Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], December 1 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the “Uttarakhand Lok Virasat-2025” event as the Chief Guest at Social Baluni Public School, Dehradun, a CMO release said.
Upon his arrival, the gathering and the organisers welcomed him warmly. MLA Vinod Chamoli was also present on the occasion.
Addressing the programme on Sunday, the Chief Minister said that “Uttarakhand Lok Virasat” is not merely a cultural event; it is a celebration of our identity, traditions, and roots.
He stated that Uttarakhand’s folk culture is a centuries-old, rich heritage. He emphasised that the state’s folk dances, folk songs, traditional attire, folk arts, and festivals beautifully reflect the people’s lives, emotions, and social harmony. He added that folk songs and dances like Jhora, Chhapeli, Chanchari, and Panwari are not just artistic expressions but symbols of community spirit, love, bravery, and social values.
Speaking about traditional attire such as Pichhora, Ghaghra, Lehenga, Fetua, and Pagdi, the Chief Minister said these garments are not just clothing but cultural symbols.
He mentioned that crafts like Ringaal weaving, woodwork, silver jewellery, wool products, and metal crafts have long served as the backbone of Uttarakhand’s economy. He further said that festivals like Bagwal, Phooldei, Harela, Igas-Bagwal, and Makar Sankranti reflect the state’s deep connection with nature and social unity.
The Chief Minister said that folk culture is the medium through which the older generation passes down its knowledge, experience, and traditions to the younger generation. Therefore, preserving it is the duty of both the government and every citizen.
He stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is witnessing a golden era of cultural renaissance. He described the slogan “Heritage as well as Development” as the lifeline of India’s cultural consciousness and highlighted the reconstruction of Ram Temple, Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Mahakal Lok, and the redevelopment of Badrinath-Kedarnath temples as evidence of India’s spiritual resurgence.
The Chief Minister added that the state government is also working consistently in this direction. Verification of folk artists is being done every six months to ensure timely assistance. During the COVID period, around 3,200 registered artists received monthly support, and pensions are being provided to artists above the age of 60. Training programmes under the Guru-Shishya tradition are being conducted to connect the youth with folk traditions.
He said the state government is continuously supporting the preservation and promotion of literature, art, and folk heritage. Through honours such as Sahitya Gaurav Samman, Sahitya Bhushan, and Lifetime Achievement Awards, outstanding writers are being recognised. To promote local products, the “One District-Two Products” scheme and the “House of Himalayas” brand are giving traditional items a global platform.
Speaking about women’s empowerment, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that Self-Help Groups and the Lakhpati Didi scheme have economically empowered lakhs of women. He shared that more than 1.68 lakh women in the state have become “Lakhpati Didis,” which is a matter of great pride.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government is committed to safeguarding and strengthening the cultural, social, and spiritual heritage of Uttarakhand with an unwavering resolve.
He urged the artists, writers, musicians, and culture enthusiasts present to continue guiding society with their talent and creativity, and to play an important role in taking folk culture to the younger generation.
The Chief Minister thanked everyone associated with the event and extended his best wishes for its success. (ANI)
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