Amid chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and an atmosphere filled with devotion in Mohali, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday joined thousands of devotees at the grand “Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv De Naam” Bhajan Sandhya. Describing Punjab as the sacred land of Gurus and saints, the Chief Minister said the state’s enduring traditions of communal harmony, brotherhood and mutual respect are its greatest strength.
Announcing the expansion of the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojna, the Chief Minister said the Punjab Government will facilitate free pilgrimages to Khatu Shyam Ji, Salasar Ji, Vrindavan Dham and Rishikesh from August 1, with the government bearing the entire cost, including transportation from devotees’ homes, boarding, lodging and return travel. He asserted that while love and togetherness flourish in Punjab, every attempt by divisive forces to sow the seeds of hatred will be defeated by the people of the state.
Sharing a few snippets from this auspicious gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on X: “Participated in the “Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv De Naam” programme in Mohali and was blessed with the immense love of the devotees and the blessings of Lord Shiva. Punjab is the sacred land of Gurus and saints. Our communal harmony is like a beautiful bouquet where the crop of love and togetherness flourishes, not the seeds of hatred.
“Keeping in mind the faith and sentiments of our elders, we are launching new Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra buses from August 1 to Khatu Shyam, Salasar, Vrindavan and Rishikesh as well. The AAP government is spending your taxpayers’ money on your welfare. Free electricity, respect and financial assistance for women through the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, and facilities such as the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra are all the result of this very approach. Har Har Mahadev,” the post concluded.
Addressing the gathering during the function, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “People across the state have given a rousing response to this ambitious programme aimed at perpetuating the glorious legacy of Lord Shiva. The state government has decided to organise this programme in 22 cities across the state to disseminate the message of Lord Shiva. The sole objective is that during the ongoing holy month of Saavan, people across Punjab immerse themselves in devotion to Lord Shiva.”
The Chief Minister stated, “Punjab is a beautiful bouquet where every colour of flower blooms and everyone prospers on this sacred land. Punjab has fertile soil where every kind of seed can grow, except the seeds of hatred, because our unity is unshakeable.”
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CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “People of all faiths celebrate every festival together, whether it is Ram Navami, Gurpurab or Eid. This is why the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood and fraternity are extremely strong in Punjab.”
The Chief Minister said, “The evil designs of divisive forces trying to divide people on sectarian lines can never succeed in Punjab. The Punjab Government has expanded the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojna under which pilgrims are being facilitated to visit major religious destinations, including Sri Harmandir Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Salasar Dham and Khatu Shyam Ji. From August 1, Vrindavan will also be included under the scheme.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Punjab Government provides free transport, boarding and lodging facilities to pilgrims, with arrangements being made from picking them up from their homes to safely dropping them back after the pilgrimage.”
The Chief Minister said, “It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that women across the state started receiving financial assistance under the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna from July 1. Every eligible woman receives ₹1,000 per month, while women belonging to Scheduled Castes receive ₹1,500 per month.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Thirty-two lakh women received the benefit on July 1 and more than 40 lakh women will receive the financial assistance on August 1 as a token of gratitude from the Punjab Government.”
The Chief Minister said, “People must remain vigilant because if the Opposition ever comes to power, it will discontinue all the pro-people initiatives started by our government. Keeping public convenience as the top priority, the government has shut down 19 toll plazas, resulting in daily savings of nearly ₹70 lakh for the common people.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “More than 68,000 government jobs have been provided to youth in a completely transparent manner. Ninety per cent of households are receiving free electricity, farmers are getting power supply during the daytime, around 44,000 kilometres of roads are being constructed and several other public welfare initiatives are being implemented.”
The Chief Minister said, “The Punjab Government has launched the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, the first-of-its-kind scheme in the country that provides cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh annually to every resident family in Punjab. Punjab is the first state in India to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage, significantly reducing the financial burden on people while ensuring quality healthcare services.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This historic initiative aims to provide universal healthcare to every family in the state. So far, people have already availed cashless treatment worth more than ₹650 crore under the scheme.”
