Uttarkashi, 2 November (Read). Like Diwali, a glimpse of different cultures can be seen in the Igas festival.

District Magistrate Prashant Arya, District Panchayat President Ramesh Chauhan, Chief Development Officer Jai Bharat Singh, Additional District Magistrate Mukt Mishra, Municipality President Bhupendra Singh Chauhan, who arrived as the chief guest in the program organized at Ramlila Maidan, have sent best wishes to all the residents of the district on the occasion of Egas festival.

The rich folk culture of Uttarakhand is reflected in the Igas festival. Late Saturday evening, everyone together, including District Magistrate Uttarkashi Prashant Arya, District Panchayat President Ramesh Chauhan, Municipal President Bhupendra Chauhan, Municipal Councilors, etc., gathered at Ramlila Maidan to play with buffaloes. It is to the tradition of lighting the Vijay lamp. Folk songs, dances and songs like Bhailo Re Bhailo still resonate in every home.

Igas Bagwal, which was celebrated for the first time in the district, showed great enthusiasm among the people. During this time, women wearing traditional clothes dance Rasho to the beat of drum. During this, District Magistrate Prashant Arya while congratulating all the people of the district on the occasion of Igas festival said that Igas is a symbol of our glorious culture, tradition and faith. Today, when our traditions are being left behind in the era of modernity, Igas reminds us of our roots and connects the new generation with our cultural identity.

Let us tell you that Diwali in Uttarakhand does not last for one or two days, but lasts for a whole month. This tradition that has been going on for years makes Diwali of Uttarakhand special. The celebration of Diwali on Kartik Amavasya in Uttarakhand is not just for one day, but the mountain culture has given it many colors as per the time and tradition. Across the state, this Diwali is celebrated as Igas Bagwal and at other places as Mangseer Diwali or Budhi Diwali. This festival is also celebrated on the 11th day and one month after Diwali.

There are deep folk beliefs behind this festival, which has been a part of the social and religious lifestyle of the mountains for hundreds of years. On this land of Devbhoomi, Diwali is not only associated with lighting the houses with lamps, but it is also a symbol of collective joy, folk music, agricultural life and the tradition of animal husbandry.

Youth Welfare Officer Vijay Pratap Bhandari, District Social Welfare Officer, Child Development Officer Yashoda Bisht etc. were present in the program.

(Read) / Chiranjeev Semwal