CM Fadnavis spends Diwali night at farmer's home in Narkhed, celebrates Bhaubeej with family

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis spent a different kind of Diwali this year. To encourage farmers in difficulty because of drought, he stayed at a farmer's home and celebrated the festival with the family as one of its members. In the morning he ate home-made poha served with curry (tari), and Arunatai performed Bhaubeej for him.

Fadnavis went to the home of farmer Rambhau Balpande at Lohari Saunga in Narkhed taluka of Nagpur district. After dinner with the family in the evening, he spent the night in the same house. It was cold at night, so the family had lit a bonfire. The Chief Minister said during the conversation that he regretted not getting the chance to enjoy it.

After he woke up, the women of the Balpande family served him poha with curry that they had made themselves. In the course of the conversation, Fadnavis said he is very fond of poha and that, at least four days a week, poha is what he has for breakfast.

On the occasion of Diwali, the Chief Minister also bathed at the Balpande home after applying ubtan. Arunatai then performed his aarti as a sister and observed Bhaubeej. She said warmly, "Brother, come next year with sister-in-law." The small moment lifted the mood among those present.

It was the first Diwali for seven-month-old Narayani of the Balpande family. The family said they were happy that her first Diwali was celebrated with the Chief Minister. Narayani's father, Pravin, said he would show her these pictures when she grows up.

During the same visit, 75-year-old Kamalabai Manerao raised her problems with the Chief Minister. She asked for help with goat rearing and for financial assistance for her disabled son. The Chief Minister directed that the matters be examined immediately. He also asked for an inquiry into her Niradhar grant.

While taking leave of the Balpande family, the Chief Minister thanked them for their hospitality. He also said that their determination to fight the situation despite the hardships farmers face is an inspiration.