Wednesday, 13 NOVEMBER 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The festival of Igas was celebrated in a simple and traditional manner at the chief minister’s residence here on Tuesday. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in special prayers and Sundarkand recitation while praying for peace and prosperity in the State. Dhami participated in the Bhelo worship and also played Bhelo- swinging the lit resinous bark from a string. The chief minister also played the traditional drums of the State on the occasion.
Wishing the people of the State on the festive occasion, the chief minister stressed on the need for all the people to take their culture and traditions forward. At a time when the entire State is celebrating the festival with enthusiasm, he said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also wished the people on the occasion. Stating that PM Modi has special affection for Uttarakhand, the CM said that he too had participated in Igas celebrations in the national capital. The PM always encourages the folk festivals and the culture of Uttarakhand, Dhami said.
“The folk culture and traditions are an integral part of Uttarakhand’s identity. The festival of Igas is especially important for all of us. To ensure that the festivities are enjoyed by all, we have been declaring a public holiday on this occasion in recent years. During the Pravasi Uttarakhandi Sammelan held recently, the migrant Uttarakhand natives were also requested to celebrate such festivals in their native villages,” the CM said. He recalled that PM Modi in his message on Uttarakhand’s foundation day, had also stressed on the need to conserve the State’s regional languages and ensuring that the people retain their connection to their villages. Cabinet minister Prem Chand Agrawal, Union minister of State Ajay Tamta and folk singer Pritam Bhartwan were also present on the occasion.
