Lucknow: A 14-day Uttarakhand Mahotsav will be organised on the banks of the Gomti from Nov 9 to 22, showcasing the hill state’s rich cultural heritage, folk traditions, music, dance and cuisine.Uttarakhand Mahaparishad president Harish Chandra Pant said on Saturday, “Annual Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman would be conferred upon folk singer Veena Tiwari and scientist Dr V P Dimri for their contributions to society”.The festivities will begin with a debate competition on Nov 9 to mark 26 years of Uttarakhand’s formation and its development journey. On Nov 10, a live cooking competition will be held, where women will showcase their culinary skills by preparing traditional and other delicacies. The competition will be open to the public, said media coordinator Rajendra Kanwal.The mahotsav will be inaugurated by chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will attend the event as chief guest on Nov 17.Around 120 stalls representing specialities from 13 states will be set up at the venue. The stalls will feature handicrafts, jewellery, woollens, home decor items, footwear, pickles, snacks and regional food. Additionally, there will be painting and drawing workshops for children and selfie corners for people to capture memories.Chholiya dance troupes from Uttarakhand, dressed in traditional colourful attire and accompanied by folk instruments, will welcome guests and entertain visitors every day during the mahotsav.
