Date:05/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/05/stories/2008110554310400.htm

New Delhi

Sheila visits “Chhat Ghats”

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit visited the various “Chhat Ghats” along the Yamuna banks in the Capital on Tuesday to offer prayers and convey her greeting and best wishes to the devotees.

Describing “Chhat Pooja” as an important festival of prosperity and joy, Ms. Dikshit said: “Offering an occasion to worship the Sun, ‘Chhat Pooja’ has been nurturing social and cultural values of Poorvanchalis settled in the city. This festival also helps in cementing social bonds apart from disseminating the message of brotherhood, co-existence and mutual cooperation.”

Stating that establishment of a separate Maithili Bhojpuri Akademi had been widely appreciated by the 40 lakh Poorvanchalis settled in the Capital, Ms. Dikshit said: “Poorvanchalis have contributed substantially in the development of the city. They are the backbone of our Congress party which is committed to accelerate the pace of development.”