Artistes celebrate Himalayan folk culture at Dhauladhar Mahotsav

Under the direction of the Language, Arts and Culture Department, the Youth Development Centre, Kangra, a social organisation, organised the two-day Dhauladhar Mahotsav at Government College, Kotla Bhehar, in Jaswan Assembly Constituency, Kangra district. Concluding on Saturday, the festival featured vibrant performances of folk songs, music and dance, with the aim of reviving traditional folk art and culture.

College students and local folk artistes took the stage, presenting mesmerising folk songs and dances that were met with loud applause from the audience. Traditional performances, including Nati, Giddha and Jhamakara, captivated art and music lovers, celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Karan Bhushan, director of the Youth Development Centre, urged the youth to actively preserve and promote their cultural heritage while also contributing to social development. He emphasised the importance of staying away from drugs and intoxication, stating that the Himalayan culture of India is an invaluable heritage and its conservation is the need of the hour.

Educationist and principal, Vijay Kumari, addressed the gathering, expressing concern over the younger generation drifting away from their cultural roots due to increasing attraction toward modernity. The Youth Development Centre is affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and currently operates under the centrally sponsored scheme, ‘Preservation of Cultural Heritage of Himalayas.’