Sunday, 20 OCTOBER 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Local residents have expressed their joy and excitement at the opportunity to experience the arts and culture of various States at the Virasat Art and Heritage Festival 2024. The festival kicked off at the Ambedkar ground on October 15 and will continue till October 29. A longstanding annual cultural event that highlights India’s diverse artistic traditions and heritage, Virasat is eagerly anticipated by many locals who also look forward to browsing the different stalls showcasing various States’ offerings.
Doon resident Meenu Paul shared her enthusiasm for the event, noting that she eagerly awaits the festival’s 15-day run in the city. She enjoys exploring and purchasing items from the stalls representing different States at Virasat. It has been a source of excitement for her every year as it begins just before the festive season, providing people with the opportunity to purchase unique items for the festival all in one place instead of having to visit multiple showrooms, she stated.
Senior citizen Rajendra Talwar said that his home is located close to the event venue. He shared that in the evenings, he visits the site daily and plans to continue in the coming days to view the cultural programmes held there every evening. He also highlighted the diverse range of food available, representing States including Punjab, Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat and others.
The younger generation has also been observed to engage with the culture through this festival. According to young adult Sirat Kaushik, Virasat has become a tradition for the local residents to visit and explore the stalls each year. This year, she has had the opportunity to explore almost all the stalls at Virasat, where the culture of different States is showcased through various items. She also added that the cultural festival serves as a learning experience for the younger generation.
