Lucknow, Oct 24 – Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his greetings to the residents of the state in anticipation of the Chhath Mahaparv, urging them to celebrate the festival with a deep respect for nature and a commitment to maintaining the cleanliness of rivers and water bodies.

In a post on X, Adityanath characterized Chhath as an “incomparable festival of faith, tradition, and gratitude towards nature.” He emphasized the festival’s significant message of “respecting and conserving rivers and water reservoirs,” referring to them as the “arteries of our civilisation, which hold the memories of water.”

The Chief Minister reaffirmed his government’s dedication to the revival and protection of vital water sources. “Since 2017, over 50 rivers have been rejuvenated in Uttar Pradesh. The restored flow of the Noon in Kanpur, Chhoti Gandak in Deoria, Matuka in Varanasi, and Peeli in Jaunpur stands as proof of our efforts,” he stated.

Adityanath also highlighted the state’s ongoing river conservation initiatives, mentioning the ‘Ek Zila, Ek Nadi’ program, which aims to protect rivers across the state. He noted that the Gomti Rejuvenation Mission will further enhance the cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh. The Chief Minister called on citizens to transform this initiative into a public participation movement by pledging to keep riverbanks and ghats clean during the Chhath celebrations.

“If rivers exist, we exist; without them, there is nothing,” he remarked, offering his best wishes to the people for the upcoming festival.

Chhath Mahaparv, primarily celebrated in eastern India, is dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, symbolizing gratitude for life-giving energy and prayers for health, prosperity, and purity. The festival is set to be celebrated from October 25-28.