Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh): Thousands of devotees thronged Jabalpur’s Gwarighat situated at the bank of River Narmada to celebrate Narmada Jayanti, on Tuesday.
On this occasion, devotees from Jabalpur and nearby districts arrived early in the morning to offer prayers, take a holy dip in the river and offer ‘Chunri’ to the holy river.
Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Rakesh Singh also attended the event. He carried the idol of Goddess Narmada on foot and later pulled the sacred chariot to the riverbank. At the ghat, he performed rituals and offered a 1,100-feet-long chunari to the river. He then participated in the grand Narmada Maha Aarti.
FP Photo
FP Photo
FP Photo
Speaking to the media, Rakesh Singh said, "This is all due to the blessings of Maa Narmada; we are just mediums. The excellent arrangements made this year are also possible because of her grace." He highlighted the deep faith of Madhya Pradesh's people in Maa Narmada and emphasized the need to keep the river clean. He urged devotees not to throw waste in the river and to plant more trees along the riverbanks.
The minister also announced that a "Narmada Riverfront" project is being planned, similar to the Saryu Riverfront.
Minister Prahlad Patel appeals to plant trees
On the auspicious occasion of Narmada Jayanti, Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Prahlad Patel also visited Gwarighat in Jabalpur and performed a formal puja of Goddess Narmada.
He emphasized that the true devotion to Maa Narmada lies in keeping the river clean and pure. He urged everyone to contribute to preserving the sacredness of the Narmada and highlighted that planting trees along the riverbanks is the most meaningful way to serve the river.
Minister Patel appealed to people to take a pledge on Narmada Jayanti to plant trees. He stated that Narmada is not just a river but a cultural and spiritual heritage. To maintain environmental balance and protect the river, afforestation is essential.
He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to visit the Narmada river bank on this sacred day and said, "Protecting nature, conserving water sources, and planting trees along the Narmada banks is the true expression of our faith."
1100-m-long ‘Chunari’ offered to Narmada river
The sparkling waters of Narmada gleamed as the river was worshipped with milk and adorned with a 1100-meter long red 'chunri' by thousands of devotees on Narmada Jayanti.
The event was organized by the Maa Narmada Bhakt Mandal and other religious organizations witnessed special activities throughout the day.
Devotees performed the Dudh Abhishek, using 525 liters of milk and approximately 5 quintals of halwa prasad were distributed among attendees.
Devotees were urged to pledge to keep the river pollution-free and avoid using polythene, shampoo and soap while bathing.
To ensure the safety of the participants, the police administration implemented strict security measures.
