The Third Day of the State Foundation Day Celebrations Adorned with the Colors of Himalayan Culture

Dehradun,: On the third day of the State Foundation Day celebrations, the vibrant cultural hues of the Himalayan states filled the atmosphere. From Tibet to the far northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, artists presented captivating performances. Earlier, the chief guest of the day, Dehradun Mayor Saurabh Thapliyal, along with Madhu Bhatt, Chairperson of the Uttarakhand Literature and Art Council, inaugurated the session by lighting the ceremonial lamp.

Jaunsari Dance Harul Mesmerized the Audience

Folk artist Layak Ram and his troupe enthralled the audience with the Jaunsari Harul dance, whose key attraction lies in the rhythmic spinning of metal plates while dancing. Harul performed in the Jaunsar region of Uttarakhand, features men and women dancing in a circular formation while singing ballads—often narrating tales of bravery, love, or historical events. Traditionally, this folk dance is performed during local fairs and festivals such as Maroj and Bissu. Ashish Kumar, Deputy Director, Directorate of Culture, Uttarakhand, honored the performers on stage.

Colors of Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh

Artists from Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh brought distinct cultural vibrancy to this Himalayan cultural confluence. Performers from the Tibet Institute of Performing Arts, Dharamshala, presented the Snow Lion and Nangri Mabja folk dances, which received immense appreciation from the audience. The traditional songs and dances of the Adi and Galo tribes of Arunachal Pradesh were equally captivating. Their ethnic attire and ornaments drew special admiration. Mayor Saurabh Thapliyal felicitated the guest performers with shawls and mementos in appreciation of their contribution.

Discussion: Folk Languages and Culture of Uttarakhand

In the second session of the programme, a discussion was held on the topic “Folk Languages and Culture of Uttarakhand.” The session was attended by Prof. Dev Singh Pokhariya, Dr. Nand Kishore Hatwal, Mr. Lokesh Nawani, and Dr. Nandlal Bharti. The speakers engaged in an in-depth deliberation on the current state of Uttarakhand’s folk languages and the efforts needed for their preservation and promotion.

During the discussion, the introduction of regional languages in schools under the new education policy was appreciated as a commendable step. Emphasis was also laid on the standardization of folk languages, development of curricula, and their promotion through internet platforms.

Evening Session
An Evening Adorned with Indian Classical Ragas

The evening session on the third day of the festival was dedicated to Indian classical music. The session began with a classical vocal performance by young artist Ritvij Pant, who presented Raag Malkauns, Madhyalaya, and Tarana in Bhairavi, along with Thumri and Bhajan compositions. Secretary (Culture) and Director General Yugal Kishore Pant honored Ritvij Pant and his accompanying artists with a shawl and memento.

Mohan Veena Resonates through the Festival

This was followed by a mesmerizing performance by Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, who has brought international fame to the Mohan Veena. The program began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Secretary (Culture) and Director General Yugal Kishore Pant along with the guests. Pandit Bhatt then filled the atmosphere with the soulful strains of the Mohan Veena.

A special highlight of the evening was the accompaniment by his son Salil Mohan on his own creation, the Salil Veena. Together, they rendered Raag Yaman, Raag Bhoopali, Ram Miyan Ki Malhar, and Raag Desh, making this Ninad 2025 evening truly memorable.

The Mohan Veena was invented and developed by Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt himself, and is named after him. On this unique string instrument, he presents Alaap, Jod, Jhala, and Gat with exceptional precision and depth, bringing out the subtle nuances and emotional essence of each raga.

Under Ninad-2025, this cultural journey is conveying a strong message of preserving the state’s folk traditions, music, dance, and language—bringing forth a new glimpse of Uttarakhand and the Himalayan region each day.