Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the closing ceremony of the two-day “Devbhoomi Cultural Festival 2025” held in Mana, the country’s first village, on Sunday. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from local communities, tourists, and dignitaries. The festival was organized under the joint auspices of the Indian Army and the Uttarakhand Government.
The Chief Minister praised the festival, saying that the smooth coordination between the local population, the Army, and the administration made the event a great success, taking a significant step towards promoting tourism and the economy in the border areas.
The Chief Minister inspected the stalls set up by the district administration and the Army, as well as the “Know Your Army” exhibition. He said that this exhibition will further strengthen trust and cooperation between the Indian Army and the general public. He particularly appreciated the equipment, models, and information materials displayed by the Army.
School children presented a wonderful performance of traditional folk dances and songs at the festival. The Chief Minister distributed prizes to the outstanding performers and said that these glimpses of Garhwali folk culture reflect the true glory of Devbhoomi.
Performances by Garhwali bands and local artists and artisans also captivated everyone.
Stalls set up by local craftsmen and self-help groups showcasing traditional weaving, wooden handicrafts, organic products, local cuisine, and other heritage items were highly appreciated by tourists. The Chief Minister stated that this initiative strengthens the objectives of the Vibrant Village program and provides new livelihood opportunities to youth and women.
The Chief Minister stated that this festival will not only provide entertainment but will also contribute to tourism development during the winter season, employment generation, promoting reverse migration, and strengthening the economy of border areas. At the end of the program, the Chief Minister visited Shri Badrinath and offered prayers, praying for the happiness and prosperity of the state and the country.
