Jauljibi fair is symbol of Indo-Nepali shared heritage: Dhami

my uttarakhand news Bureau

PITHORAGARH, 14 Nov: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the historic Jauljibi Fair at the confluence of the Kali and Gori rivers in the border region of Pithoragarh district and announced development projects worth Rs 102.72 crore for the district. The package includes the foundation laying of 24 schemes worth Rs 102.48 crore and the inauguration of one project worth Rs 24 lakh. He also announced financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh for the organisation of the fair.

Addressing the gathering, Dhami said the Jauljibi Fair is a living symbol of the shared cultural heritage, social harmony and trade relations between India and Nepal. He noted that for centuries the fair has served as an important platform connecting people of the two countries through cultural and commercial exchanges. It also occupies a significant place in the history of trade and cultural interaction among India, Nepal and Tibet.

The CM observed that the fair has been closely associated with his childhood and that he has personally witnessed the region’s rich traditions, culture and customs. Such events, he said, play an important role in preserving cultural identity and connecting younger generations with their roots, while also providing encouragement to folk artists, local products and traditional occupations.

Emphasising the importance of preserving Uttarakhand’s heritage, Dhami said the state’s legacy of sacrifice, hard work and struggle inherited from previous generations must be protected while pursuing all-round development.

Dhami said the development of border areas remains a key priority for the State Government. Continuous efforts are being made to improve road connectivity, drinking water supply, education, healthcare, tourism and other basic infrastructure in remote regions. He added that the natural beauty, adventure tourism potential and rich folk culture of border areas offer vast opportunities for self-employment for local youth. The government aims to ensure that people in remote regions receive better facilities while gaining new livelihood opportunities closer to home.

The Chief Minister said that historic fairs such as Jauljibi are not confined to trade alone but also serve as important platforms for strengthening cultural unity, social harmony and traditional ties.

During the visit, Dhami inspected exhibitions and stalls put up by various departments and reviewed information about development initiatives and local products. The fair also witnessed participation from traders from both India and Nepal, along with traditional cultural performances.

Among the major projects for which foundation stones were laid are the construction of a new State Guest House (Circuit House) in Pithoragarh at a cost of Rs 23.26 crore, works related to the Ghat Pumping Drinking Water Scheme worth Rs 13.38 crore, a flood protection scheme in the Khotila and Ghatdhar areas costing Rs 36.10 crore, and the construction of a motor bridge over the Ramganga river at a cost of Rs 8.80 crore. Several other schemes related to roads, drinking water, education, tourism, irrigation and infrastructure were also launched. Dhami also inaugurated connectivity road works and a Himalaya Darshan shed project in Kanalichhina block.                  Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta also addressed the gathering. Those present included Zila Panchayat chairman Jitendra Prasad, Didihat MLA Bishan Singh Chufal, Dharchula MLA Harish Dhami, Pithoragarh Mayor Kalpana Devalal, Bhanupratap Singh Pal, District Magistrate Ashish Kumar Bhatgain, Superintendent of Police Akshay Prahlad Konde, along with public representatives, officials, cultural personalities and a large number of citizens from both India and Nepal.