Chhattisgarh Schools to Mandate Daily Hindu Prayers Starting 2026-27

The Chhattisgarh government has announced a new mandate requiring daily recitation of Hindu prayers, including the Gayatri Mantra, in schools starting from the academic year 2026-27. This initiative aims to foster patriotism and cultural awareness among students. However, it has faced criticism from the opposition Congress party, which argues that making such prayers compulsory in schools with diverse student bodies could alienate those of different faiths. The controversy raises questions about the balance between cultural education and religious inclusivity in public schools. Read on to discover more about the implications of this decision.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 16, 2026, 18:18 IST

New Educational Mandate in Chhattisgarh

Representational image.

Raipur, Jun 16: The Chhattisgarh government has announced that from the academic year 2026-27, all schools under its Education Department will require daily recitation of the Gayatri Mantra and other Hindu prayers, alongside the national anthem and national song.

Officials stated that this initiative aims to promote patriotism, enhance students' intellectual growth, and introduce them to Indian culture and traditions as the new academic year began on Tuesday.

As per an order issued by the School Education Department to all District Education Officers (DEOs) on June 12, schools will implement mandatory activities at three different times throughout the day, according to a government representative.

The morning assembly will now feature the national anthem, national song, Deep Mantra, Saraswati Vandana, Guru Mantra, and readings from the biographies of notable figures.

During the mid-day meal, students will collectively recite a food prayer (Bhojan Mantra), while the end-of-day session will include the state song, Gayatri Mantra, and Shanti Mantra.

This initiative is designed to instill patriotism, discipline, moral values, and cultural awareness among students, while also reinforcing their connection to Indian traditions and national ideals.

The government has instructed DEOs to ensure the strict enforcement of this order.

In response, the opposition Congress party has raised concerns about the necessity of making Hindu prayers compulsory in schools that serve students of various faiths, accusing the BJP government of attempting to impose the agenda of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in educational institutions. They have called for the withdrawal of this directive.

Sushil Anand Shukla, the chairman of the Chhattisgarh Congress communication department, expressed skepticism about the need for mandatory religious chants in schools. He stated, "While reciting the national anthem, national song, and state song is appropriate, the inclusion of the Gayatri Mantra, Deep Mantra, Saraswati Mantra, and Bhojan Mantra as compulsory is questionable. The government seems intent on transforming schools into Saraswati Shishu Mandirs, which is inappropriate."

Shukla emphasized that students from diverse religions, castes, and communities attend government schools, and enforcing the recitation of specific religious mantras could offend individuals from other faiths.

Former deputy chief minister and senior Congress leader T S Singh Deo also criticized the decision, stating it contradicts the spirit of the Constitution. He remarked that while individuals should have the freedom to worship or recite religious mantras, such practices should not be imposed on followers of other religions. He urged the state government to retract the order and suggested that students and teachers who do not wish to participate in these prayers should have the option to opt out.