Chief Minister to Inaugurate ‘Jal Tarang Josh Mahotsav–2025’ on 21 November;
Development Projects Worth 100 Crore Rupeay to be Dedicated to the Public in Luhnu
Bilaspur, 19 November:A press conference was organised today at Bachat Bhavan under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar regarding the preparations for the upcoming ‘Jal Tarang Josh Mahotsav–2025’, scheduled to be held from 21 to 23 November on the banks of Govind Sagar Lake. Addressing the media, the Deputy Commissioner stated that this year the festival has been designed to be more impactful, attractive, and participatory, with the inclusion of water sports activities, cultural evenings, community programmes, Red Cross Fair, Aajeevika Fair, and several youth-centric inspirational events.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Omkant Thakur, SDM Sadar Rajdeep Singh and Assistant Commissioner Rajkumar were also present during the briefing.
Chief Minister to Inaugurate the Festival on 21 November
Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar informed that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will inaugurate the ‘Jal Tarang Josh Mahotsav–2025’ on 21 November at 11:00 AM at Luhnu Ground near Govind Sagar Lake. After the inauguration, the Chief Minister will visit the exhibition showcasing various schemes and services of government departments at the Mela Ground, followed by the formal inauguration of the Red Cross Fair and Aajeevika Fair.
He further added that the Chief Minister will also inaugurate and lay foundation stones of development projects worth nearly 100 crore rupeay in Luhnu. Later, he will address the residents of the district.
Water Sports to Remain the Major Highlight
The Deputy Commissioner stated that water sports competitions will be the key attraction of the event, including kayaking, canoeing, native boat race, swimming, and flat-water raft paddling. All competitions will be conducted over a stretch of 500 metres. These events will be broadcast live on a big screen to allow a larger audience to enjoy the thrilling activities. Special arrangements have been made to ensure safety and smooth conduct of all water sports.
Service and Community Participation at the Red Cross Fair
The Red Cross Fair at the Mela Ground will feature a blood donation camp, multi-speciality health camp, baby show, tambola, recreational games for senior citizens, and a special fashion show for persons with disabilities and elderly citizens. This fair aims to strengthen the spirit of service, welfare, and community support.
Aajeevika Fair to Promote Economic Empowerment of Women Groups
The Aajeevika Fair will showcase and sell products made by women self-help groups, including handicrafts, homemade items, local cuisines, and traditional foods. The primary objective is to promote women entrepreneurship and provide better marketing opportunities to local groups.
Youth-Focused Programmes and Anti-Drug Awareness Campaign
Special initiatives have been included for youth, focusing on drug-free living and health awareness. Activities such as weightlifting competitions, bodybuilding demonstrations, fitness shows, live performances, and an awareness campaign themed “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Fitness” will be organised in collaboration with the Police and Health Departments. The aim is to encourage youth to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Cultural Evenings to Showcase Local and State Talent
Grand cultural evenings will be organised at the festival from 21 to 23 November every day between 5 PM and 10 PM, featuring artists from the Language & Culture Department, All India Radio, Doordarshan (Grade A & B artists), and other talented performers from Bilaspur district.
On 21 November, Gaurav Kaundal and Ajay Chauhan will perform; on 22 November, Geeta Bhardwaj and A.C. Bhardwaj will be the main attractions; and on 23 November, Kumar Sahil and Kuldeep Sharma will enthral the audience.
Closing Ceremony on 23 November
The Deputy Commissioner informed that the closing ceremony will be held on 23 November at 8:00 PM, where Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani will preside and present awards to all winners of the water sports competitions.
The Deputy Commissioner appealed to district residents to participate in large numbers in welcoming the Chief Minister at Luhnu Ground at 11:00 AM on 21 November. He urged people to enjoy the water sports events, benefit from the services and exhibitions at the Red Cross and Aajeevika Fairs, and attend the cultural programmes to make the festival a grand success.