In a vibrant display of Uttarakhand’s rich cultural heritage, the traditional Igas festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm in the state on Saturday evening. In Dehradun, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Governor Lt Gen Gurmeet Singh (Retd), ministers, and several public representatives joined citizens to mark the festive occasion, which has deep cultural roots in the hill state.
Our correspondent reports that the celebration venue came alive with folk music, dance, and traditional rituals associated with Igas, also known as the “festival of gratitude and harvest.” Local artists performed the bhailo and thariya dances while folk musicians played the dhol and damau, filling the air with rhythm and energy. The event reflected the enduring cultural bond that connects people across Garhwal and Kumaon.
Chief Minister Dhami extended greetings to all citizens and emphasised that Igas is not merely a festival but a reminder of Uttarakhand’s deep connection with its land, livestock, and tradition. “Our cultural roots are our pride. Festivals like Igas remind us of our unity, simplicity, and respect for nature,” he said. The Chief Minister also highlighted his government’s efforts to preserve and promote traditional festivals, folk music, and local art forms across the state.
Governor Gurmeet Singh said that Uttarakhand’s traditions and social harmony set an example for the entire country. He praised the people of the state for keeping their customs alive despite the challenges of migration and modernisation. He noted that festivals like Igas bring communities together and strengthen emotional bonds within society.
Our correspondent adds that several cabinet ministers, senior officials, and renowned cultural figures attended the event. The celebration included the lighting of traditional lamps, exchange of local delicacies, and collective singing of folk songs that symbolise gratitude for livestock and agricultural abundance. The Chief Minister participated in a bhailo game, a customary practice that drew cheerful applause from the audience.
The programme also featured a special segment to honour folk artists, craftsmen, and social organisations contributing to cultural preservation. Certificates of appreciation and symbolic tokens were presented to acknowledge their work. According to cultural experts, this recognition not only boosts morale but also encourages younger generations to take pride in their heritage.
Officials from the Information Department said that Igas celebrations this year were organised in all districts under the theme of “Apna Parv, Apni Pehchaan.” Schools, local bodies, and cultural groups held small-scale events to ensure wider public participation. Citizens were encouraged to light traditional lamps at their homes and celebrate the occasion as a mark of respect for their ancestors.
The evening witnessed an atmosphere of joy and nostalgia as families gathered to share festive meals and sweets. Traditional songs celebrating the return of cattle from the high-altitude pastures echoed through the venue. Elderly participants shared stories explaining how Igas, celebrated 11 days after Diwali, symbolises the conclusion of the autumn harvest and the gratitude of mountain dwellers to their livestock.
Our correspondent adds that the revival of traditional celebrations like Igas has gained strong public response in recent years, thanks to the government’s proactive efforts to promote local festivals as part of cultural tourism. Experts believe that these events can help reduce migration from the hills by fostering cultural pride and generating livelihood opportunities through handicrafts, folk performances, and tourism.
The celebration concluded with the singing of a Garhwali folk chorus under illuminated lamps, marking a collective expression of harmony, unity, and gratitude. As the evening breeze carried the sound of drums and laughter, the spirit of Igas once again reaffirmed Uttarakhand’s deep cultural roots and shared identity.
