Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the traditional Bhai Dooj (Chyura Poojan) ceremony during his one-day visit to Banbasa and Tanakpur in Champawat district on Friday. The event, organised by local women, reflected the rich cultural heritage of the Kumaon region, where the festival is celebrated with deep devotion and traditional rituals.
Our correspondent reports that women from nearby areas gathered to perform the Chyura Poojan, a symbolic ritual signifying the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. During the ceremony, the women prayed for the Chief Minister’s long life, good health, and well-being, following the region’s age-old customs. The ritual, unique to Kumaon, underscores the community’s commitment to preserving its ancestral traditions and values.
The Chief Minister expressed heartfelt gratitude for the blessings and affection shown by the women. He said that Uttarakhand’s cultural and traditional roots form the foundation of the state’s identity, and such festivals offer an opportunity to remain connected to those roots. He extended his Bhai Dooj greetings to all mothers and sisters across the state and reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to public welfare and development.
Our correspondent adds that Chief Minister Dhami also visited Sharda Ghat in Tanakpur, where he performed prayers and rituals, seeking divine blessings for peace and prosperity in Uttarakhand. He remarked that the evening aarti at Sharda Ghat has become a spiritual and cultural attraction for devotees and tourists visiting the Purnagiri area, symbolising the harmony of faith and nature.
The Chief Minister noted that the aarti has also boosted tourism and local employment opportunities, benefiting residents and promoting cultural tourism in the region. He said the state government is committed to developing spiritual tourism circuits that preserve Uttarakhand’s sacred traditions while improving local livelihoods.
Dhami added that cultural events and festivals are vital in strengthening social unity and community engagement. He urged citizens to take pride in their traditions and pass them on to younger generations.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from locals and was attended by BJP District President Govind Samant, District Magistrate Manish Kumar, Superintendent of Police Ajay Ganpati, Chief Development Officer Dr G. S. Khati, along with other public representatives, officials, and residents.
The celebration of Bhai Dooj in Tanakpur reaffirmed the state’s deep cultural ties and highlighted the Chief Minister’s emphasis on combining tradition, spirituality, and development as guiding pillars for Uttarakhand’s progress.
