Varanasi, November 15 (IANS). Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while addressing the inauguration ceremony of Namo Ghat on Friday, said that it is his good fortune that he is witnessing this unique festival of Dev Diwali. He wished everyone a Happy Tribal Pride Day on the 555th Prakash Parv of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda.
Praising the development of Kashi, the Chief Minister said that in the last ten years, Kashi has seen an amazing change in its form and identity. While earlier the water of Ganga was considered unsafe even for bathing, today due to the efforts made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Namami Gange project, the water has become fit for bathing. Which is known as ‘Namo Ghat’, the people of Kashi express their gratitude towards Prime Minister Modi by calling it ‘Narendra Modi Ghat’. During this, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar was present in the ceremony as the chief guest.
CM Yogi said that due to the efforts of Prime Minister Modi, Kashi is now recognized by its clean and beautiful ghats, Vishwanath Dham, wide four-lane and six-lane roads, excellent train connectivity and various projects like international airport. He specifically mentioned Namo Ghat, saying that it is not just a ghat but a unique site. Earlier this area used to be shrouded in filth and darkness, where people were afraid to come, but now it has become the most beautiful and longest ghat. Grand events like G20 summit and Kashi Tamil Sangamam were also held here.
The Chief Minister said that five years ago, only 50 devotees were able to have darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Dham with difficulty, whereas today more than 50 thousand devotees can easily have darshan. On special occasions this number reaches lakhs. The development and heritage of Kashi has got a new identity globally.
Discussing the changing face of Kashi in the last 10 years, the Chief Minister said that the people of Kashi have experienced the new color of Kashi along with the new India. Kashi has got a new global identity as a confluence of development and heritage, which has been witnessed by the people of Kashi through their own eyes. The infrastructure here has gained new momentum and many works have been completed. He said that the country’s first water way which goes to Haldia starts from here. CM Yogi said that more than 700 boats in Kashi operate on CNG fuel, which has reduced pollution.
He said that the inauguration of Namo Ghat has increased the joy of Dev Diwali manifold. Describing Dev Diwali as the Diwali of the Gods, the Chief Minister said that due to the efforts of Prime Minister Modi, this festival has now gained a special identity on the global stage. At the end of his address, he wished Baba Vishwanath that the festival of Dev Diwali brings joy and happiness in everyone’s life.
On this occasion, Vice President’s wife Sudesh Dhankhar, Governor Anandi Ben Patel, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, State Minister of State for Stamps and Registration (Independent Charge) Ravindra Jaiswal, MLA Dr. Neelkanth Tiwari, Saurabh Srivastava, Mayor Ashok Tiwari, MLC Dharmendra Rai, Hansraj Vishwakarma, District Panchayat President Poonam Maurya, Sunil Patel and other dignitaries were present.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Governor Anandi Ben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the grand Namo Ghat on the occasion of Dev Diwali organized on the holy festival of Kartik Purnima in Varanasi. Namo Ghat was inaugurated by the people of Kashi by unveiling the stone slab amidst chanting of Har Har Mahadev and playing of Damru and blowing of conch shell.
Earlier, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed and felicitated the Vice President by dressing him in Angavastra and presenting him the Namo Mudra installed at Namo Ghat as a memento. At the same time, Governor Anandi Ben Patel welcomed the Vice President’s wife Sudesh Dhankhar by presenting the statue of Ganesh, the destroyer of obstacles. MLA Cantt Saurabh Srivastava welcomed the Governor, while Minister of State (Independent Charge) Stamp and Registration Ravindra Jaiswal congratulated Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri. MLA Dr. Neelkanth Tiwari welcomed and congratulated Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
All the distinguished guests formally inaugurated the Dev Diwali Mahotsav in Kashi by lighting five lamps each near Namo Mudra located at Namo Ghat. The function started with cultural performances in which a group of artists from Odisha danced on the song ‘Namo Namo’. After this, artistes from USA and Australia performed on the theme ‘Cosmic Shiva’ in Kuchipudi dance form, leaving the audience mesmerized.
–IANS
ABM/CBT
