Nainital. Nainital appeared fully devout on Tuesday, immersed in the colors of the Maa Nanda-Sunanda Festival. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the festival, bowed at the holy feet of Maa Nanda-Sunanda, and prayed for the happiness, peace, and prosperity of the state’s residents. He also took part in the aarti of Maa Nanda-Sunanda.
The Chief Minister said that the Nanda Devi Festival is not just a fair, but a celebration of Uttarakhand’s faith, culture, and traditions passed down through generations. Diverse traditions of folk culture, including folk songs, Jhora-Chanchari, and Dhol-Damau, come alive through this event. He added that a society that takes pride in its roots and culture moves forward with confidence.
Emphasis on Heritage Conservation Alongside Development
Dhami stated that the state government is advancing Devbhoomi with the mantra of “Development as well as Heritage.” On the lines of Kedarkhand, major mythological and religious sites in the Kumaon region are being developed under the Manaskhand Temple Mala Mission. The development of religious places including Maa Naina Devi, Kainchi Dham, and Mukteshwar will boost religious tourism in the region.
He said that an increase in religious tourism will provide employment opportunities to local youth, self-employment opportunities to women (Matrishakti), and a wider market for local products. The government is also focusing on strengthening health, education, roads, tourism, and connectivity infrastructure.
Claim of Protecting Land and Cultural Identity
The Chief Minister stated that along with development, protecting the land, resources, and cultural identity of Devbhoomi is also the government’s responsibility. He mentioned that under the Land Law amendment made in the year 2025, a provision was made to prohibit the purchase of agricultural and horticultural category land by people from outside states in 11 hill districts.
Referring to the Uniform Civil Code, he said that attempts have been made through it to strengthen women’s rights. The Chief Minister informed that the Uniform Civil Code has been implemented in Uttarakhand since January 27, 2025.
Opportunities for 35,000 Youth in Government Services
Dhami stated that the government is working continuously to provide employment to the youth. An anti-copying law has been implemented to ensure transparency in government recruitments. He shared that so far, 35,000 youth have secured employment opportunities in government services.
Market to be Provided for Women’s Local Products
The Chief Minister said that efforts are being made to provide better markets for women producing local products through Self Help Groups (SHGs) and other mediums. He informed that arrangements have been made to provide interest-free loans up to Rs 5 lakh to women Self Help Groups. Getting fair markets and reasonable prices for local products will help increase women’s income.
Congratulating the organizers for hosting the festival, the Chief Minister said that the government is working with a “Resolution without Alternative” to make Uttarakhand the best state in the country. He prayed to Maa Nanda-Sunanda to continue bestowing her grace on Devbhoomi and to keep the state perpetually happy and prosperous.
On this occasion, Cabinet Minister Ram Singh Kaida, MLA Sarita Arya, BJP District President Pratap Bisht, Divisional Commissioner Deepak Rawat, IG Nivedita Kukreti, District Magistrate Lalit Mohan Rayal, Senior Superintendent of Police Dr. Manjunath TC, along with public representatives, officials, and a large number of devotees were present.
