Raipur: Chhattisgarh’s most awaited religious festival ‘Maghi Purnima’, which was earlier called Rajim Kumbh, kicked off at the confluence of three rivers at the temple town of Rajim in Gariyaband district. Assembly Speaker Charan Das Mahant inaugurated the 15-day spiritual fest.On Wednesday, the Maghi Punni Mela began near the confluence of the rivers of Mahanadi, Sondur and Pairi at Rajim. Thousands of saints and devotees came to attend the 14th Maghi Punni Mela celebration.The 15-day Maghi Punni Mela will conclude on the religious occasion of Mahashivratri. For the last 14 years, the festival has seen thousands of saints, religious preachers and devotees visit Rajim to take holy bath in the confluence of Mahanadi, Sondur and Pairi rivers. The festival is more popular among Vaishnavites, who are the followers of Lord Vishnu. The main attraction of the Maghi Purnima is Rajiv Lochan temple which has its own historical significance.During this festival, several cultural and religious programmes are held. Special prayers are performed at Rajiv Lochan temple and Kuleshwar Mahadev. Besides, a ritual called Kalash Yatra is also taken out wherein women carry pitchers on their heads and walk towards Mahanadi river where they fill these pitchers and carry them back to Mahadev temple.Addressing the inaugural function, Speaker Mahant said that Rajim would be brought back to its original form. He said that the culture, tradition and spirituality of the festival which has been organised for hundreds of years will be restored. The Speaker added that Chhattisgarh has become synonymous with peace, love and harmony which is the state’s motive.Stating that this year’s Maghi Purnima was the first such mega religious event of the new Congress government, state culture minister Tamradwaj Sahu said the festival will be made even better in the future. He said that suggestions from the public will be welcomed. The minister added that the culture of Chhattisgarh will be carried forward through the Rajim Mela. Local artists and sports facilities will be given adequate space here, Sahu said. Besides, he also said on the occasion of Janki Jayanti on February 26, chief minister Bhupesh Baghel will visit Rajim along with all the MLAs. Sahu said that efforts will be made to ensure 12 months of constant water is maintained in the Mahanadi river.

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