Uttarakhand CM Dhami attends closing ceremony of Devbhoomi Cultural Festival, says event to give boost to bond between Army and public

Badrinath (Uttarakhand) [India], October 26 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday attended the closing ceremony of the two-day "Devbhoomi Cultural Festival 2025" held at Mana, the first village of the country. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from local communities, tourists, and dignitaries. The festival was jointly organised by the Indian Army and the Government of Uttarakhand.
Praising the successful conduct of the event, the Chief Minister said that the seamless coordination between the local people, the Army, and the administration made this festival a grand success. He added that the initiative has taken a significant step towards promoting tourism and strengthening the local economy in border areas.
The Chief Minister also visited the stalls set up by the district administration and the Army, including the "Know Your Army" exhibition. He said the exhibition would further strengthen the bond of trust and cooperation between the Indian Army and the general public. The Chief Minister appreciated the Army's display of equipment, models, and informative exhibits.
Students presented vibrant performances of traditional folk dances and songs during the festival. The Chief Minister felicitated the children for their outstanding performances, stating that these glimpses of Garhwali folk culture reflect the true pride of Devbhoomi. The performances by the Garhwali band, local artists, and craftsmen captivated the audience.
Stalls set up by local artisans and self-help groups showcased traditional weaving, wooden handicrafts, organic products, local cuisine, and other heritage items, which were highly appreciated by tourists. The Chief Minister said that this initiative strengthens the objectives of the Vibrant Village Programme by creating new livelihood opportunities for youth and women.
He further said that the festival is not merely a source of entertainment but also a means to boost winter tourism, employment generation, reverse migration, and economic empowerment of border regions.
Concluding the event, the Chief Minister offered prayers at Shri Badrivishal Temple, seeking blessings for the happiness and prosperity of the people of the state and the nation. (ANI)