Cultural events at Shaheed Sthal revive traditions

Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, July 6

The efforts of the state cultural department to highlight the traditional culture of the state through song and dance performance by local artistes at Shaheed Sthal every weekend is receiving appreciation from tourists and residents here.

Tourists were seen tapping their feet along with Garhwali and Kumaoni dance troupes performing at Shaheed Sthal. “This is a welcome step and the Cultural Department deserves all appreciation,” said Vijay Ghildyal, a local resident.

Tourists can be seen inquiring about every minute detail, including dress, ornaments worn by folk artistes here.

Meanwhile, members of the Jaunpur Jagriti Lok Kala Manch who have been assigned the task to regale the audience through their performance are glad to find an audience that reciprocates to their gestures with cheers and are ready to sing and dance along with the troupe with much delight.

Municipal Council president Manmohan Singh Mall lauded efforts of the Cultural Department for organising such programmes in the town. He said at present, the programmes were being organised on weekends but with its growing popularity, it could become a daily feature in the tourist calendar of Mussoorie.

Sandeep Sahni, president of the Uttarakhand Hotel Association, said such events provide employment to the local artistes, recreation, and knowledge about the culture and traditions of the state to the tourists. He said more such events should be organised so that people could get a glimpse of the state’s rich heritage.