Igas Festival Celebrated with Great Fervor, Cultural Splendor, and Traditional Devotion at Chief Minister’s Residence
Dehradun: The festival of Igas–Budhi Diwali was celebrated on Saturday with great enthusiasm, traditional faith, and cultural pride at the Chief Minister’s residence in Dehradun. The event showcased the rich cultural heritage of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, bringing alive the rhythms of folk music, dance, and mountain traditions.
Extending his warm greetings on the occasion of Igas and Old Diwali, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the folk festivals of the hills are “our pride and our soul.” He urged everyone to take a pledge to preserve and promote the folk culture of Uttarakhand and pass it on to future generations.
Governor Lt. Gen. Gurmeet Singh (Retd.) was the chief guest at the celebration, which was attended by Cabinet Ministers, former Chief Ministers, Members of Parliament, senior officials, and prominent citizens of the state.
A Celebration of Folk Traditions and Cultural Harmony
The evening came alive with vibrant performances of Harul, Jhumelo, Chanchari, Thadiya, Jagar, and other traditional songs and dances presented by renowned folk artists and cultural troupes from across the state. The beats of Dhol-Damau and the melodious voices of folk singers filled the atmosphere with the essence of the hills.
Chief Minister Dhami personally joined the festivities, enjoying the performances and encouraging the artists. He said,
“Our folk culture and traditions are our greatest heritage. It is our collective duty to preserve them and keep them thriving for the generations to come.”
The Chief Minister also participated in the traditional “Bhelon” ritual, an integral part of Igas celebrations, creating a wave of excitement among the elderly, youth, and children alike.
Honoring Artists and Preserving Heritage
On this occasion, the Chief Minister felicitated all performing artists and participants, acknowledging their contribution to preserving Uttarakhand’s cultural legacy. He said the state government is committed to the welfare of folk artists, promotion of traditional art forms, and creation of culture-based employment opportunities.
He emphasized that the government is working continuously to ensure that the folk traditions, attire, cuisine, and music of Uttarakhand remain a living part of everyday life.
“Igas is not merely a festival; it is a symbol of our unity, gratitude towards nature, and pride in our cultural roots,”
the Chief Minister remarked.
Call for Cultural Revival and Developmental Resolve
Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision that “the third decade will belong to Uttarakhand”, Chief Minister Dhami said this is not just a declaration but a pledge to build a prosperous and self-reliant Uttarakhand.
He added,
“This decade will be dedicated to the overall development of Uttarakhand — employment generation, expansion of tourism and spiritual tourism, conservation of natural resources, and empowerment of youth. We must all work with a spirit of ‘no choice resolution’ to make this vision a reality.”
The Chief Minister appealed to non-resident Uttarakhandis (NRUs) across the world to stay connected with their roots and celebrate folk festivals like Igas with their families and ancestral villages. He expressed happiness that many NRUs are now returning to their native places to take part in traditional celebrations.
A Lamp for Culture and Faith
Concluding his address, Chief Minister Dhami said:
“On this auspicious occasion of Igas, Budhi Diwali, and Dev Deepawali, let us not only light lamps in our homes but also keep the lamp of pride in our culture glowing in our hearts.”
Distinguished Guests at the Event
The grand celebration witnessed the presence of Cabinet Ministers Satpal Maharaj, Ganesh Joshi, former Chief Ministers Bhagat Singh Koshyari and Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, senior officials, public representatives, and members of social and cultural organizations.
