The 38th National Games are set to commence in Uttarakhand on January 28 with a grand opening ceremony at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Raipur. The preparations are in full swing to make the event spectacular. The ceremony will feature live performances by Uttarakhand’s popular band Pandavaas, Bollywood singer Jubin Nautiyal, and Indian Idol fame Pawandeep Rajan. Around 10,000 athletes from across the country will experience the rich cultural heritage of Uttarakhand during the event.
Prime Minister Modi to Inaugurate
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the event as the chief guest. For months, various cultural programs have been organized to promote the National Games. However, the opening ceremony on January 28 holds special significance as it offers athletes and guests a unique opportunity to experience Uttarakhand’s local traditions and cultural vibrancy.
Special Role of 1,200 Students in Pandavaas’ Performance
A standout cultural program by the Pandavaas band will feature 1,200 schoolchildren creating artistic formations such as mauli and buransh flowers, adding to the visual appeal of the performance. The band has composed a theme song for the National Games, blending Uttarakhand’s traditional tunes with hill instruments. The song, written in Garhwali by Prem Mohan Dobhal and in Kumaoni by Deepak Mehta, is set to music by Ishan Dobhal.
Platform for Uttarakhand Artists
This year’s opening ceremony focuses solely on Uttarakhand artists, marking a significant departure from the usual preference for Bollywood performers. Pandavaas group member Kunal Dobhal expressed excitement about this unprecedented opportunity, which brings local talent to the forefront of a major national event.
Mauli: Cultural Mascot of Uttarakhand
The event’s mascot, Mauli, is a cultural symbol of Uttarakhand, designed by the Pandavaas group to reflect the state’s traditions and heritage. Mauli has become a crowd favorite, garnering immense love and appreciation wherever it goes.
This historic event promises not only to ignite the spirit of sportsmanship among athletes but also to showcase and elevate Uttarakhand’s cultural identity on a national platform.
