Dr. Shikha Mishra
Nine-day state-level fair begins on the first day of Navratri; CM highlights tourism, employment generation and infrastructure development in Tehri.
Narendranagar: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday inaugurated the 50th Siddhpeeth Shri Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair by hoisting the flag at Narendranagar in Tehri district. He also inaugurated a development exhibition, inspected departmental stalls, witnessed cultural tableaux and paid tribute to martyrs at the memorial site.
Lighting a ceremonial lamp before the image of Maa Kunjapuri, Dhami extended greetings on Sharadiya Navratri and the fair’s golden jubilee. He said the event symbolised the region’s folk faith, cultural heritage and enduring traditions, while providing a platform to promote tourism, trade and local talent.
The Chief Minister noted that the fair’s inauguration on the first day of Navratri was particularly auspicious. Referring to International Day of the Girl Child, he wished girls a bright future and highlighted the place of women in Indian cultural traditions. He also appreciated fair founder Surendra Singh Pangti and the organising committee for sustaining the event.
Tourism and local employment in focus
Dhami said the state government was working to strengthen tourism and religious infrastructure while creating employment opportunities locally to curb migration. Initiatives such as the ‘One District, Two Products’ scheme and the ‘House of Himalayas’ brand were helping local products reach wider markets. He said sales under the House of Himalayas brand had crossed ₹6 crore.
He also cited the State Millet Mission, Apple Mission, Farm Machinery Banks, homestay promotion, tourism and film policies, and the ‘Wed in Uttarakhand’ initiative as measures supporting entrepreneurship and self-employment. According to the Chief Minister, reverse migration in the state had increased by 44 per cent.
Highlighting the development of religious tourism, Dhami referred to projects at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Kashi Vishwanath Dham and the Kedarnath-Badrinath shrines. He said Uttarakhand was also expanding facilities at prominent temples under the Kedarkhand and Manaskhand temple development missions.
Tehri receives infrastructure push
Dhami said development around Tehri Lake remained a priority, with a ring road and tourism routes being developed around the lake. Water sports, adventure tourism and homestays were also being promoted to generate employment and strengthen the local economy.
He highlighted several projects in and around Narendranagar, including the upgradation of the government polytechnic, a Kendriya Vidyalaya, a law college, an auditorium, the upgradation of Gaja Hospital and a sewerage line project worth approximately ₹50 crore.
The Chief Minister said education, healthcare and basic infrastructure were central to the government’s development agenda for Tehri.
Cultural tableaux mark the golden jubilee
The fair featured tableaux depicting Chholiya folk dance, the traditional Gadu Ghada oil-pot ritual, Mahishasura Mardini, Lord Narasimha and Prahlad’s devotion, Maa Kunjapuri, India’s accomplished daughters, and the changing face of Narendranagar. Students and cultural groups participated in the presentations.
Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal congratulated the organisers on the golden jubilee, saying the fair helped preserve folk culture while providing a platform for sports, tourism and local talent. He also thanked the Chief Minister for supporting development projects, including the polytechnic upgrade, law college and sewerage infrastructure.
Founder Surendra Singh Pangti shared his experiences, while Narendranagar Municipal Council chairperson Rajendra Vikram Panwar extended his greetings.
Nine-day programme until October 19
The state-level fair will run from October 11 to 19, featuring sporting events, school-level competitions and cultural performances. The lineup includes Padma Shri awardee Dr Basanti Bisht, Narendra Singh Negi, Meena Rana, Sangeeta Dhaundiyal, Kishan Mahipal, the Pandavaas band and other artists. The fair will conclude with a Jagar performance by Padma Shri awardee Pritam Bhartwan.
Several public representatives and officials attended the inauguration, including Narendra Nagar Block Pramukh Diksha Rana, Rishikesh Mayor Shambhu Paswan, Tehri District Magistrate Nitika Khandelwal, Senior Superintendent of Police Shweta Choubey and Chief Development Officer Varuna Agrawal.
