Ujjain/Bhopal, Sep 17 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh on Thursday witnessed a spectacular display of lights as 3.55 crore ‘Ashirwad Diyas’ were lit simultaneously across the state to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday and launch the month-long ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’.
The main celebration was held in Ujjain, where 33.27 lakh lamps were lit simultaneously at various locations, including the ghats along the Shipra River and Mahakal Lok corridor.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, BJP national president Nitin Nabin, state BJP president Hemant Khandelwal and state in-charge Mahendra Singh joined thousands of residents at Ramghat to light the lamps. At 7 pm, the sound of sirens signalled the start of the mass lighting. More than 25,000 volunteers, devotees and citizens joined the ceremony at Ramghat, Datt Akhada, Kedareshwar, Sunhari and Bhookhi Mata ghats, besides Mahakal Lok.
“The lighting of lamps is a symbol of people’s affection, respect and gratitude for Prime Minister Modi’s 25 years of service to the nation and his contribution to nation-building,” Yadav said.
The Chief Minister said the celebrations were aimed at taking the spirit of service and public participation to every part of the state. “The Seva Sankalp Abhiyan will carry forward the spirit of service through activities focused on public welfare and social participation. It is a collective pledge to contribute to the development and welfare of Madhya Pradesh,” he said.
The BJP leaders also participated in the Shipra Aarti and offered prayers for the happiness, prosperity and well-being of the people of the state.
The massive illumination transformed the Shipra riverfront into a sea of lamps, with the glow stretching across the ghats and surrounding areas. The 33.27 lakh lamps lit at different locations in Ujjain included those at Ramghat, Datt Akhada, Kedareshwar Ghat, Sunhari Ghat, Bhookhi Mata Ghat and Mahakal Lok.
Across Madhya Pradesh, the ‘Ashirwad Diya’ programme was organised simultaneously at 845 iconic locations, with people joining the celebrations in large numbers, according to a statement from the state BJP. Before it, Nitin Nabin, along with CM Yadav, launched ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ in Indore.
–IANS
pd/uk