BHUBANESWAR: In a significant move to strengthen Odisha's cultural and spiritual fabric, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a comprehensive initiative to restore the 'Bhagavat Tungi' in every village across the state. The announcement was made during his address at the Shrimad Bhagavat Mahotsav, held at the Terapanta Bhavan in the state capital. 
The Chief Minister emphasized that the government will work towards ensuring a copy of the Shrimad Bhagavat, a sacred Hindu text, is present in every Odia household, alongside the physical restoration of the traditional community spaces known as 'Bhagavat Tungis'.
"In our vision, this Mahotsav is extremely important for our society," Majhi stated. "The Shrimad Bhagavat connects the public with the invaluable teachings of tradition, devotion, and dharma." He elaborated that the text's teachings on fundamental principles—God, the soul, nature, time, and karma—provide a guiding framework for life.
He urged all citizens to engage in daily reading of the text, asserting that it would steer lives towards a "healthy, religious, and ethical direction." Majhi added that festivals like these are a symbol of unity, reinforcing devotion, respect, and core human values. The experiences and lessons from the event, he said, would help foster daily personal, religious, and social improvement among attendees.
"The proof of this lies in the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Temple, the record attendance of 68 crore devotees at the Mahakumbh, and the development of the Kashi Vishwanath and Mahakal corridors," Majhi said. He observed that a religious consciousness is being reawakened across the country, with the youth at the forefront of this movement. "Today, every Hindu proudly identifies as a Sanatani," he remarked.
Furthermore, the government is extending financial support for the safety and beautification of temples and mathas (monasteries), as well as for the organization of major festivals like Shital Sasthi and Dhanu Yatra. The CM assured that these significant works would continue in the coming days.
Balia expressed confidence that under Chief Minister Majhi's leadership, Odia language, culture, literature, and spiritual consciousness would experience a renewal. The event concluded with a welcome address by Chandrakant Pradhan, Eastern Region Head of the Dharma Jagaran Samiti, and a vote of thanks by the organization's coordinator, Swami Brahmananda Saraswati.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the government will work towards ensuring a copy of the Shrimad Bhagavat, a sacred Hindu text, is present in every Odia household, alongside the physical restoration of the traditional community spaces known as 'Bhagavat Tungis'.
A Pillar of Tradition and Community
A Bhagavat Tungi is a traditional, often open-air, sitting area in Odia villages where community members gather for religious discourses, social discussions, and to listen to recitations from epics like the Bhagavat. Chief Minister Majhi described these spaces as vital for social cohesion and spiritual learning."In our vision, this Mahotsav is extremely important for our society," Majhi stated. "The Shrimad Bhagavat connects the public with the invaluable teachings of tradition, devotion, and dharma." He elaborated that the text's teachings on fundamental principles—God, the soul, nature, time, and karma—provide a guiding framework for life.
Engaging the Youth and Strengthening Society
The Chief Minister positioned this cultural revival as particularly crucial for the younger generation. He noted that the youth play a leading role in all aspects of societal development today and that the practice of 'Bhagavat Patha' (recitation) is a powerful medium to guide them on a righteous path.He urged all citizens to engage in daily reading of the text, asserting that it would steer lives towards a "healthy, religious, and ethical direction." Majhi added that festivals like these are a symbol of unity, reinforcing devotion, respect, and core human values. The experiences and lessons from the event, he said, would help foster daily personal, religious, and social improvement among attendees.
Aligning with a National Cultural Resurgence
Chief Minister Majhi connected the state's efforts to a broader national cultural awakening under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He referenced the PM's slogan of 'Vikas' (Development) and 'Virasat' (Heritage), highlighting that it has been translated into tangible action."The proof of this lies in the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Temple, the record attendance of 68 crore devotees at the Mahakumbh, and the development of the Kashi Vishwanath and Mahakal corridors," Majhi said. He observed that a religious consciousness is being reawakened across the country, with the youth at the forefront of this movement. "Today, every Hindu proudly identifies as a Sanatani," he remarked.
State Government's Concrete Steps for Heritage
Outlining his government's commitment, the Chief Minister listed several proactive measures. He revealed that the state has for the first time provided financial grants to numerous ancient and heritage-rich Durga Puja committees across Odisha, with aid ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹1.1 lakh.Furthermore, the government is extending financial support for the safety and beautification of temples and mathas (monasteries), as well as for the organization of major festivals like Shital Sasthi and Dhanu Yatra. The CM assured that these significant works would continue in the coming days.
Endorsement from Spiritual Leaders
The program also featured an address by Padma Shri awardee Baba Balia, who commended the state government and the Chief Minister for their proficient execution of projects that uphold Odia pride and identity. He thanked the administration and requested that the wisdom of the Shrimad Bhagavat reach every Odia household in the future.Balia expressed confidence that under Chief Minister Majhi's leadership, Odia language, culture, literature, and spiritual consciousness would experience a renewal. The event concluded with a welcome address by Chandrakant Pradhan, Eastern Region Head of the Dharma Jagaran Samiti, and a vote of thanks by the organization's coordinator, Swami Brahmananda Saraswati.
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