Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a massive rally in Muzaffarpur, emphasized the government’s efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for the Chhath festival; a celebration deeply rooted in Bihar’s cultural identity, reported The Hindu.
The Prime Minister hailed Chhath as a symbol of devotion, discipline, and ecological harmony, describing it as one of India’s most spiritually significant festivals. “Chhath is not just a festival of Bihar, it is a festival of India. Its grandeur and purity deserve global recognition,” he said, adding that efforts were underway to include the festival in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
During his address, PM Modi drew attention to his government’s initiatives focused on empowering women and uplifting the poor, linking them to the ethos of Chhath, where women lead prayers for family well-being and prosperity. He underscored how central schemes – from Ujjwala Yojana to PM Awas Yojana – have transformed lives in rural Bihar.
Shifting the focus to development, Modi outlined the Centre’s achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education across the state. “Bihar’s youth today are full of dreams and determination. We are committed to giving them opportunities that were denied for decades,” he remarked, taking a veiled dig at the opposition for neglecting progress during their tenure.
The rally also marked a strategic pitch to connect emotionally with the electorate by invoking regional pride. Modi’s call to preserve Bihar’s cultural heritage while pushing it onto the global stage through UNESCO recognition resonated strongly with the crowd, blending tradition with nationalism.
As the state moves toward crucial polling phases, the Prime Minister’s speech reflected the BJP-led NDA’s twin strategy — development and cultural identity — a blend that has often defined its political narrative in Bihar.
