Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a special village-style gathering called 'Khatla Sabha' in Bhildi, Banaskantha district, on Friday. People sat on traditional wooden cots, also called charpoys, during the event. PM Modi recalled his first major public programme in Banaskantha in 2001, when around three lakh people attended a gathering. He said the unique seating arrangement at the latest event could have attracted a place in the Guinness World Records.Key HighlightsPM Modi addressed a special Khatla Sabha in Bhildi, Gujarat.People sat on traditional village cots during the public meeting.Modi recalled a gathering of around three lakh people in Banaskantha in 2001.He also released the 24th instalment of PM-KISAN for eligible farmers.PM Modi Praises the Traditional Khatla SabhaDuring his speech in Bhildi, PM Modi spoke about the special seating style at the gathering. Unlike normal public meetings, where people sit on chairs, this event used traditional village cots.He said people from around the world might be surprised to see such a large gathering sitting on charpoys. He also praised Banaskantha for keeping this old village tradition alive.The Prime Minister suggested that the event could have found a place in the Guinness World Records if the organisers had contacted the record-keeping organisation before the programme.He said:"Perhaps the people of the world would be surprised to see that everyone in this gathering is sitting on charpoys. Banaskantha has kept this great tradition of our villages alive today."The Khatla Sabha gave the event a traditional village feel. It also brought attention to the local culture and customs of Gujarat.PM Modi Remembers His 2001 Banaskantha RallyPM Modi also remembered his early days as Gujarat Chief Minister. He said his first major public programme after taking charge as Chief Minister in 2001 was held in the same region.The programme was called the Lok Kalyan Mela. According to the Prime Minister, around three lakh people attended that event.He said he believed that the record of that gathering had not been broken since then.PM Modi also connected the event with his 25 years of public service. He said it was special to return to the same region where his journey as Gujarat Chief Minister had begun.He said:"Where I began my journey, I have got an opportunity today to give an account of 25 years of service."He also recalled his long connection with Gujarat and thanked the people for their support.Why Did PM Modi Switch to Hindi During His Speech?At the start of the programme, PM Modi greeted the people and spoke about the farmers connected to the event.He said farmers from different districts of the country and villages of Gujarat were also watching the programme through technology.The Prime Minister first planned to speak in Gujarati. However, he changed his plan and chose Hindi because people from different parts of India were connected to the event.He asked the audience for permission before continuing his speech in Hindi.Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and Gujarat Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary were among the leaders present at the programme.PM Modi also paid tribute to Maa Amba and spoke about the importance of the holy land during the auspicious period of Navratri.PM Modi Releases 24th PM-KISAN InstalmentThe Bhildi programme also included important announcements for farmers.PM Modi released the 24th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. Under this instalment, around ₹19,000 crore was transferred for more than 9.34 crore eligible farmers across India.Eligible farmers receive ₹2,000 in each instalment under the scheme. The government provides ₹6,000 every year in three instalments to eligible farmer families.The Prime Minister also launched and dedicated several development projects related to women, children, farmers and livestock owners.These projects aim to support rural communities, improve farming facilities and strengthen the agriculture sector.What Makes the Khatla Sabha Special?A Khatla Sabha is a village-style public meeting where people sit on traditional cots instead of regular chairs.These cots are commonly used in many Indian villages. They are also known as charpoys.The Bhildi gathering brought this traditional seating style to a large public event. PM Modi praised the local people for keeping this village custom alive.His speech also connected the event with his early political journey in Gujarat and 25 years of public service.The gathering became an important part of his October 30 Gujarat visit, which also included farmer support announcements and development projects.Also Read : PM Modi Launches Projects Worth Over ₹14,000 Crore in Gujarat, Flags Off Two Trains
