Uttarkashi: The famous Magh Mela (Barahat Ku Tholu) began today in Uttarkashi on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. The ancient Magh Mela was inaugurated in the presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, amidst the palanquins of the revered Kandhar deity of Barahat Patti and Hari Maharaj of the Baragaddi region. This week-long ancient fair, known as Barahat Ka Tholu, held at the Ramlila Maidan of the district, is a carrier of the unique religious and cultural traditions of the district.
Today, a large number of villagers from various regions arrived in Uttarkashi to participate in the Magh Mela, carrying palanquins of local deities and religious symbols. After taking a holy dip in the Bhagirathi River, local villagers, along with the palanquins of Kandhar deity and Hari Maharaj, reached Chamala Ki Chauri in Barahat (the ancient area of Uttarkashi city) and showcased the unique religious and cultural traditions of Barahat’s Tholu (fair) through palanquin dances and Raso-Tandi dances.
In the afternoon, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami formally inaugurated the Magh Mela by lighting a lamp at the Ramlila Maidan, in the presence of Kandhar deity and Hari Maharaj. On this occasion, many palanquins of deities and religious symbols, including Ghandiyal deity, Khanddwari Devi, Raj-Rajeshwari Devi, Tripura Sundari, Nag Devta and Dakshin Kali, were also present in the fair pandal. Students of Rishi Ram Shikshan Sansthan presented a welcome song and dance at the inauguration ceremony.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami extended his greetings and best wishes to everyone on Makar Sankranti and the Magh Mela. He said that today he had the opportunity to participate in the inauguration of this ancient and historical religious fair held in the city of Baba Vishwanath and on the sacred land of Mother Bhagirathi. This is a great confluence of folk faith, and auspicious activities begin from this day. Today, Uttarkashi district is establishing its own spiritual identity while also progressing on the path of development. The Chief Minister said that today, the government’s policies are not limited to files; the benefits of the government’s welfare schemes are reaching the person standing at the last rung of society. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the cultural heritage is being protected, development is being ensured, and new livelihood opportunities are being created in the tourism sector.
The Chief Minister said that in Uttarkashi district, road construction, repair, and improvement works are being carried out at a cost of more than Rs. 1000 crore. A 50-bed critical care unit is being built in Uttarkashi itself at a cost of Rs. 23 crore. The Community Health Center in Purola is being upgraded to a sub-district hospital at a cost of Rs. 46 crore. The Silkyara tunnel has also had a breakthrough, and its completion will soon provide convenience to the local residents and tourists alike. The construction of this tunnel will also reduce the distance between Yamunotri and Gangotri by approximately 25 km. Helipad construction in Yamunotri, irrigation schemes, flood protection works in Bhatwari, and other development works are being carried out.
The Chief Minister said that today the government is working on the “13 Districts, 13 Destinations” program. Tourism is also being given a new dimension through the Vibrant Village program. A festival ground is being constructed in Jadung. Today, there are 12,000 “Lakhpati Didis” (women earning over one lakh rupees annually) in Uttarkashi district, which reflects the picture of a self-reliant Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand has also secured the first position in the Sustainable Development Goals Index, and Uttarkashi is among the top three districts in the state. Today, reverse migration is also increasing in the state; people are returning to their ancestral homes.
The Chief Minister said that we have the tradition of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guest is God), and no one will be allowed to violate the sanctity of Devbhoomi (Land of Gods). The government has implemented anti-riot laws, anti-conversion laws, laws against love jihad, land jihad, etc., and has freed more than 1000 acres of government land from encroachment. The state has implemented strict land laws and, through Operation Kalnemi, has put behind bars the hypocrites who were defaming Sanatan Dharma. Uttarakhand has become the first state in the country to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). With the implementation of the UCC, equal security and uniform laws have been established for all.
The Chief Minister said that more than 27,000 young people have received jobs transparently. The strictest anti-cheating law has been implemented for the future of the youth. The results of the 2,000 police recruitments have been declared after the High Court’s decision, and these 2,000 young people will soon receive their appointments. He said that his government is working on a zero-tolerance policy, and strict action has been taken against all those involved in corruption, including high-ranking officials.
The Chief Minister said that his government will not allow anyone to tamper with the culture of Devbhoomi (the land of gods). No kind of jihad will be tolerated in Devbhoomi. Regarding the Ankita Bhandari case, he said that they had already conducted an investigation and sent the culprits to jail, and he himself met with Ankita Bhandari’s parents and ordered a CBI inquiry in accordance with their wishes. The Chief Minister said that he stood for justice for Ankita Bhandari before and will continue to do so. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami offered prayers at Shakti Temple and Baba Kashi Vishwanath Temple and inaugurated the plaques bearing the blessings of the saints.
