Garhwal Post Bureau
NEW DELHI, 1 Nov: Folk festival of Uttarakhand, Igas, also called as Boorhi Diwali was celebrated with great zeal and traditional gaiety at the New Delhi residence of Anil Baluni, Member of Parliament from Garhwal and national media head of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The celebration turned into a vibrant display of Uttarakhand’s rich culture and heritage, drawing distinguished guests and dignitaries of Uttarakhand origin, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who took part in the Igas poojan ceremony. National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval was also among those who participated.
Baluni’s residence came alive with festive spirit last evening as guests participated in the traditional rituals of Igas. The occasion was graced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, spiritual leader Baba Bageshwar Dham, popular Bollywood singer Jubin Nautiyal, and several other eminent personalities. The poojan and celebration reflected the warmth, simplicity, and unity that are characteristic of the folk traditions of Uttarakhand.
Extending his greetings on the occasion, BJP Pradesh president Mahendra Bhatt conveyed his best wishes to the people of Devbhoomi, describing Igas as a symbol of Uttarakhand’s divine and vibrant cultural legacy. He appealed to all party MPs, MLAs, workers, and Non-Resident Uttarakhandis to celebrate the festival in their native villages, especially during the state’s Silver Jubilee Year, to make the occasion memorable. Bhatt emphasised that such festivals not only preserve the cultural identity of the state but also strengthen emotional bonds among people.
Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal also greeted the people of the state on the occasion of Igas-Bagwal, noting that the festival is celebrated eleven days after Deepavali and has been an integral part of Uttarakhand’s folk heritage for centuries. He remarked that the traditional bhailo ritual, accompanied by folk songs, dances, and the aroma of Pahadi delicacies, brings joy not only to the villages but also to the cities. He underlined that such festivals play a vital role in reconnecting the younger generation with their roots and in keeping alive the spirit of Uttarakhand’s timeless traditions.
