Uttarakhand CM Celebrates Raksha Bandhan with Sadhus, Attends Bagwal Mela

On Raksha Bandhan, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami was tied 'Raksha Sutra' by sadhus. He later attended the Bagwal Mela, offering prayers and inspecting developmental works. The 'stone war' event featured fruits and flowers due to a court order, lasting 11 minutes. Dhami also addressed the public.

In a significant Raksha Bandhan celebration, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami received 'Raksha Sutra' from various sadhus at his residence on Monday evening. Notable figures such as Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad President Swami Ravindra Puri Maharaj, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Harichetna Nand Maharaj, and Mahamandaleshwar Swami Yatindranand Giri Maharaj participated in this auspicious occasion, extending their best wishes for the CM's long life and prosperous future.

Chief Minister Dhami reciprocated this gesture by expressing his gratitude towards the saint community. Earlier in the day, he attended the Bagwal Mela at Maa Varahi Dham in Devidhura, Champawat district. The Chief Minister also made an offering of a bell at the Maa Varahi temple, praying for the state's prosperity and progress. He witnessed the renowned 'stone war' at the fair, which, following a 2013 Uttarakhand High Court ruling, now uses fruits and flowers instead of stones. This year's 'stone war' lasted for about 11 minutes.

During the event, Dhami announced that several infrastructure projects, including flood protection works in the Ratia River and enhancements to the Varahi temple, would be incorporated into the Manaskhand corridor project. He also toured various departmental stalls set up at the fair. Extending his Raksha Bandhan wishes, Dhami expressed his delight in visiting the historical and scenic area of Devidhura, stressing the Bagwal Mela's role in promoting local culture, faith, and traditions.

(With inputs from agencies.)