Dehradun, 15 October (HS). The cultural program Virasat Art and Heritage Mahotsav-2024 started on Tuesday evening under the aegis of Reach organization. The first evening of Virasat was dedicated to Chholiya dance and violin playing. The Heritage Festival will continue till October 29.
'Virasat Art and Heritage Festival-2024' was inaugurated by Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj by lighting the lamp at BR Ambedkar Stadium (Kaulagarh Road) on Tuesday evening.
On this occasion, the Minister said that before the formation of the state of Uttarakhand, Virasat Mahotsav was organized every year, this event has been continuously spreading the splendor of its events for 30 years. They have left their mark as cultural heritage across the world.
The Tourism Minister said that in today's event the famous Chholiya dance of Uttarakhand has been performed which teaches human chain. Chholiya dance tells about war skills.
He also talked about expanding the number of home stays for tourists and said that today 5000 home stays have been registered. We should promote such home stays so that tourism can be promoted.
In the program, General Secretary of Virasat Mahotsav, RK Singh said that it is the thirtieth anniversary of RICH organization. By organizing these events, the heritage is continuously gaining strength and its light and flame will continue to reach across the world.
The program started with Chholiya dance. Patti Kittar Prakash Rawat Party of Pithoragarh presented Chholiya dance.
In the second presentation of the culture program, violin playing was presented in the jugalbandi of Dr. N. Rajam and Ragini Shankar. Padmabhushan N. Rajam and his granddaughter Ragini Shankar started the program with Raga Jog in Vilambit Ek Taal. They also presented a famous bandish 'Sajan More Ghar Aaye' in Raga Jog. They concluded the program with Raga Bhairavi.
In the program, along with Satpal Maharaj, Geeta Khanna, Chairman, Child Welfare Commission, Uttarakhand, R.S. on behalf of ONGC. Narayani Executive Director, Head of Corporate Administration was also present.
On this occasion, mainly program director of the event Lokesh Ohri, trustee Harish Awal, joint secretary Vijayashree Joshi, director craft Sunil Verma, media in-charge Priyavanda Iyer, office administrator Pradeep Maithal etc. were present.