Lucknow: Respect for women, their safety and equal opportunities are essential for building a progressive society, UP Jal Shakti minister Swatantra Dev Singh said at the Adani Times Garba Utsav 2026 in Lucknow on Saturday.Extending Navratri greetings, Singh said the festival was not only about worshipping Goddess Durga but also about promoting courage, self-confidence, service and respect for women. Describing Garba as a celebration of devotion, tradition and unity, he said its circular formation symbolised equality and social harmony. He said India’s cultural diversity was its strength and termed the Garba celebrations in Lucknow a reflection of the country’s inclusive ethos.Referring to UNESCO’s 2023 recognition of Gujarat’s Garba as an intangible cultural heritage, Singh said the honour acknowledged generations that had preserved the tradition. He urged people, especially youth, to balance modern aspirations with cultural values and work towards women’s safety and dignity, environmental protection and the eradication of social evils.Singh also congratulated the organisers for bringing together devotion, culture and social harmony through the event.
