Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami Participates in “Awaaz Suno Pahadon Ki” Film Festival 2026
Announces Beautification of Himalayan Cultural Centre Auditorium; Launches Season-2
Dehradun.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday participated in the “Awaaz Suno Pahadon Ki – Film Festival 2026.” On the occasion, he announced the beautification of the auditorium at the Himalayan Cultural Centre. During the programme, the Chief Minister also released the “Shraddha Samman” booklet and formally launched “Awaaz Suno Pahadon Ki – Season 2.”
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dhami said that the film festival, organised by Sharada Swar Sangam Film Production House, is not merely a cinematic event but a strong initiative towards establishing Uttarakhand as a global hub for film production. He stated that such platforms play a vital role in promoting the state’s rich folk culture, traditional cuisine, and natural beauty at national and international levels.
The Chief Minister said that the festival provides local artists and youth an opportunity to showcase their cultural heritage, traditions, and creative talent while adapting to modern platforms. He congratulated the organising team for successfully hosting the event and extended his best wishes for its future endeavours.
Expressing confidence, Chief Minister Dhami said that this initiative would prove to be a milestone in connecting the younger generation with their roots while giving Uttarakhand’s folk culture a modern identity. He emphasized that cinema is not just a medium of entertainment but also a powerful tool for social awareness. Over the years, cinema has effectively highlighted social issues such as untouchability, dowry, corruption, injustice, migration, and other social evils.
Highlighting Uttarakhand’s natural wealth, the Chief Minister said that the state is blessed with magnificent mountains, rivers, waterfalls, diverse weather, and vibrant culture, making it an ideal destination for filmmakers. Locations such as Nainital, Mussoorie, Auli, Chakrata, Munsiyari, Kausani, and Chopta are at par with, and often better than, renowned global tourist destinations. In addition, sacred sites like the Char Dham, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kainchi Dham, Hemkund Sahib, and Reetha Sahib offer unique spiritual appeal for film productions.
The Chief Minister recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision articulated from the holy land of Kedarnath that “the third decade of the 21st century will be Uttarakhand’s decade,” and said the state government is working relentlessly to realize this vision. The government aims to develop Uttarakhand into a distinctive and strong film hub, generating employment opportunities for youth while providing global recognition to the state’s culture.
He informed that the state government has implemented a new film policy to promote film shooting in Uttarakhand. Under this policy, Hindi and other regional language films shot in the state are eligible for subsidies of up to ₹3 crore. Subsidies for Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Jaunsari films have been increased to ₹2 crore. Web series and foreign film productions have also been included under the subsidy framework.
Chief Minister Dhami said that film shooting permissions are now granted through an online single-window system, with approvals issued within seven days, and no shooting fees charged in the state. It has been made mandatory to screen regional films at least once a week in local cinema halls. During shoots, a minimum of five police personnel are provided for security, along with special concessions at GMVN and KMVN guest houses.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that Uttarakhand has its own OTT platform, “Videos Alarm,” through which the fragrance of Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Jaunsari culture is reaching audiences in more than 18 countries. The government is also working on the 3Ts ecosystem—Talent, Technology, and Training—to create greater employment opportunities for youth.
He said that film shooting not only benefits the film industry but also provides livelihoods to local hotel operators, taxi drivers, guides, line producers, and local artists. Inviting filmmakers to shoot films and web series in Uttarakhand, the Chief Minister assured them of full government support, security, and facilitation.
Looking ahead, Chief Minister Dhami said that the state plans to develop a film city, film institutes, shooting studios, post-production houses, and modern cinema halls. He expressed confidence that the film festival would open new avenues for youth and strengthen the state’s “option-less resolve” to make Uttarakhand one of the best states in the country.
The event was attended by MLA Umesh Sharma ‘Kau’, renowned actress Himani Shivpuri, Secretary Culture Yugal Kishor Pant, event organiser Narendra Rauthan, officials from the Culture Department, and a large number of local citizens.
