Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the 15th edition of the Uttarakhand Mahakauthig in Noida, located in Gautam Buddh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. The cultural event was organised by the Parvatiya Sanskritik Sanstha and brought together migrant Uttarakhandis living across the National Capital Region (NCR). Artists, youth groups, women’s collectives and community members participated in large numbers, turning the venue into a celebration of the hill state’s traditions, food and craftsmanship.
Speaking at the event, the chief minister said that such cultural gatherings play an important role in keeping Uttarakhand’s traditions alive, especially among people who live outside the state. He said events like the Mahakauthig help migrant families stay connected with their roots, folk customs and local products, even while living in big cities like Delhi and Noida.
Dhami noted that the Uttarakhand Mahakauthig has been organised every year for the past 15 years and has grown steadily in scale and popularity. What began mainly as a cultural programme has now expanded into a platform that showcases traditional clothing, handicrafts, hill produce, organic products and regional cuisine. He said this growth reflects the increasing interest of people in their culture and heritage.
The chief minister also interacted with artists and community members at the venue, where folk music, dance performances and stalls selling local items attracted large crowds. He praised the organisers for maintaining the spirit of the festival and for extending its duration from five days to seven days this year, which he said shows rising participation and public support.
During his address, Dhami spoke in detail about the folk traditions presented at the Mahakauthig. He mentioned traditional folk songs such as jagar, beda, mangal, khuded and chhopati, which are deeply connected to Uttarakhand’s religious and social life. He also referred to popular folk dances including chholiya, pandav and jhora-chhapeli, which were performed by local artists and cultural groups.
The chief minister said that these performances are not just forms of entertainment but also carry stories, beliefs and values passed down through generations. He added that platforms like the Mahakauthig give young people a chance to learn about their heritage and understand the importance of preserving these art forms.
Dhami also said that the festival helps strengthen unity among Uttarakhandis living in different parts of the country. By coming together under one roof, families and community members are able to share memories, traditions and a sense of belonging. He said this emotional connection is especially important for younger generations growing up away from their native villages.
The event also featured stalls displaying traditional attire, handmade crafts, woollen products, spices and organic farm produce from Uttarakhand. Visitors were able to taste local dishes and learn more about hill products, which the chief minister said supports small producers and artisans.
Along with cultural issues, Dhami spoke about the state government’s efforts to promote local livelihoods and economic growth. He said Uttarakhand’s development programmes are aligned with national initiatives such as “Vocal for Local” and “Make in India”. These efforts aim to encourage people to use and promote products made within the state.
The chief minister highlighted schemes like “One district, two products”, which focuses on identifying and supporting unique local products from each district. He also mentioned the “House of Himalayas” platform, which helps market Uttarakhand’s traditional goods at a wider level. According to him, such initiatives help increase income for local communities, especially farmers, artisans and women’s self-help groups.
Dhami also spoke about policies related to millets, horticulture and farm mechanisation, which are designed to improve agricultural productivity and farmers’ earnings. He said the government is working to create better market access for hill produce while promoting sustainable farming practices.
Tourism and the creative economy were also key points in his address. The chief minister referred to policies supporting homestays, tourism development and the film industry, which he said can generate employment and boost local economies. He added that Uttarakhand’s natural beauty and cultural heritage offer strong potential for responsible tourism.
On infrastructure, Dhami outlined several ongoing and proposed projects. These include development work in the Kedarkhand and Manaskhand temple regions, restoration efforts at Yamunatirth in Haripur Kalsi, and corridor projects in Haridwar-Rishikesh and Sharda. He also mentioned major connectivity projects such as the Delhi–Dehradun elevated road, the all-weather road programme and the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag railway line. Projects under Bharatmala and Parvatmala were also highlighted as important for improving road and transport networks.
Citing performance indicators, the chief minister said Uttarakhand has received recognition in areas like sustainable development goals, ease of doing business and startup rankings. He added that the state has also been acknowledged for its work in agriculture income growth and fisheries.
On law and order, Dhami said the government will continue strict action against illegal activities and encroachments. He reiterated the administration’s stand on protecting Uttarakhand’s cultural identity and demographic balance. Concluding his address, he urged people to maintain unity and social harmony, and said the government remains committed to improving governance and overall development in the state.
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