Nainital: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the Nanda-Sunanda Mahotsav in Nainital on Tuesday and offered prayers to Goddess Nanda-Sunanda, while outlining the state government’s focus on preserving cultural heritage alongside development.
Dhami described the festival as more than a traditional fair, saying it represents Uttarakhand’s faith, culture and traditions carried forward through generations. Folk songs, Jhora-Chanchari, Dhol-Damau and other traditional art forms form an important part of the celebrations, according to the Chief Minister.
“A society that takes pride in its roots and culture is the one that moves forward with confidence,” Dhami said.
Heritage and Religious Tourism
Dhami said Nainital’s identity extends beyond its lakes, mountains and natural landscape to its religious and spiritual significance. He highlighted sites including Naina Devi Temple, Hanumangarhi, Kainchi Dham and Mukteshwar.
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The Chief Minister said the government is pursuing a vision of “development as well as heritage” for Uttarakhand. He cited the development of major religious sites across the country and said the state was following a similar approach to preserve its cultural and spiritual heritage.
Under the Mansakhand Temple Mala Mission, major mythological and religious sites in the Kumaon region are being developed with improved facilities while seeking to retain their traditional character.
Key areas highlighted by Dhami included:
- Development of religious sites such as Naina Devi, Kainchi Dham and Mukteshwar.
- Promotion of religious tourism to create employment and self-employment opportunities.
- Better health, education, road and connectivity infrastructure in Nainital district.
- Greater market access for locally produced goods.
Dhami said stronger religious tourism could create opportunities for local youth, while also helping women engaged in producing local products access better markets.
Women, Jobs and Local Development
The Chief Minister also spoke about women’s economic empowerment through self-help groups and entrepreneurship initiatives. He said women’s self-help groups are being provided interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh and that efforts are being made to provide better spaces and markets for local products.
Dhami also highlighted the government’s employment initiatives, including measures intended to ensure transparency in recruitment.
On land and cultural identity, he said the government had strengthened land laws and referred to the 2025 amendments concerning the purchase of agricultural and horticultural land by outsiders in 11 hill districts. He also reiterated the government’s stated position on actions against activities it describes as “land jihad” and “love jihad.”
The Chief Minister also referred to Uttarakhand’s implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in January 2025, linking it to women’s rights and empowerment.
Dhami participated in the festival’s aarti and prayed for the happiness, peace and prosperity of the people of Uttarakhand. He also congratulated the organisers and those involved in conducting the festival.
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