Hill Folk in city bring the thrill of Devbhoomi to the plains

Lucknow: The 10-day Uttarakhand Festival, organized traditionally by the Uttarakhand Mahaparisad at Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant Mountain Cultural Garden, Birbal Sahni Marg, along the Gomti riverbank, concluded  with a vibrant finale of cultural performances. Over the course of the festival, visitors enjoyed competitions, poetry sessions, performances showcasing the diverse cultures of various states, more than 150 exhibition stalls, and health camps.

The closing ceremony was graced online by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who officially declared the festival closed. He congratulated the Uttarakhand Mahaparisad for organizing such a celebration in Lucknow, praising the festival as a convergence of cultures and recognizing the council’s efforts in preserving and promoting Uttarakhand’s heritage.

The evening festivities began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony led by O.P. Srivastava, MLA from Lucknow East, alongside Uttarakhand Mahaparisad officials. Guests were felicitated with badges, ceremonial scarves, bouquets, mementos, and the iconic Uttarakhand cap. Three eminent personalities—Prof. Diwan Singh Rawat (Vice-Chancellor, Kumaun University), Dr. Chandra Mohan Nautiyal (Scientist), and Dr. Suresh Chandra Phulara—were honored with the Uttarakhand Gaurav Award for their contributions to society.

The festival’s highlight included several competitions organized by the Cultural Wing: Uttarakhand Dance, Nachega Bharat, and Jhoda competitions, which received overwhelming appreciation from audiences. Each participating team was awarded a monetary prize, encouraging spirited performances. According to organizers Puran Singh Jina and Mahendra Gailakoti, these events successfully showcased traditional arts while engaging the public.

The afternoon program featured traditional Chholiya dance by Udhanachal Kala Kendra, Almora, alongside performances by children in ju-jitsu, karate, singing, and folk dances. Evening performances included solo acts such as Kaniska Bisht (Mountain Solo Dance), Anya Madar (Shiv Tandav), Swara Tripathi (Dance), and Priyanka Dixit (Solo Singing), all earning applause from the audience.

The final rounds of Jhoda, Nachega Bharat, and Uttarakhand Dance competitions witnessed exceptional performances from multiple groups, including teams led by Savita Bisht, Shobha Patwal, Manju Pandey, Rajendra Singh Bisht, Sushila Negi, Reena Srivastava, Dr. Shreya, Anita Singh, Manish Tripathi, Sangeeta Ahuja, Priyanka Bisht, and others. The stage was set ablaze with the energy of folk and modern dance, reflecting Uttarakhand’s rich cultural heritage.

The Uttarakhand Mahaparisad expressed gratitude to all organizers, sponsors—including SBI, LIC, NTPC, SBI Life, Army Headquarters (UP & Uttarakhand), Ministry of Culture, and Tourism Departments, volunteers, and participants—whose tireless efforts ensured the festival’s resounding success.