Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday inaugurated the five-day long Madhavpur Ghed Fair at Madhavpur Ghed, Porbandar in Gujarat.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that it was his privilege to inaugurate the Madhavpur Ghed fair organized in the village associated with the life of Shri Krishna and near Porbandar, the birthplace of Bapu.
The President also extended his greetings to his fellow citizens on the occasion of Ram Navami.
He said that Mahatma Gandhi had hoped for the establishment of Ram-Rajya in modern India on the ideals of Maryada Purushottam Ram.
What is Madhavpur Ghed Fair?
Madhavpur Ghed Fair or the Madhavpur Mela is a village fair that is held in the village of Madhavpur Ghed near Porbandar in Gujarat.
Since 2018, the Government of Gujarat in association with the Ministry of Culture is organizing the Madhavpur Ghed fair every year to celebrate the sacred union of Lord Krishna and Rukmini.
Addressing the festive gathering, President Kovind said that the folk story of the marriage of Shri Krishna and Rukmini shows how ancient is the cultural unity of India and how deep were the roots of our social harmony.
Born in today’s Uttar Pradesh, Shri Krishna makes Gujarat his workplace and marries Rukmini, a princess from today’s north-eastern region of our country. According to folk belief, the land of Madhavpur Ghed village has been a witness to their union.
Importance of Fairs and Festivals
Stressing the importance of fairs and festivals, the President said that fairs, festivals, and pilgrimage sites have kept our vast country tied in the thread of social and cultural unity since ancient times.
“The Madhavpur Fair connects Gujarat with the northeast region in an integral bond”, he said.
He noted that through such events, people, especially the young generation get a chance to gain knowledge about our heritage, culture, art, handicrafts, and traditional cuisine. These events also encourage tourism.
The President was happy to note that the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region is also associated with organizing the fair on a larger scale this year and that many cultural festivals are being organized in the northeastern states on the same day.
He expressed hope that this fair will have a special identity in our cultural tradition.
The President was glad to note that the enterprising people of Gujarat keep a balance between tradition and modernity while marching on the path of development.
Sustainable Development Goals
He noted that according to NITI Aayog’s report for the year 2020-21 for assessing the performance of various states towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, Gujarat has ranked first in the country in terms of providing access to a healthy life to people of all age groups.
Also, on the parameters of inclusive development of industry, innovation, and infrastructure, Gujarat’s performance has been the best among all the states.
The President said that the fair of Madhavpur Gher as well as the various functions organized on the occasion in several temples in Gujarat and in many places in north-east India is a celebration of India’s cultural, spiritual, and social unity.
He expressed happiness that this festival of connecting the people of the entire country on an emotional level is being celebrated along with the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
He said that Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav is basically being celebrated with the aim of strengthening the sense of national pride.
All the festivals associated with the Madhavpur Ghed fair also underline the unity and diversity of India.