Cultural items enthrall audience as curtains come down on Haroli fest

The three-day state level Haroli festival came to a close at the Kangar ground in Haroli subdivision. During the final cultural night on Tuesday, Punjabi singers Garry Sandhu and Jasbir Jassi enthralled the audience with their hit numbers.

Earlier during the evening, cultural items were presented by troupes representing various districts of the state. African dance, Asian fire dance and Ukrainian dance performers stole the show with their performances.

Haroli MLA and Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri gave away prizes to the winners of competitions organised in kabaddi, tug of war and wrestling competitions. Products made by women self help groups were also displayed at the venue.

Speaking on the occasion, Agnihotri said fairs and festivals not only showcase, but also help preserve and propagate our rich art, culture and traditions. He said the festival was organized on the theme ‘Drug free Himachal-Drug free Una’ and that a large number of audiences that were drawn to the festival helped propagate the message of drug abuse and its ill effects in society.

Agnihotri said traditional water bodies such as ponds were being rejuvenated in Haroli segment so as to conserve rain water. He said bridges have been constructed over all rivulets of the Swan River in Haroli segment and the segment is being provided road connectivity with neighbouring Assembly segments through three new major bridges over the Swan river. Rampur to Haroli bridge has been dedicated to the public, Teur to Pandoga bridge is nearing completion, while a sum of Rs 34 crores has recently been sanctioned for a parallel Jhalera to Ghaluwal bridge near the existing old bridge.