To mark the pious occasion of Cherchera Punni, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel took to roads and visited shops and houses seeking donations. He said that the food-grains received in donation will be used in Suposhan Yojana while the money received in donation will be used in hospitals.

 

CM Baghel during the Kanker tour, visited shops and houses situated on main road near old bus stand and sought donations from the people on the occasion of local festive tradition Cherchera Punni, while women came out of their houses and welcomed him by applying vermillion on his forehead and people donated rice, sweets, fruits, etc generously. Even in the market, people weighed the Baghel with paddy and donated the same.

 

The CM on the occasion extended his greetings and best wishes for the Cherchera festival. He said that this tradition is celebrated, when new crops enter our houses in the form of Mahadaan tradition (Cherchera Punni Tihar) during Paus Maas Purnima. During this festival, women, children, youths, farmers, workers, etc constitute small groups and visit shops and homes and seek donations as a tradition. The sense of equality emerges prominently in this festival. Both rich and poor visit each other’s houses to seek donations. The food-grains and cash collected during this tradition are used for creative works in the villages.

 

Baghel further said that the Cherchera festival and its tradition of Mahadaan states that the crop produced by the farmers is not only for them but it comes handy for the needy people of the society, workers and birds, as well. He said the state government has procured 89 lakh MT paddy amidst all kinds of challenges and a new record of paddy procurement will be established.

 

The Chief Minister was accompanied by PHE Minister Guru Rudra Kumar, Industries Minister Kawasi Lakhma, Deputy Speaker Manoj Singh Mandavi, MLA Shishupal Sori, CPCC President Mohan Markam, MLA Santram Netam and Rajesh Tiwari.