Tribal youth fest at Sissu in July

Our Correspondent

Kullu, February 7

A tableau procession by various mahila and yuvak mandals was held after paying obeisance at the Triloknath Temple during the snow festival at Lahaul today.

Technical Education Minister Ram Lal Markanda inaugurated the cultural programmes. Teams of mahila mandals of Triloknath, Hinsa, Shakoli, Bardang, Chhating, Mashadi, Kishori and Kukumseri enthralled the audience by presenting folk dances.

The minister said a museum would be built in the temple for the preservation of the ancient heritage. The chief guest and other guests were served traditional dishes. The minister announced a grant of Rs 15,000 each to all mahila mandals who took part in the cultural programme.

Markanda said a 10-day-long All-India Tribal Youth Festival would be held in Sissu in July. He said the festival would provide an opportunity to exchange sports, culture, cuisines, costumes and local dialects. He said residents of all the valleys of Lahaul and Spiti would participate in the festival. He added that entire Lahaul would be connected by the telecom network. He said tap water would be provided 24 hours a day in Lahaul and this task would be accomplished by next winter.

The minister said the government had made new rules for adventure sports.

Udaipur SDM Raj Kumar, Higher Education Director Surjeet Rao and other officials were present.