Cultural events play a vital role in passing folk traditions and arts on to the younger generation: CM
Protecting Devbhoomi’s cultural identity and securing the future of youth are government priorities
CM objects to remarks describing Uttarakhand residents as infiltrators, raises issue of the state’s dignity and self-respect
Preserving folk culture and reconnecting young people with their roots is essential: CM
Haldwani, October 2026 : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the ‘Kumaon Dwar Mahotsav’ in Haldwani on Sunday as the chief guest. He welcomed the participants and praised the organisers for their efforts to preserve and promote Uttarakhand’s rich folk culture, traditions and folk arts.
The Chief Minister said Haldwani was not only the gateway to Kumaon but also held special significance for the people of the hill region. The area provides a wider platform for Kumaon’s cultural heritage, traditional lifestyle and distinctive folk arts. The large turnout at the festival, he said, reflected the deep connection of the people of Uttarakhand with their cultural roots and traditions.
Appreciating the efforts of the Vaidehi Cultural Education and Art Foundation, Dhami said the organisation was connecting the younger generation with Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage, particularly through folk singing and folk dance. He added that folk artists were giving fresh recognition to the state’s culture and traditions through their performances and helping take them to audiences across India and around the world.
Uttarakhand’s Rich Folk Culture and Traditions
Dhami said Uttarakhand’s folk culture was exceptionally rich and diverse. Its folk songs and dances reflect mountain life, natural beauty, changing seasons, local beliefs and the region’s glorious history.
Traditional art forms such as Chholiya, Jhora, Chanchari, Barda Nati and Nyoli preserve the state’s cultural heritage. Similarly, traditional singing styles such as Beda songs, Mangal songs and Chaiti songs are integral to Uttarakhand’s social and cultural life.
He said traditional musical instruments, including the dhol, damau, turri, bhankora and ransingha, give Uttarakhand’s folk culture a distinctive identity. Their melodies reflect the everyday life, beliefs and traditions of the hill communities.
With the expansion of digital technology and social media, Uttarakhand’s folk music is reaching audiences beyond the state and gaining recognition nationally and internationally. The Chief Minister expressed happiness that young people were also taking an interest in folk music and contributing to its promotion.
State Government Committed to Protecting Devbhoomi’s Identity
The Chief Minister said several important decisions had been taken in Uttarakhand under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Keeping the state’s future, public welfare and distinctive identity in mind, the government had taken significant steps towards implementing the Uniform Civil Code, enacting a stringent anti-conversion law, introducing an anti-riot law and strengthening land laws.
He said Uttarakhand was not merely a geographical region but a centre of faith, cultural heritage and spiritual consciousness for millions of people. Protecting the identity of Devbhoomi was not a political issue for the state government but a firm commitment.
In this regard, action had been taken against illegal occupation and encroachment on government land. The Chief Minister said upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the interests of the state remained government priorities.
Transparent Recruitment Creating Employment Opportunities for Youth
Dhami said the government had taken important steps not only to protect Uttarakhand’s cultural identity but also to secure the future of its young people. A stringent anti-copying law had been implemented to curb examination malpractice networks, leading to significant progress in ensuring transparency and fairness in recruitment.
He said more than 35,000 young people had been provided government jobs over the past five years through transparent and fair selection procedures.
The Chief Minister asserted that the government would not shy away from taking major and necessary decisions in the interest of Uttarakhand. He said the interests of the state must remain above the pursuit of power, public welfare above politics, and national interest above vote-bank politics.
Referring to the Rampur Tiraha firing incident during the Uttarakhand statehood movement, Dhami said the people of the state continued to remember the struggle and sacrifices of those who fought for statehood. The movement’s participants had endured numerous hardships in their struggle to establish Uttarakhand. Against this historical backdrop, he said, remarks concerning the dignity and respect of the state’s people became particularly sensitive.
Responsible Dialogue Essential on National Security and Sensitive Issues
Referring to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the Chief Minister said political statements concerning individuals dedicated to the country’s security should take national interest and the dignity of public life into account.
He questioned the Opposition on whether issues related to national security and the country’s honour should also be reduced to political accusations and counter-accusations.
Justice for Ankita Bhandari Must Remain Paramount
Referring to the Ankita Bhandari case, Dhami said ensuring justice for a young woman was a serious responsibility of both society and the system. He stressed that the judicial process, facts and evidence must be given priority in such a sensitive matter.
Referring to the sentences awarded to the convicts by the court and judicial proceedings related to bail applications, he said due respect must be given to procedures conducted in accordance with the law.
The Chief Minister asserted that justice for Ankita must remain paramount. He emphasised that sensitive cases should be discussed on the basis of facts rather than being used for political gain. He questioned the Opposition on the appropriateness of using a young woman’s suffering for political benefit and making allegations without evidence.
Government Committed to Taking Development to the Last Mile
Dhami said the state government was committed to ensuring that the benefits of development reached every person, including those living in the remotest parts of Uttarakhand.
The government’s aim, he said, was to provide every young person with adequate opportunities to progress, empower every woman and girl, and improve the well-being of every family.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that, with the support, trust and blessings of the people, Uttarakhand would continue to advance towards its goals of development, cultural preservation and public welfare.
