On the occasion of Karthik Poornima, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Tuesday took a holy dip in the Kharun river and prayed for the happiness and prosperity of the people of the state.
He also greeted the people on the occasion of Kartik Punni Mela.
After prayers, he said: “We are following our religious, cultural and social traditions. People in rural areas, mainly villages, take part in ‘Punni Mela’. It is our ancient tradition.”
He said water is offered to Lord Shiva in the month of Kartik. From this day, the fair starts in the river banks of the villages.
There is celebration of ‘Prakash Parv’, the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, across the country. Nanakji has a relationship with Chhattisgarh, he said.
It has been decided to develop Garhphuljhar in Mahasamund district as a tourist destination.
He said the government is working to preserve and develop the state's culture along with education, health and employment.