Celebrate Govardhan Puja with local traditions and rituals: CM Mohan Yadav

Bhopal, October 16 (IANS). Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday said Govardhan Puja will be celebrated as per local traditions and customs across the state on October 21. The chief minister announced that on this occasion farmers associated with dairy business, entrepreneurs or innovators who have made a significant contribution in animal husbandry and milk production will be honoured. The main event will be held at Ravindra Bhawan, Bhopal, in which rituals like Govardhan Puja, Parikrama and Annakoot Bhog will take place. Traditional performances like Bareilly and Thatya dances will be showcased by the cattle rearing communities. Stalls of organic products, dairy products and artefacts made from cow dung will be set up. Besides, awareness booths will also be set up on various government schemes related to animal husbandry, agriculture and cooperation. “Those who do animal husbandry are true Gopals and every household where cows are reared is Gokul. Cows and animal husbandry have a sacred place in the ancient Sanatan culture of India,” the chief minister said in a statement. The state government has given priority to cow conservation and promotion and continuous work is being done in this direction with public participation. The state government aims to increase milk production and double the income of dairy farmers. With its natural resources and rich animal wealth, the state contributes about nine percent of India’s total milk production. The state government intends to increase this share to 20 percent. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also said that ‘Dugdh Samridhi Sampark’ campaign is being conducted in every village where veterinary doctors are going door to door to educate the farmers on advanced dairy farming techniques, breed improvement, animal health and nutrition. There are currently 2,900 Gaushalas functioning in Madhya Pradesh, in which around 4.25 lakh cattle are managed. Under the Mukhyamantri Gau Seva Yojana, 2,203 gaushalas have been established in rural areas across the state, housing 2.11 lakh cattle. –IANS PSK