Teeja-Pora was celebrated with the traditional fervour at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in the state capital on Sunday. Mahila Sammelan was also organised on the occasion. On the invitation of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the women in large number participated in the programme. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao was the chief guest at the programme. Tribal Minister Ram Vichar Netam and Women and Child Development Department Minister Laxmi Rajwade were present as the special guests.

 

The ministers and public representatives of the state government gave a warm welcome to the women and presented them sarees, cosmetics and Chhattisgarhi breakfast as gifts. Addressing the programme, Deputy Chief Minister Sao wished the women on the occasion of Teeja festival. He said that Teej is an important festival of respect, honour and determination of women power in Chhattisgarh. Over 70 lakh women are getting an amount of Rs 1,000 per month. Due to this, the women of the state are becoming financially empowered and are standing shoulder to shoulder with their husbands in running the household.

 

He said that the State government will continue to bring such schemes in future to make women self-reliant. Agriculture Minister Ram Vichar Netam, Women and Child Development Department Minister Laxmi Rajwade and former MP Saroj Pandey also addressed the programme. Pandavani folk singer Padmi Usha Barle and Aaru Sahu were honoured with memento in the programme. Industry Minister Lakhanlal Dewangan, MLAs Sunil Soni, Indra Kumar Sahu, Anuj Sharma, Chairman of State Kesh Shilpi Board Mona Sen, State Commission for Minorities Amarjeet Chhabra, Chairman of State Civil Supplies Corporation Sanjay Shrivastava, Raipur Mayor Meenal Choubey and other public representatives were present. Women applied mehandi, wore colourful bangles, applied alta and dressed up and enjoyed the swing of Sawan.The women also enjoyed cultural programmes. Pandavani folk singer Usha Barle performed and enjoyed the audience. \An exhibition of traditional Chinhaari jewellery of Chhattisgarh was also organised in the auditorium. Other various events were also held. Winners of the various competitions were honoured with prize.