Elephant Swang performed

Tribune News Service

Uttarkashi, January 16

Elephant Swang and Pandava Nritya, an ancient ritual, marked the beginning of the Magh Mela in Uttarkashi today.

Religious and folk tales of Kandaar Devta, who is believed to have controlled the elephant that had reached Aerawat Parvat and run amuck, causing great damage near Uttarkashi, was displayed during the procession that passéd through various markets and reached the Kandaar Devta temple here.

The devotees, who took part in the ancient Pandava Nritya that is performed every year during Magh Mela, also presented Hathi Swang, much to the delight of the people who lined up to seek blessings from Kandaar Devta. Later the folk dance and song troupes from Purola, Sridev Natya Kala Manch, Chamba, Vidhyasagar Kala Manch, Srinagar, Garhwal, Reshma Shah, popular Jaunsari singer, Sunder Sailan and Manoj Bagswan enthralled the audience at Ramlila Ground in Uttarkashi.