DEHRADUN: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday attended the Uttarakhand Folk Heritage–2025 programme, an Uttarakhand folk heritage event, organised at Social Baluni Public School in Dehradun, stressing that the preservation of folk culture is a “collective responsibility” and central to the state’s identity. Our correspondent reports that the event showcased traditional performances, crafts, costumes and cultural artefacts, with a large gathering of artists, students and residents.
Addressing the audience, the Chief Minister said Uttarakhand’s folk traditions were not mere artistic expressions but living memories of the community. “Uttarakhand’s folk heritage is centuries old. Our songs, dances, attire, rituals and festivals carry the emotions and collective wisdom of generations,” he said. He added that dances such as jhora, chhopeli, chanchari and pandoori represent “unity, courage and the cultural heartbeat of the hills”.
Dhami said traditional attire like pichhora, ghaghra, lengha, pagtar and fetoowa were “not just clothing but cultural symbols”. He also highlighted the economic importance of crafts such as ringal weaving, woodwork, silver jewellery, woollen products and metalwork. “These art forms have supported our communities for centuries and continue to be a source of livelihood,” he said.
‘Folk heritage is a bridge between generations’
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The Chief Minister emphasised that cultural transmission is essential for preserving identity. “Folk culture is the medium through which our elders pass knowledge, experience and traditions to the younger generation. It is our duty, not just the government’s, to protect it,” he said.
He described the event as a celebration of Uttarakhand’s roots: “Uttarakhand Lok Virasat is not just a cultural programme; it is a celebration of our identity, heritage and collective spirit.”
Dhami linked the state’s cultural revival to the national ethos under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “India is witnessing a cultural renaissance. The mantra of ‘heritage with development’ reflects our spiritual and cultural resurgence,” he said, referring to major national redevelopments like the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Mahakal Lok, Ram Temple and the restoration of pilgrimage centres including Badrinath and Kedarnath.
Artist welfare and cultural initiatives
Our correspondent adds that Dhami outlined several initiatives to strengthen folk artists and cultural practitioners. He said the government updates the verified list of folk artists every six months, ensuring smoother assistance. “During the pandemic, around 3,200 registered artists received monthly aid, and artists above 60 years of age are being provided pensions,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the state is promoting traditional knowledge through the guru–shishya model, enabling training programmes for youth in local art forms. Literary promotion has also expanded through honours such as Sahitya Gaurav Samman and Sahitya Bhushan, he added.
He also highlighted efforts to take local products to global platforms. “Ringal crafts, wooden artefacts, woollen textiles and traditional jewellery are being promoted through the One District–Two Products scheme and the House of Himalayas brand,” he said.
Women empowerment through folk economy
Dhami said folk heritage and local crafts are linked to economic empowerment. “Self-help groups and the Lakhpati Didi scheme have transformed lives. More than one lakh sixty-eight thousand women in Uttarakhand have become Lakhpati Didis. This is a matter of pride,” he said.
He added that strengthening the folk economy and rural artisan networks would help preserve cultural knowledge while creating sustainable livelihoods.
‘Culture is the foundation of identity’
The Chief Minister urged families to help revive cultural practices at home. “Our festivals like Harela, Igas-Bagwal, Phooldei, Makar Sankranti and our rituals are threads that connect us to nature and to each other,” he said. “Culture, tradition and language are the foundations of our identity. They must be preserved with pride.”
Dhami concluded by encouraging artists and youth to continue contributing to the state’s cultural landscape. “Your creativity and dedication inspire society. You are the custodians of our heritage. Take it forward with pride,” he said, extending best wishes to the organisers.
The programme was attended by MLAs, public representatives, cultural groups, writers, musicians and a large number of local residents.
Dheeraj reports on governance, public services, jobs, and regional developments across Uttarakhand. He specialises in recruitment news, public-sector updates, and civic issues that impact everyday citizens. His reporting brings accuracy, context, and a grassroots perspective to local journalism.
