The central government has approved 3 lakh new houses, and 4 lakh more houses are expected to be sanctioned in the next financial year.
Social and Cultural Significance of Taatapani Festival
The Taatapani Festival is more than just an entertainment event; it symbolizes unity and harmony within the community. Various activities such as farmer conferences and Panchayat-Sarpanch meetings were also held during the festival.
The Chief Minister said, “Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India, Chhattisgarh is committed to building a prosperous and advanced state.”
Presence of Dignitaries
The event was attended by prominent leaders, including Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam, Samri MLA Smt. Uddeshwari Paikra, Pratappur MLA Smt. Shakuntala Porte, Sarguja MLA Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Lundra MLA Shri Prabodh Minj, and several other public representatives and citizens.
Conclusion
The Taatapani Festival is not just a celebration of Chhattisgarh’s rich culture and traditions but also a testament to the state’s development journey. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, Chhattisgarh is paving the way for inclusive growth, cultural preservation, and economic progress.

Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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