Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 24 Jun: The three-day Chai Gramotsav 2026, a distinctive celebration dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of Uttarakhand’s hill villages, concluded today with traditional religious ceremonies, an insightful seminar, and vibrant cultural performances. Participants emphasised the urgent need to protect rural communities and traditional mountain culture. Chai Village is located near the renowned hill station of Lansdowne in Pauri Garhwal district.
The closing ceremony was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Ranveer Singh Sajwan, Block Pramukh of Jaiharikhal Block, who lit the ceremonial lamp. Addressing the gathering, he remarked that the true spirit of India resides in its villages and that national progress is inseparable from rural development. He stressed the importance of creating employment opportunities in villages to curb migration and promote self-reliance among rural communities.
Sajwan noted that Chai Gramotsav has provided the Jaiharikhal Development Block with a unique identity across Uttarakhand, making it a matter of pride for the entire region. He also assured support for the development of essential public facilities around the community centre in Chai Village through the Block administration.
Special Guest and social worker Kishore Jadli described the festival as a valuable heritage of the Himalayan region. He observed that while migration remains a major challenge across Uttarakhand’s mountain areas, Chai Gramotsav is creating a new model for rural revitalisation. According to him, the festival is not only helping preserve villages but is also playing a significant role in safeguarding local traditions, culture, and community values.
Several local leaders and community representatives, including Ashok Budakoti, Gram Pradhan of Chai Gram Panchayat; Jagmohan Budakoti, Chairman of the Temple Committee; Deepak Budakoti; and Shekhar Budakoti, also shared their views on the occasion. The programme was presided over by Jagmohan Budakoti and conducted by Dr Padmesh Budakoti, who served as the MC-Master of Ceremonies throughout the three-day festival.
The dissemination of festival news and updates through news agencies, digital platforms, and social media networks was coordinated by Sociologist Dr Devendra Kumar Budakoti.
Earlier in the day, the seventeenth edition of Chai Gramotsav showcased a rich array of folk arts and cultural traditions. Devotional performances highlighted the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Garhwal region. Renowned folk singers Sushil Snehwal and Dharmendra Rawat enthralled the audience with their soulful devotional songs, while schoolchildren and young artists presented colourful cultural programmes that received enthusiastic appreciation.
The festival concluded with traditional worship ceremonies, a sacred Havan (fire ritual), and a community Bhandara (feast), reinforcing the spirit of cultural unity, social harmony, and collective commitment to preserving Uttarakhand’s rural heritage for future generations.
