Dehradun: The vibrant spirit of the Himalayan states continued to flow through the Uttarakhand State Foundation Day celebrations. Fourth day of Ninad 2025, the morning session at the Himalayan Culture Centre, Garhi Cantt, was enlivened by the cultural hues of Himachal Pradesh and Assam.
The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Madhu Bhatt, Chairperson of the Uttarakhand Literature and Cultural Council, and Ashish Kumar, Deputy Director, Directorate of Culture. Artists from the Saraswati Sur Samiti of Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, opened their performance with a devotional Shiv Stuti. Their captivating renditions of folk songs and dances held the audience spellbound for a long time.
Assamese Culture on Display
Morning session was the Randhali Group from Assam. Their Krishna Vandana dance and traditional folk performances were deeply expressive, while the Bihu dance brought the essence of Assamese culture alive at the Himalayan Culture Centre. The unique charm of traditional Assamese attire such as the Mekhela Shawl, along with folk instruments like the Mihu Dhol and bamboo wind instruments, fascinated the audience.
Group leader Nava Malika expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Department of Culture, Uttarakhand, for organizing the event. Madhu Bhatt, Chairperson of the Uttarakhand Literature and Cultural Council, honoured the guest artists with shawls and mementoes.
Himalayan Haat – A Taste of the Hills
At the celebration of the Himalayan states, the stalls at the Himalayan Haat have become a hub of cuisine and handicrafts. From Bhoram in Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh, Sunita Soni arrived with women from the Anmol Self-Help Group, serving the traditional delicacy Siddu. This nutritious and easily digestible wheat-based dish is stuffed with a mixture of lentils, walnuts, and other dry fruits, and served with walnut chutney. The lentil-stuffed Siddu is savoury, while the dry fruit version is sweet.
Discussion – Theatre in the Himalaya
The second session of the fourth day of Ninad 2025 featured a discussion on ‘Theatre in the Himalaya’. Eminent theatre personalities Shreesh Dobhal, Dr. Ajay Kumar, and Dr. Ehsan Bakhsh from the National School of Drama participated in the dialogue. The discussion focused on the current state of theatre in Uttarakhand, with emphasis on expanding theatre workshops and drama festivals across the region.
Speakers also highlighted the importance of including theatre as a subject in schools and colleges to introduce the younger generation to the significance of performing arts and the dedication it requires. During the session, the three veteran theatre artists also interacted with the audience, answering their questions about theatre and its future in the Himalayan region.
Evening Session
An Evening Adorned with Classical Melodies
The fourth evening of the event was dedicated to Indian classical music. Dr. Yogesh Khetwal captivated the audience with soulful renditions of “Sajan Ghar Aayo” and “Haribhajan Ko Maan Re Man.” He was accompanied by Shashank on tabla, Rashmi on tanpura, and Kamal Ahmad on sarangi. Additional Secretary (Culture) Pradeep Joshi honored the artists on stage with shawls and mementos.
Following this, renowned flutist Padma Shri Ronu Majumdar and violinist Mysore Manjunath took the stage. Their duet, which began with Raag Hans Dhwani, mesmerized the audience. Joining these maestros were two exceptional young artists — Nishith Gangani from the illustrious Gangani family on tabla, and Shikhar Naad Qureshi on djembe. Shikhar Naad Qureshi is the nephew of the legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain. The electrifying jugalbandi (duet) of these two young percussionists enthralled the audience and drew rounds of applause
