Monday, 07 March 2022 | PNS | Dehradun
Matholi, a small village located in Gangotri valley in Uttarkashi district hosted a unique programme- Ghasyari festival on Sunday. The objective of the event was to promote rural tourism and conserve tradition. The word Ghasyari in local language is used for the women who fetch fodder for the cattle from the pastures and forests. In the programme organised on Sunday a total 50 women took part. The organisers had formed five teams of the women and the winners of the contest would be honoured on the occasion of International Day of Women on March 8.
The event was organised by Pradeep Panwar of Bakri Chapp fame. He said that the objective of the programme was to strengthen the rural economy by connecting it with tourism. Panwar has also developed his old Channi (Cattle shed) as a home stay for tourists. He said that his Channi was in a dilapidated state as it was deserted for a long time but he converted it into a place for tourists. Panwar said that women are the mainstay of the social and economy of the mountainous parts of the state. He informed that he wants to develop his village which is located in Chinyalisaur block of Uttarkashi as a tourist destination. The picturesque village is resplendent with natural beauty and has waterfall, Channis and forest in vicinity. The Matholi village is located at a distance of only 10 km from the Chinyalisaur market. The village is more or less unaffected by migration and the villagers grow local crops. Panwar said that the valley has 30 villages and they can all be brought under eco tourism. One of the best things is that the medical facility is available nearby in Chinyalisaur town.
Rameshwari Devi, Bindu Devi, Anaru Devu, Ramshila, Suchita and others took part in the programme as contestants. The womenfolk also performed traditional Tandi dance on the occasion. The programme was coordinated by Poonam Panwar. Mountaineers Savita Kanswal, Nidhi Tuli and others were also present on the occasion.
