Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India: The historical Shiva temple of Pali is an important part of the culture and heritage of Chhattisgarh. The culture here is getting a distinct identity through the Pali festival, said Industry, Commerce and Labor Minister Shri Lakhanlal Dewangan on Friday.

He was addressing the inaugural session of the two-day Pali Mahotsav dedicated to International Women's Day along with Mahashivratri festival at village Kerajharia of Korba district.

Rajya Sabha MP Saroj Pandey and other guests were present.

Dewangan said that organizing Pali Mahotsav is related to the pride of the people of the region. It was started during the time of former Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh. National and local artists are given opportunities.

He spoke on different central and state government schemes launched after the BJP came to power.  He added as how one by one the promises are being fulfilled.

Rajya Sabha MP Saroj Pandey said that the festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated with great pomp. Lord Mahadev is an important part of faith and culture in the country.

She said that women power is worth worshiping in our country. Women power is being economically empowered by the government through Mahtari Vandan Yojana.

Katghora MLA Premchand Patel urged the people to derive benefit of the different government schemes.