Education Minister Rohit Thakur today participated in the Dev Shant Yagya of Dom Devta Khanta at Adevag in Kotkhai subdivision, where he sought the blessings of the deity and prayed for the peace, prosperity and well-being of the people of Himachal Pradesh. The occasion held deep cultural and spiritual significance for the region, as the sacred ritual was organised after a long gap of nearly 56 years, drawing large participation from devotees and local residents.
The historic Dev Shant witnessed the presence of four prominent deities of the region, including Koteshwar Mahadev Mihni, Dom Devta Khanta Bashnog, Nag Devta Bhamrada, Kali Mata Tikri Himri and Khund Thanal of village Thana. The participation of these deities reflected the deep-rooted traditions and collective spiritual faith that define the cultural fabric of the area.
Addressing the gathering, Rohit Thakur said that Himachal Pradesh is rightly known as Dev Bhoomi and its divine culture carries a unique identity that is rarely found anywhere else in the world. He said that the fairs, festivals and religious rituals celebrated across the State reflect the living heritage of this ancient culture. Such sacred rituals, he added, are symbols of the rich Dev culture of Himachal Pradesh and it is the collective responsibility of society to preserve and nurture this heritage so that it remains protected for generations to come.
The Education Minister especially appealed to the youth to stay connected with their cultural roots, stating that the Dev culture teaches values of mutual love, harmony and social bonding. He said that while it is essential to move forward in the modern scientific era and keep pace with global developments, it is equally important to remain connected with the State’s ancient traditions and original cultural identity.
The programme was attended by Block Congress Committee Jubbal-Nawar-Kotkhai President Motilal Derta, LMB Bank Director Devinder Negi, Congress Zone In-charge Pratap Chauhan, Ravindra Chauhan, SDM Kotkhai, officers of various departments, representatives of Panchayati Raj institutions, Congress workers and a large number of local residents, reflecting the collective reverence attached to the occasion.
