Govt to promote folk arts at global level: Agnihotri
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri chaired the closing ceremony of the three-day Seraj Talent and Tourism Festival at Chouluthach in Janjehli of Mandi district on Sunday under the aegis of the Civic Sense Society.
He praised efforts made during the festival to prioritise local artistes. He also highlighted the ongoing efforts of the state government to safeguard folk traditions and the contributions of former Chief Ministers Dr YS Parmar and Virbhadra Singh in promoting Himachali culture.
He also announced plans to promote Himachal’s folk arts on national and international platforms through cultural exchange programmes. He said the state government was aiming to dedicate cultural evenings at major fairs to local artistes and allocate 50 per cent of the funds for supporting them. He said the Janjehli Valley, renowned for its natural beauty and religious sites like the Shikari Devi Temple, had great potential for religious tourism. The valley’s scenic spots like Shatadhar, Kamrunag and the Chyuni valley also attract many trekkers.
The Deputy CM pledged to expedite work on the rest houses of water supply department at Chhatri and bus stations in Janjehli and Thunag. He also announced a grant of Rs 10 lakh for the renovation of the Kamru Devta Temple and Rs 1 lakh to the organising committee for the successful conduct of the festival.
Chet Ram Thakur, former president of Milk Federation and general secretary of state Congress committee, was also present on the occasion.
