CM inaugurates Uttarkashi’s Magh Mela
Garhwal Post Bureau
Uttarkashi, 14 Jan: On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, the renowned and historic Magh Mela (Barahat Ku Thaulu) commenced today in Uttarkashi. The ancient Magh Mela was formally inaugurated in the august presence of the palanquins of Kandar Devta, the presiding Deity of Barahat Patti, and Hari Maharaj of the Baragaddi region, in the presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Held at the Ramleela Ground, this week-long traditional fair—popularly known as Barahat Ka Thaulu—is a living embodiment of the district’s unique religious and cultural traditions.
A large number of people from various regions arrived in Uttarkashi to participate in the Magh Mela, accompanied by palanquins of local folk deities and religious symbols. After taking the ritual holy dip in the Bhagirathi River, local villagers, along with the palanquins of Kandar Devta, Hari Maharaj, and several other deities, proceeded to Chamala Ki Chaunri at Barahat (the ancient area of Uttarkashi town). There, they performed traditional Doli Nritya and Raso-Tandi dances, showcasing the distinctive religious and cultural heritage of the Barahat Thaulu (fair).
In the afternoon, the Chief Minister formally inaugurated the Magh Mela by lighting the ceremonial lamp at the Ramleela Ground in the presence of the palanquins of Kandar Devta and Hari Maharaj. The event also witnessed the presence of palanquins and religious symbols of several deities, including Ghandiyal Devta, Khanddwari Devi, Raj Rajeshwari Devi, Tripur Sundari, Nag Devta, and Dakshin Kali. During the inauguration ceremony, students of Trishiram Educational Institution presented a welcome song and dance.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami extended greetings and best wishes to the people on Makar Sankranti and the Magh Mela. He said that he felt honoured to participate in the inauguration of this ancient and historic religious fair in the holy city of Baba Vishwanath, on the sacred land of Maa Bhagirathi. He described the Magh Mela as a grand confluence of public faith and noted that auspicious activities traditionally begin from this day. He stated that Uttarkashi district is establishing a strong spiritual identity while simultaneously progressing on the path of development.
The Chief Minister emphasised that government policies are no longer confined to files, and that the benefits of public welfare schemes are reaching the last person standing at the grassroots. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s cultural heritage is being preserved while development is being ensured, and new livelihood opportunities are being created in the tourism sector.
He said that infrastructure development works worth over ₹1,000 crore are underway in Uttarkashi district, including construction, repair, and improvement of roads. A 50-bed Critical Care Unit is being constructed in Uttarkashi at a cost of ₹23 crore. The Community Health Centre at Purola is being upgraded into a sub-district hospital at a cost of ₹46 crore. The breakthrough of the Silkyara Tunnel has been completed, and once fully operational, the tunnel will provide significant convenience to local residents and tourists. It will also reduce the distance between Yamunotri and Gangotri by approximately 25 kilometres. Other development works include helipad construction in Yamunotri, irrigation schemes, flood protection works in Bhatwari, and several additional projects.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is actively implementing the 13 Districts–13 Destinations programme and that the Vibrant Villages initiative is giving a new dimension to tourism. A festival ground is being constructed at Jadung. He noted that more than 12,000 women in Uttarkashi district have become Lakhpati Didis, reflecting the vision of a self-reliant Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand has secured first place in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, with Uttarkashi ranking among the top three districts in the state. He added that reverse migration is increasing, with people returning to their ancestral homes.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the tradition of Atithi Devo Bhava is deeply rooted in the state, and no one will be allowed to violate the sanctity of Devbhoomi. He highlighted that the government has enacted strict laws against riots, religious conversion, love jihad, and land jihad, and has freed more than 1,000 acres of government land from encroachment. A stringent land law has been implemented in the state, and through Operation Kalnemi, imposters defaming Sanatan Dharma have been sent behind bars. Uttarakhand has become the first state in the country to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), ensuring equal laws and security for all.
The Chief Minister stated that more than 27,000 youth have been provided employment through a transparent process. To safeguard the future of youth, the strictest anti-cheating law has been enacted. He informed that following the High Court’s decision, results for 2,000 police recruitments have been declared, and appointments will soon be issued. He emphasised that the government follows a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, and strict action has been taken against all those involved, including senior officials.
The Chief Minister asserted that no one will be allowed to tamper with the culture of Devbhoomi and that no form of jihad will be tolerated in the state. Referring to the Ankita Bhandari case, he said that the government had earlier ensured the arrest and imprisonment of the culprits and, respecting the sentiments of Ankita’s parents, has ordered a CBI investigation after personally meeting them. He affirmed that he has always stood for justice for Ankita Bhandari and will continue to do so.
During his district visit, the Chief Minister performed ritual worship at the ancient Baba Vishwanath Temple. After offering prayers, he inaugurated plaques inscribed with the blessings and spiritual messages of revered saints within the temple complex. He said that Uttarakhand is Devbhoomi, and the penance and wisdom of saints constitute the state’s rich cultural heritage. He emphasised that the divine words of saints guide society on the righteous path and help instill values among the younger generation.
On this occasion, Gangotri MLA Suresh Chauhan, Purola MLA Durgeshwar Lal, BJP State Vice President Dr Swaraj Vidwan, State Media In-charge Manveer Chauhan, District Panchayat President Ramesh Chauhan, BJP District President Nagendra Chauhan, Minister of State Ramsundar Nautiyal, Pratap Singh Panwar, Jagat Singh Chauhan, former MLA Vijaypal Sajwan, Garhwal Coordinator Kishor Bhatt, Block Pramukh Rajdeep Parmar, Mamta Panwar, former District President Satyendra Rana, District General Secretary Mahavir Singh Negi, Parshuram Jagudi, Municipal Council President Bhupendra Chauhan, Yuva Morcha District President Harendra Rana, Harish Dangwal, Shailendra Kohli, Girish Bhatt, Lokendra Bisht, Surat Ram Nautiyal, District Magistrate Prashant Arya, Superintendent of Police Kamlesh Upadhyay, Chief Development Officer Jay Bharat Singh, along with other officials, public representatives, and a large number of local residents, were among those present.
