Uttarayani Kauthik Festival–2026 to be held at Parade Ground from 5 to 8 Feb

my uttarakhand news Bureau
DEHRADUN, 4 Feb: A grand press conference was organised today at the Press Club, here, by Geeta Dhami, Founder of Seva Sankalp Foundation, regarding the four-day Uttarayani Kauthik Festival 2026. During the press briefing, detailed information was shared about the festival’s complete roadmap, objectives, dates and programme schedule.
It was stated during the press conference that the festival, to be held from 5 to 8 February at the Parade Ground, Dehradun, will provide a platform and recognition to those inspirational personalities of the state who, through courage, hard work, determination and talent, have given a new identity to society, villages and the state. Such distinguished individuals will be honoured with the “Nanda Shikhar Samman”, which will be conferred by the Governor of Uttarakhand and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
A unique feature of the festival is that artisans, farmers, craftsmen, folk artists, small entrepreneurs and women from self-help groups from all 13 districts of the state will showcase their products and art on a single platform. Around 100 stalls are being provided completely free of cost, offering participants opportunities for market access and self-reliance. This initiative will further strengthen the spirit of ‘Vocal for Local’ and a self-reliant Uttarakhand.
During the festival, visitors will witness a vibrant confluence of Uttarakhand’s traditional cuisine, local products, millets, handicrafts and folk culture. In addition, cultural and creative competitions for children, along with training programmes related to self-defence and empowerment for women and girls, will also be organised.
The festival will commence tomorrow at 11 a.m. with a divine and grand procession starting from Parade Ground, Dehradun. The procession will feature palanquins of Goddess Nanda Devi and Goljyu Maharaj, along with other Deities, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of traditional drums. Folk culture will be beautifully showcased through Jaunsari, Garhwali, Kumaoni, Gorkhali and Punjabi traditional attire.
During the four-day festival, performances by renowned folk artists who have brought recognition to the state and the country will be a major attraction. Prominent artists include Narendra Singh Negi, Pawandeep Rajan, Lalit Mohan Joshi, BK Samant, Saurabh Maithani, Govind Digari, Khushi Joshi, Inder Arya and Reshma Shah, among many others. This festival is a strong initiative aimed at the preservation, promotion and revival of Uttarakhand’s glorious traditions, rich folk culture, folk art, folk music and folk life. Its primary objective is to keep the folk heritage alive by connecting future generations with their cultural roots.
An appeal was made to the people of Uttarakhand, members of the media and lovers of culture to participate in large numbers in this grand cultural event, encourage the participants, and contribute to keeping Uttarakhand’s unique folk heritage vibrant. On this occasion, office-bearer Geetaram Gaur and other members associated with the Foundation were present.