By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 21 Nov: The Gauchar Festival in Uttarakhand has been one of the most important elements of Uttarakhand’s history and has been celebrated ritually since 1943 – at the time of the Indo-Tibetan Trade era – and is a symbol of the period when the people were initiated into local trade, which now has been converted into a tradition.
This year, the Gauchar Festival will be held from 23 to 29 November on an all-round theme signifying the confluence of ‘Trade and Tradition’ in the serenity of Chamoli. The weeklong extravaganza will offer a variety of activities to participate in.
Since the festival will be held at different locations in Gauchar, it will exhibit a diverse environment for all types of enthusiasts. People seeking an adrenaline rush can take part in land and aerial adventure sports such as paragliding, hot air balloon rides and trekking. People who are looking to visit the festival for business meets can interact with the other buyers and sellers during the trade fair which will keep the agrarian and artistic treasures of Uttarakhand in the forefront. Furthermore, the festival also features an amazing Yoga Camp, where one can practice the ancient Indian art and will also cater to people on the spiritual side with activities like a Prabhat Pheri.
Taking it to the next level, the Gauchar Festival will also organise some mini internal fairs with concentric themes; the visitors can be a part of the Film Festival and witness some of the most amazing feature films by well known directors. Last, but not the least, no festival in Uttarakhand is complete without an element of the State’s cuisine, which will take form as a Food Festival for the people to please their palates and tickle their taste buds with the amazing array of dishes. What’s more? There will also be an opportunity for the people to showcase their culinary skills in a ‘Master Chef Competition’.
According to Swati Bhadauria, District Magistrate, Chamoli, the Gauchar Festival is one of the major developmental, cultural and industrial fairs in the region and stands as a platform to promote trade and tradition. “Through this festival, we invite people to explore the rich culture, local heritage and innovative business prospects of the district and State,” she asserts. “The District Administration is leaving no stone unturned to make the necessary arrangements to ensure that the festival is a memorable experience for one and all.”
For sports enthusiasts, this festival in Chamoli will also host a Sports Meet and sports activities like State Level Boxing Competition, Football, Volleyball, Badminton, Tug of War and Kabaddi Competitions.
These 7 days of continuous celebrations will fill everyone’s evenings with mind blowing performances by various artists; the line up will include the Jagar Samrat, Pritam Bhartwan, Pawandeep Rajan, the Soulful Nizami Bandhu, the Magical NC Sarkar, to name a few.
People are being invited to Gauchar in Chamoli, where prosperity meets possibility, where one can witness a pristine combination of tradition and trade and where limitless fun awaits.
