Lucknow: The Uttarakhand Mahotsav 2024, a vibrant showcase of Uttarakhand’s rich culture, traditions, and folk heritage, was inaugurated with grandeur in Lucknow. The festival’s opening ceremony was marked by a spectacular Jhora dance performed by 24 Jhora teams, featuring 500 female artists from diverse areas of Lucknow, who donned traditional attire. The festival commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, in the presence of Harish Chandra Pant, President of the Uttarakhand Maha Parishad, and Bharat Singh Bisht, General Secretary.
Honoring Cultural Icons and Environmental Advocates
During the inaugural event, Padma Shri Dr. Kalyan Singh Rawat, known for pioneering the “Maiti” movement, received the esteemed Uttarakhand Gaurav award from the Chief Minister. The honor, conferred annually by the Uttarakhand Maha Parishad, recognized Dr. Rawat’s dedication to environmental conservation, particularly his advocacy for the preservation of Uttarakhand’s Bugyals (alpine meadows), which he emphasized as vital lifelines for humanity.
Chief Minister’s Address: Emphasis on Cultural Roots and Unity
In his address, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath congratulated the Uttarakhand community on the State Foundation Day and highlighted the importance of staying connected to one’s roots. He encouraged the Uttarakhandis in Lucknow to maintain their ties with their native villages and emphasized the significance of preserving their cultural heritage and traditions. He underscored the communal and religious importance of cultural preservation, drawing parallels to the construction of the Ram Temple as a momentous event for Indian pride and faith.
Esteemed Guests and Performances
The program saw the attendance of esteemed guests, including the Mayor of Lucknow, Smt. Sushma Kharkwal, and was presided over by Prof. Rita Bahuguna, who commended the Uttarakhand Maha Parishad for their dedication to showcasing and preserving Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage.
Special Releases: The Uttarakhand Darpan Souvenir-2024 was unveiled by Chief Minister Adityanath, who took a moment to review the Prakriti Naman special issue, an homage to Uttarakhand’s natural beauty and cultural ethos.
Traditional Dances and Music Performances: The event featured a series of captivating performances that kept the audience spellbound. The Chholiya group from Uttarakhand, in collaboration with the Arts and Culture Team from Kalyanpur, performed a traditional Chholiya dance, moving the Chief Minister and audience with its emotional and cultural significance. The Uttarakhand Rangmandal’s presentation of the Nandaraj Jaat Yatra, a visually rich depiction of the pilgrimage, was particularly celebrated by the audience.
Dance Uttarakhand Dance: Season-3
One of the festival’s highlights was Dance Uttarakhand Dance, where local artists, after three months of intense preparation, delivered performances showcasing traditional and experimental dance forms. Highlights included:
- Jhoda Competitions: Five teams competed, led by prominent figures like Mrs. Hema Bisht and Mrs. Radha Bora, each presenting variations of the Jhoda, a traditional folk dance.
- Dance Teams: Groups like the Heart and Soul Academy and the City School of Dance performed under the leadership of Mrs. Mandakini Bahuguna and Ms. Divya Shukla.
- Dance Uttarakhand Dance Competitions: Four teams led by choreographers such as Mr. Mahendra Galakoti and Mr. Ashok Singh Khadka captivated the audience with traditional folk pieces like Nanda Rajjaat Yatra, Bagwal, and Hudki Baul, with the support of the Uttarakhand Information Department.
Cultural Showcase: Traditional and Regional Art Forms
The Dr. Shreya Music Institute’s artists captivated the audience with renditions of Shri Ram Stuti, Kajri, and Bihu dance, while artists from the Tharu Kala Janjati Sanskritik Samiti presented dances rooted in Tharu traditions, including the Jhijhi, Holi, Danna, and Ghasiyari. These performances celebrated the diverse heritage of the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand communities, encouraging unity and mutual appreciation.
Evening Program Highlights
The evening festivities continued with solo performances and group presentations of traditional Uttarakhandi dances and songs:
- Solo Dance Performances: Aarohi Verma, Anika Srivastava, and Mrs. Sunita Latwal presented graceful solos highlighting traditional Uttarakhandi music.
- Jhoda Competition Performances: Teams from areas such as Kalyanpur and Gomti Nagar, under the leadership of notable cultural figures, offered spirited renditions.
- Nachega Bharat Performances: Teams like Heart and Soul Academy and City School of Dance brought fresh energy with innovative interpretations.
- Dance Uttarakhand Dance Teams: Under Jyoti from the Umang Group and Balwant Vangi of Dev Bhoomi Jan Sarokar Sanskritik Samiti, these performances resonated deeply with the audience.
In conclusion, the Uttarakhand Mahotsav 2024 provided a powerful platform for cultural preservation, creating an immersive experience for attendees who shared in the joy, pride, and nostalgia for Uttarakhand’s vibrant traditions. This year’s Mahotsav was a harmonious blend of unity, art, and celebration, leaving an indelible mark on all who attended.
