Igas Festival Celebrated with Joy, Devotion and Cultural Pride at the Chief Minister’s Residence

Nov 2025 : The Igas festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm, traditional devotion, and cultural pride at the Chief Minister’s residence. Extending greetings on the occasion of Igas-Boodhi Diwali, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conveyed his best wishes to the people of Uttarakhand, saying that the folk festivals of the mountains are the soul and pride of the state. He also reaffirmed his commitment to preserving Uttarakhand’s folk culture.

The grand celebration took place today in the presence of Governor Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh (Retd). On this special occasion dedicated to the folk traditions of Devbhoomi, Chief Minister Dhami extended warm wishes to the people of the state and said that Igas is a symbol of Uttarakhand’s cultural identity, folk faith, and collective spirit.

Renowned folk artists, singers, and cultural groups from across Uttarakhand presented mesmerizing performances of traditional folk songs and dances, including Harul, Jhumelo, Chanchari, Thadiya, Jagar and other folk traditions. Their vibrant presentations filled the entire venue with the echoes of the mountains’ rich cultural heritage. Chief Minister Dhami himself joined the artists, enjoyed their performances, and encouraged them.

He said that the state’s folk culture and traditions are its greatest heritage, and preserving them for future generations is a collective responsibility. The Chief Minister personally greeted all invited guests, senior officials, public representatives, expatriate Uttarakhandis, members of social organizations, and other dignitaries present on the occasion.

As part of the traditional Igas celebrations, the Chief Minister also played the customary “Bhelo” game, following folk traditions. The gesture brought excitement among the elderly, youth, and children present, creating an atmosphere full of joy, folk music, and traditional dances.

Chief Minister Dhami honored all artists and participants, stating that the Uttarakhand government is continuously working for the upliftment of folk artists, the promotion of folk traditions, and culture-based employment. Extending greetings on Igas, Boodhi Diwali, and Dev Deepawali, he said that Uttarakhand’s traditional culture, attire, and cuisine are invaluable treasures that must be preserved.

He said that Igas is not merely a festival but a symbol of community bonding, gratitude toward nature, and cultural pride. Referring to the beats of dhol-damau, folk songs, and traditional mandane, he added that when folk culture blooms in homes and courtyards, it feels as if Devbhoomi itself is smiling.

The Chief Minister emphasized the significant role of expatriate Uttarakhandis, expressing happiness that many are now returning to their ancestral villages to celebrate Igas. He appealed to Uttarakhandis living across the world to celebrate folk festivals with their families and stay connected to their roots.

Calling upon everyone to join hands in enriching the state’s culture and contributing to making Uttarakhand the best state in the country, he recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inspiring words: “The third decade will belong to Uttarakhand.” He said this is not just a statement but a pledge for the bright future of the holy land of Uttarakhand, and it is everyone’s responsibility to fulfil the trust shown by the Prime Minister.

The Chief Minister said the current decade will focus on holistic development, employment generation, tourism and spiritual tourism, conservation of natural resources, and youth empowerment. With a spirit of “resolution without alternative,” he urged everyone to collectively work to bring this vision to reality so that Uttarakhand can establish new milestones of development and strengthen its identity globally.

In conclusion, he said, “Let us take a pledge this Igas to light not only the lamps in our homes, but also kindle a flame of pride in our hearts for our culture.”

The event was attended by Cabinet Ministers Satpal Maharaj and Ganesh Joshi, former Chief Ministers Bhagat Singh Koshyari and Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal, the Chief Secretary, other officials, various public representatives, and people from different walks of life.