Lucknow: The 10th Uttarakhand Mahotsav is in full swing on Birbal Sahni Marg along the banks of the Gomti River, celebrating the rich culture, folk traditions, and hill cuisine of Devbhoomi. The festival, running from November 9th to 18th, has been drawing large crowds daily.
On Sunday, the eighth day of the festival, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the event, further enhancing its grandeur. Around 2,000 people were present to witness the CM’s arrival, and local residents, as well as the Uttarakhandi community in Lucknow, expressed excitement at his participation.
The festival was inaugurated by Culture and Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh on November 9th.
Folk Performances Bring Uttarakhand to Life
The opening ceremony featured 30 Jhoda groups of women dressed in traditional Uttarakhandi attire. They enlivened the atmosphere with performances using shields, swords, mashqabin, trumpets, and the Ransingh. Artists from the Udayanchal Kala Kendra, Almora added to the cultural vibrancy, captivating audiences with their authentic folk music and dance.
A highlight of the festival remains the Chholiya dance, showcasing warriors in heroic postures, performing to the energetic beats of dhol and damoun. Spectators were drawn to the colorful display, which exemplifies Uttarakhand’s martial traditions.
Hill Cuisine and Local Delicacies Delight Visitors
Visitors also enjoyed a variety of hill cuisine, including jhangora ki kheer, ghat dal, manduva roti, and specialty items like Munsyari Rajma and Almora Bal Mithai. These delicacies provide a genuine taste of Uttarakhand and remain one of the festival’s major attractions.
Strengthening Cultural Ties Between States
The presence of CM Yogi Adityanath is seen as a gesture to strengthen cultural ties between Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Organizers believe his participation not only boosts the morale of performing artists but also emphasizes the importance of preserving regional traditions and promoting cultural exchange between the two states.
The festival continues to attract crowds daily, promising more performances, culinary delights, and exhibitions of Uttarakhandi heritage until November 18th.
