Dehradun/Champawat: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, while virtually addressing the closing ceremony of the historic “Goljyu Mahotsav-2026” held in Champawat, said that making Champawat the best and most ideal district in the country is the state government’s “unwavering commitment.”
The 13-day cultural and religious festival, which began on May 4, concluded on Sunday with great enthusiasm and public participation. The Chief Minister congratulated the Champawat Municipal Council, district administration, and local residents for successfully organizing the event.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that such events play a significant role in preserving the folk culture, traditional arts, and cultural heritage of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. Paying tribute to the land of Goljyu Maharaj, regarded as the God of Justice, he said that the festival is not merely a source of entertainment but also a powerful platform for protecting Champawat’s cultural identity and folk traditions.
Highlighting women empowerment and the local economy as major achievements of the festival, the Chief Minister said that stalls set up by self-help groups gave local products a new identity. The sale of mountain pulses, handicrafts, organic products, and traditional cuisine strengthened the rural economy.
He further stated that awareness and self-employment-based stalls organized by various government departments helped people learn about welfare schemes, calling it a commendable initiative.
The Chief Minister said the state government is continuously working for the overall development of the border district Champawat. Under the “Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission,” ancient religious sites in the Kumaon region are being developed on a grand scale. In this sequence, several religious sites, including Maa Varahi Dham, Baleshwar Temple, and Patal Rudreshwar, are being upgraded.
He said that for the convenience of devotees, the construction of the “Goljyu Corridor” in Champawat and the “Sharda Corridor” in Tanakpur are among the government’s priorities. Road widening, parking facilities, and healthcare services are also being strengthened.
The Chief Minister informed that projects such as a modern dry port, an international-level science center, a women’s sports college, ISBT Tanakpur, drinking water schemes, and a media center guest house are also underway in Champawat, which will create new opportunities for employment and self-employment.
The Star Night programs organized during the final three days of the festival became the center of attraction. Folk artists Inder Arya, Maya Upadhyay, and Neeraj Chufal mesmerized the audience with their Kumaoni and Garhwali performances.
Several public representatives, officials, and local residents, including Shyam Narayan Pandey, Mukesh Maharana, Anand Adhikari, Prema Pandey, Govind Samant, Manish Kumar, and Rekha Yadav, were present during the program.
