Students’ performance at mela leaves audience spellbound in Uttarkashi

Tribune News Service

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Mussoorie, January 17

Students from six private schools and two government schools mesmerized the audience with their performances during the ongoing Magh Mela (also called Bada Haat ku Thaulu) at the Ramlila ground in Uttarkashi today.  The Magh Mela began on Makar Sankranti (January 14) with traditional prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple.

Students from Rishiram Shiksha Sansthan, Adi Shankaracharya Shiksha Sansthan, Bhagirathi Children Academy and Suman Grammar School presented several skits highlighting the menace  of female foeticide and dowry prevalent in society. They appealed to the audience to shun such practices.

The student from Rajkiya Inter College, Thati Maneri, and Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya,  Dhanari, presented several folk dances and song items,  depicting the culture of the district. The team from Nuagaon Vikas Khand presented dance and song items depicting the culture of the remote Rawain region.

Yesterday, the traditional elephant swang procession was held. It is based on the tales of Kandaar Devta, the local deity believed to have controlled the elephant that had reached Aerawat Parvat and run amuck, causing great damage near Uttarkashi. The procession that passed through various markets culminated at the Kandaar Devta temple here.

Zila Panchayat, Uttarkashi, president  Jasoda Rana, vice-president Prakash Ramola,  member Kuldeep Bisht and other officials from the district welcomed tourists and local residents alike. 

Kuldeep Bisht said the Magh Mela had something for people of every age group. The festival is a mélange of modernity and tradition not seen anywhere in the state, he added.