Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the central government is working to get Chhath Mahaparva recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible
Cultural Heritage of Humanity. PM Modi made the remarks while addressing a rally in poll-bound Bihar's Muzaffarpur. Addressing his first public rally after the Chhath festivities in Muzaffarpur, PM Modi said, "It is my first tour of Bihar after Chhath Puja, which is now famous world over. The festival stands not just for devotion but also for equality, a reason why my government is trying to get a UNESCO heritage tag for this festival." PM Modi on Thursday said that Congress and RJD leaders were insulting 'Chhathi Maiyya' to get votes in the Bihar elections. Addressing an election rally in Muzaffarpur, PM Modi claimed that the Chhath Puja was "drama" for Congress and RJD leaders, and people of Bihar would never forget this "insult" for years, nor would they forgive them.
"I listen to Chhath songs while travelling. I was once moved to listen to one of these songs rendered by a girl from Nagaland. But while this son of yours is busy ensuring that Chhath gets the honour that is its due, the Congress-RJD people are heaping scorn on the festival, calling it a drama, a nautanki," said PM Modi, without mentioning any leader by name.
Earlier on Wednesday, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi had alleged that the prime minister would do anything, even dance, for votes if asked by electors. Addressing a poll rally in Bihar, the Congress leader said, "If Modi ji wants to do drama, wants to do drama of Chhath Puja, then water will come, video cameras will come."
The Chhath festival, marked by offerings to the Sun God and rituals performed on riverbanks, holds deep cultural and spiritual importance in Bihar and neighbouring states. The four-day festivities began on October 25 with the 'Nahai Khai' ritual and concluded on October 28.
PM Modi's Big Attack on Mahagathbandhan in Muzaffarpur
The PM claimed that all surveys were showing that the RJD-led coalition would face a humiliating defeat in the assembly polls, so it was making "unrealistic promises".
He also alleged that the Congress-RJD combine stood for five 'Ks' -- 'katta' (country-made weapons – lawlessness), 'kroorta' (cruelty), 'katuta' (social resentment), 'kushasan' (misgovernance) and corruption. He said songs being played at RJD-Congress rallies were talking about arms like 'katta, dunali', which is beyond imagination.
PM Modi claimed 35,000-40,000 abductions took place during the RJD regime in the state, and "goons used to loot vehicle showrooms".
Bihar Assembly Election 2025: PM Modi Hits Campaign Trail
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has kicked off NDA's campaign in poll-bound Bihar. He addressed a rally in Muzaffarpur district and exuded confidence that the voters will ensure a grand victory of the BJP-NDA on Thursday. He will also address a rally in Chhapra later in the day.
PM Modi kicked off the NDA campaign for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections by addressing rallies in Samastipur and Begusarai on October 24.
