PM Narendra Modi participates in Dev Deepawali Mahotsav in Varanasi, congratulates Kashi for getting back stolen Mata Annapurna's idol

PM Modi indirectly attacked Congress and said that if such effort had been made earlier, the country would have got back many such statues.

Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (November 30, 2020) participated in the 'Dev Deepawali Mahotsav' in Varanasi and congratulated the people of Kashi for getting back the stolen Mata Annapurna's idol. 

Addressing the Dev Deepawali event, PM Modi expressed, "It was another special occasion for Kashi as the idol of Mata Annapurna that was stolen from Kashi more than 100 years ago, is now coming back again. It is a matter of great fortune for Kashi." 

Dev Deepavali and the affection of the people of Kashi!  pic.twitter.com/XRgcL9WR1v

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 30, 2020

He said that these ancient idols of our gods and goddesses are a symbol of our faith as well as our priceless heritage.

PM Modi lit the customary first 'diya' at the Raj Ghat to mark the beginning of the celebrations that are held on every 'poornima' of the Hindu month of Kartik. He was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adiyanath. 

Har Har Mahadev! pic.twitter.com/k2XD2Q74xl

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 30, 2020

The Prime Minister indirectly attacked Congress and said that if such effort had been made earlier, the country would have got back many such statues. 

He said, "For us, legacy means the country's heritage, while for some, it means their family and their family name. For us, heritage means our culture, our faith, our values! For others, it might mean, their idols and family photos."

The Prime Minister named Guru Nanak Dev Ji himself as the biggest symbol of reforms in the society and system.

He said, "Whenever there are changes in the society and the national interest, the voices of uncalled for opposition arise somehow. But when the significance of those reforms becomes clear, everything gets alright. He cited this as the lesson we get from the life of Guru Nanak Devji."

The Prime Minister said when development works started for Kashi, the protesters protested for the sake of it. He said when Kashi had decided that Vishwanath Corridor would be built till Baba's Darbar, the protesters had criticized that too, but today the glory of Kashi is being revived by the grace of Baba. He said the centuries-long direct connection between Baba's Darbar and Maa Ganga is being re-established.

The Prime Minister expressed happiness that by the grace of the Lord Kashi Vishwanath, he got the opportunity to participate in the festival of light at Kashi. He recounted the glory of the ancient city and said that Kashi has guided the world over the ages.

The Prime Minister said that due to the COVID-19 restrictions he could not come to the city, which is also his constituency, very frequently and keenly felt the void created by this. He said he was never distant from his people during this time and kept a tab on the arrangements during the pandemic times.

He praised the spirit of public service displayed by the people of Kashi during the coronavirus pandemic.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi inaugurated the six-lane widening project of the Varanasi-Prayagraj section of NH-19. He also offered prayers at Kashi Vishwanath Temple and visited the site of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor Project.

Prime Minister Modi said that we are now seeing the outcome of the work of connectivity along with the beautification of Kashi done in the past. He added that the unprecedented work has been done on new highways, pull-flyovers, widening of roads to reduce traffic jams in and around Varanasi.