"Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat": Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel celebrates Chhath Puja with north Indian communities in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], November 7 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, participating in the Chhath Mahaparva Puja festival in Ahmedabad on Thursday, remarked that traditional festivals from various states embody Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat".
"It is a privilege to be here today as people from different states across the country gather to worship. Chhath Puja has been organised for Hindi-speaking communities to experience a familiar environment here. May all citizens progress together to build a developed India," said Bhupendra Patel.

The Chhath Puja was organised by the Chhath Mahaparva Coordination Trust, Hindi Bashi Mahasangh, and Maan Janaki Seva Samiti. Families from Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh residing in Ahmedabad joined in the celebrations with great enthusiasm.
Describing festivals as a significant aspect of Indian culture, the Chief Minister noted that families from Bihar, Jharkhand, and other states who have settled across the country for business, work, or employment keep their culture alive by celebrating these festivals wherever they are.
He further commented that people from various states have made Gujarat their "karmabhoomi," and that events like Chhath Puja are organised here to provide an atmosphere reminiscent of their hometowns for such traditional celebrations.
The Chief Minister expressed his happiness that the Prime Minister's goal of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" is being realised through the shared celebration of these festivals.
He added that just as festivals like Navratri and Uttarayan have become integral to Gujarat, Chhath Puja has become a prominent festival in North Indian states, especially Bihar.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that all citizens will move forward with unity, echoing the Prime Minister's call to work towards a developed India by 2047, and extended his wishes for the Chhath Mahaparva.
Lalit Kumar Jha, Trustee of the Chhath Mahaparva Planning Committee, welcomed everyone and spoke about the significance of the Puja festival.
In attendance were Ahmedabad City Mayor Pratibhaben Jain, Deputy Mayor Jatinbhai Patel, Standing Committee Chairman Dewangbhai Dani, Additional Chief Secretary MK Das, Additional Chief Secretary SJ Haider, former Minister of State IK Jadeja, Pradeep Parmar, and many families from Bihar and other states. (ANI)