A day before the Dev Deepawali programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the good news with the people of Varanasi about the return of an ancient statue of Goddess Annapurna from Canada to India.
While addressing the nation during Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Every Indian would feel proud to know that an ancient idol of Maa Annapurna is being brought back from Canada to India.”
Over 100 years ago in 1913, this idol was stolen from a temple in Varanasi and smuggled out of the country.
In the 71st episode of his monthly radio programme, explaining the connection of Maa Annapurna with Varanasi, the prime minister said: “Mata Annapurna has a very special bond with Kashi. And the return of the idol is very pleasant for all of us. Like the statue of Mata Annapurna, many of our heritage has been victims of international gangs.”
It is worth mentioning that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be celebrating this world-famous Dev Deepawali festival in his parliamentary constituency on Monday.
The prime minister will light the first diya at Rajghat to start the illumination of all 80 ghats that will be decked up with over 10 lakh diyas and colourful lights.
