Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 7 Nov: The Uttarakhand State Foundation Day celebrations under the banner of “Ninaad 2025” reached their cultural peak with a vibrant Himalayan States Cultural Confluence, here, today. On the seventh day of the festival, the open theatre was abuzz with performances depicting the rich traditions of Himalayan life. Artists from Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir presented colourful glimpses of their folk heritage.
The event began with lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Ashish Kumar, Deputy Director, Directorate of Culture, Uttarakhand. The Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap Tharu Uthan Samiti presented the devotional song, “Satyam Shivam Sundaram”, followed by the traditional Madi Holi dance of the Tharu community. The Surendra Rana Bauri Lokgeet Group from Jaunsar performed the rhythmic Tandi folk songs and dances. Artists from Mohan Pandey Aanchal Kala Kendra, Haldwani, performed the lively Chanchari dance to the popular Kumaoni song “Hit Kaushali Meri Gadi Mein”.
All-Women “Chakravyuh” Performance mesmerized the Audience
The highlight of the first session on the seventh day was a unique all-women staging of “Chakravyuh”, directed by Dr Krishnanand Nautiyal and performed by the Kedar Ghati Mandaṇ Cultural Group, Guptkashi. Remarkably, all characters in the performance were enacted by women.
Dr Nautiyal mentioned that this was the third experimental presentation featuring women in all roles. With synchronised singing, the women artists portrayed both Pandavas and Kauravas with exceptional acting. Narendra Singh Rawthan, from the group, provided historical insights into the Chakravyuh and Kamalvyuh traditions of the Kedarnath valley. On this occasion, Dr Nautiyal also presented his book to the Department of Culture.
Glimpse of Kashmiri Culture
The cultural confluence of the Himalayan states also showcased the beauty of Kashmiri folk traditions. The Jammu & Kashmir Natya Rang Group began with a Dogri Jatgna performance — a traditional Jagran dance from the Jammu region. This group dance, mainly performed by women, is a vibrant feature of wedding celebrations and symbolizes festivity and community joy.
The group also presented the Rouf dance, a graceful traditional women’s dance performed during the holy month of Ramadan.
Pradeep Joshi, Additional Secretary, Department of Culture, felicitated all guest artists by presenting mementos.
Discussion Session – “Himalayan Cuisine and Heritage”
Food forms an essential part of every culture, and this theme was explored in depth during the discussion session at Ninaad’s Himalayan Cultural Confluence.
Renowned culinary historian Professor Pushpesh Pant shared deep insights into various dimensions of food culture. In conversation with Himanshu Darmoda, he discussed the distinct culinary traditions and histories of the High Himalaya, Mid-Himalaya, and the Terai regions. Professor Pant highlighted similarities and differences among mountain food cultures across the world, explaining how geography shapes taste and tradition.
He also engaged with the audience, answering their questions and clearing doubts about Himalayan food heritage.
Students from Hotel Management Institutes and food enthusiasts attended the session in large numbers to benefit from his knowledge.
At the conclusion of the program, Yugal Kishore Pant, Secretary and Director General, Department of Culture, felicitated Professor Pant with a shawl and memento.
