Lucknow – Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the grand celebration of ‘Uttarayini Kauthig-2025’, organized by the Pahari Mahaparishad. The event, highlighting the rich traditions and vibrant cultural heritage of the Himalayan region, has been ongoing from January 14 to January 23, 2025. Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of cultural events in preserving folk traditions, art, and literature, which he said are instrumental in realizing the vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Best India).
“Events like this ensure that our folk culture, traditions, and literature are passed down through generations, keeping our identity and legacy alive. These celebrations strengthen the cultural and social fabric of the nation,” he remarked. He also stressed the collective responsibility to work for India’s development and strengthen its security.
Significance of Uttarayini Kauthig
The festival marks the transition of the sun into the northern hemisphere, known as Uttarayan. Chief Minister Adityanath lauded the Pahari Mahaparishad for consistently organizing this festival for over two decades, stating that it has become a hallmark event for people of Uttarakhand origin living across Uttar Pradesh. The festival is celebrated with great fervor and devotion by the hill community, symbolizing a deep connection to their cultural roots and traditions.
He noted that such initiatives are vital to preserving the state’s cultural heritage, saying, “We cannot afford to forget our rich heritage. Be it through festivals and traditions or through commemorating the sacrifices of our martyrs and the contributions of great personalities, we must honor our legacy.”
A Festival of Culture, Competitions, and Recognition
Uttarayini Kauthig is not only a celebration of culture but also a platform for diverse activities. Cultural performances and competitions for various age groups are integral to the festival. During the event, prominent personalities from the Pahari community were honored for their contributions to society.
Among the dignitaries recognized was Bhagat Singh Koshyari, former Governor of Maharashtra and Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, who has also served in key roles in Uttar Pradesh. The Chief Minister praised Koshyari’s simplicity, dedication, and lifelong service to the nation. Soldiers and their families were also honored at the event for their unwavering commitment to the nation’s security.
Uttarakhand’s Role in India’s Growth
Highlighting the contributions of the Pahari community to India’s progress, CM Yogi Adityanath recalled the legacies of several stalwarts from Uttarakhand. He mentioned Bharat Ratna Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant, who served as Uttar Pradesh’s first Chief Minister and later as India’s Home Minister, and Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna, a freedom fighter and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. He also acknowledged the visionary contributions of Narayan Dutt Tiwari, who served as the Chief Minister of both Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Further, CM Adityanath paid tribute to Uttarakhand’s defense contributions, mentioning the late General Bipin Rawat, India’s first Chief of Defense Staff, and Ajit Doval, the current National Security Advisor. “The youth of Uttarakhand have always shown immense dedication to safeguarding the nation, and the region continues to produce exceptional leaders in defense and governance,” he added.
A Platform to Unite and Celebrate
The Chief Minister reiterated the importance of unity and collective efforts for national development. “Such festivals bring people together, bridging generational and regional gaps while celebrating the essence of our diverse culture. Uttarayini Kauthig showcases the strength of our unity in diversity.”
Prominent Attendees
The event witnessed the presence of notable dignitaries, including Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, Chief Minister’s Advisor Awanish Kumar Awasthi, and Principal Secretary (Home & Information) Sanjay Prasad, among others.
As the festival concluded, it left an indelible mark on attendees, reinforcing the importance of cultural preservation and collective pride in India’s rich legacy.