Lucknow: The ongoing Uttarakhand Mahotsav at Gomti Ghat is attracting massive crowds, with visitors eagerly exploring stalls featuring the state’s organic products, traditional foods, handicrafts, jewelry from women’s self-help groups, pulses, and coarse grains. These stalls have become key attractions for families and youth alike, while the festival management ensures cleanliness, security, and smooth operations under the watchful eyes of CCTV cameras.
The event beautifully blends Uttarakhand’s rich heritage with modern lifestyle elements, while also reflecting Lucknow’s Nawabi culture. Visitors at the Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant Hill Cultural Garden can experience a vibrant mix of tradition and contemporary presentations.
Cultural Extravaganza
The festival features a wide range of activities, including traditional Jhoda competitions, energetic Uttarakhand dance performances (with non-Uttarakhand teams participating to local songs), and popular cultural programs such as Nachega Bharat, Jhoda, Voice of Uttarakhand, and captivating Chapeli folk dances. Competitions with prize money totaling ₹3.5 lakh have heightened excitement among participants and spectators alike.
This cultural initiative acts as a bridge between tradition and modernity. The enthusiasm of today’s youth demonstrates that Uttarakhand’s vibrant culture continues to thrive, with highlights shared widely on social media and through various media platforms.
Local Specialties in Focus
Media coordinator Rajendra Singh Kanwal noted that Almoda’s traditional “Bal Mithai” sweets are seeing brisk sales. The confectionery, prepared by roasting khoya and decorated with white sugar beads containing poppy seeds, has become a festival favorite. Locals describe the sweet’s unique character with a popular saying: “Almoda’s Bal Mithai is white outside, red inside, and its makers are clever.”
Evening Festivities and Competitions
On the fifth day, Thursday evening’s festivities commenced with a ceremonial lamp lighting by Yatendra Kumar Tevatia (State Marketing Manager, IFFCO), Ashish Semwal (Manager, IFFCO, Lucknow), and Mahaparishad officials, who welcomed the guests in a traditional manner.
The coffee folk singing competition saw 20 participants showcase their talent under the supervision of the festival’s women’s wing. Yash Balecha secured first place, Ashlesha second, and Vivan Srivastava third.
Dance performances were a major highlight, with Udanchal Kala Kendra from Almora presenting an impressive Chholiya dance. Other performances included Pavani Bajetha’s folk dance, a remix led by Divya Shukla’s City School of Dance & Music group, women’s ramp walks, and numerous captivating dances that enthralled the audience.
In the Jhoda performances, Sonia Bisht of Mayapuri led a stunning display, alongside Jahnavi Bhatt of Bahadurpur and Hema Adhikari of Mayapuri, enchanting audiences with the beauty of traditional Uttarakhand folk dance.
The Uttarakhand Mahotsav continues to celebrate the state’s rich cultural heritage while promoting local craftsmanship and products, creating a lively and immersive experience for all attendees.
