Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday hosted a series of Diwali festivals -- Devari, Gaura Gauri Puja and Govardhan Puja -- at his official residence in Civil Lines here.
The Chief Minister fed cows ‘khichadi’ and offered prayers on the occasion of Govardhan Puja and participated in the folk dance of ‘Raut Nacha’ of Matar festival.
These festivals mean a lot to the agriculture-based economy in the state. Farmers worship their bovine wealth and a neckband ‘Sohai’ is tied to the neck of the cattle.
Following another ritual, being the head of the family, Baghel gets whipped with a 'sonta' (whip made of Kush grass) for the peace and prosperity of citizens.
Meanwhile, grand preparations were made for the Devari (Diwali), Gaura Gauri and Govardhan Puja festivals at the Chief Minister’s official residence as per the traditions of Chhattisgarh.
The venue was decorated with paddy, mango leaves and marigold flowers. The main gate was decorated with marigold flowers and mango leaves.
A picture of Lord Krishna playing a flute was placed above the main gate, while both sides of the door were adorned with pictures depicting the folk dance ‘Raut Nacha’.
The gate inside was decorated with pictures of women holding lamps and 'khumri-laathi' used in ‘Raut Nacha’.
The place of Gaura-Gauri Puja was adorned with Kalash and special artwork made of paddy strands.
The venue was given a rural look while the house has been decorated with Nangar (plough), Gada Chakka, Tukni, Rapa, Kudari, Sil-lodha, Khatiya, Kanwar, Tulsi Chaura and Kandil (Lantern).
The walls were adorned with pictures of trees and plants, parrot, myna, dancing women, children bursting firecrackers and women going for Gaura-Gauri immersion. Raut Nacha, cow grazing and milking cowherds were displayed through attractive pictures.
Besides, the government's ambitious schemes were depicted.