The Chief Minister said that the sacred rivers, Ganga, Yamuna, Saryu, and Sharda, flowing through Devbhoomi, nurture the land of Uttar Pradesh, enriching it like gold. He added, “Uttarakhand not only offers these life-giving rivers but also produces brave youth who dedicate their lives to the nation's security.”
Highlighting the importance of folk art and culture, he said festivals like this play a vital role in keeping these traditions alive. Without such celebrations, many people, caught in the pace of modern life, would drift away from their cultural roots, losing touch with folk art, music, and traditions.
Chief Minister Yogi said that we must take pride in our folk culture and ensure it receives platforms for preservation and promotion. This, he said, aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. He praised Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for advancing this vision at the national level.
CM Yogi Adityanath further said, “The people of Uttarakhand, driven by deep patriotism, contribute to the nation not only in security but across various fields, and they integrate seamlessly with local cultures wherever they go.” He added that the Uttarakhand Mahotsav itself reflects the beautiful harmony between Awadhi culture and the culture of Uttarakhand. With the blessings of Shri Ram of Awadh and Uttarakhand's Badri Vishal and the Char Dham, the festival has reached new heights of cultural unity and celebration.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, “It is our good fortune that Uttarakhand came into existence on November 9, 2000, under the leadership of the revered Atal Bihari Vajpayee. However, when we talk about contributions to Uttar Pradesh's development with unwavering dedication, Pandit Govind Vallabh Pant, Uttar Pradesh's first Chief Minister, stands foremost. A freedom fighter and a visionary administrator, he laid the foundation for Uttar Pradesh's progress in independent India. His development roadmap became the basis on which the state's future was built.”
He added that it is a matter of pride for both Uttar Pradesh and the nation that Uttarakhand produced eminent leaders like Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna and Narayan Dutt Tiwari, who made remarkable contributions at both the state and national levels. Every patriot recalls Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali's courage during the freedom movement. After Uttarakhand's formation, the state expressed its gratitude to him by shifting its summer capital to another city in his honor.
Chief Minister Yogi noted that Uttarakhand has also given India its first Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, who led the Integrated Defence Staff with distinction. The second CDS, too, hails from this sacred land. “Uttarakhand has combined devotion and strength just as Rajasthan has,” he remarked.
Expressing happiness, the Chief Minister said it is commendable that the Maha Parishad annually honors distinguished personalities with the Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman. He congratulated this year's awardees, Dr. Suresh Chandra Phulara (indigenous products and livelihood), President's Award recipient Dr. Manju Bala (education), Dr. Chandra Mohan Nautiyal (science), and Prof. Dewan S. Rawat (chemistry and research). He said institutions that work for the nation, society, and culture elevate themselves through such contributions. He also emphasized honoring artists dedicated to folk traditions, particularly those reviving old instruments in innovative ways.
Chief Minister Yogi said, “I had wished to attend the event on November 9, but it wasn't possible due to the Bihar elections.” Describing the Uttarakhand Mahotsav as a true symbol of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” he expressed hope that such celebrations continue with the same enthusiasm. He also congratulated the Maha Parishad for successfully organizing the Mahotsav.
The event was attended by former MP and Minister Prof. Rita Bahuguna Joshi, Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharwal, MLA OP Srivastava (Lucknow East), and other dignitaries. The program began with the ceremonial lamp lighting. Girls from Uttarakhand welcomed guests with bouquets, robes, and symbols. The Chief Minister released the “Uttarakhand Darpan Souvenir: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and unveiled the Mahotsav calendar. Uttarakhand Maha Parishad President Harishchandra Pant, Convener Diwan Singh Adhikari, General Secretary Bharat Singh Bisht, and other officials were present. After the formal ceremony, artists presented colorful performances showcasing Uttarakhand's rich folk traditions, including devotional songs dedicated to Maa Nanda and Sunanda.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat praises Lucknow and the Yogi govt
Addressing the gathering, Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said it is a moment of pride that UNESCO has included Lucknow in its list of World Creative Cities for its exceptional culinary heritage. He praised the Uttar Pradesh government for achieving this distinction, noting that the meticulous planning, documentation, and leadership provided by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were exemplary.
Speaking about the Uttarakhand Mahotsav, Shekhawat said it is an honor to attend an event that has created a unique cultural identity in Lucknow. The seed planted by Govind Vallabh Pant in the form of the Maha Parishad has now grown into a magnificent tree. He noted that the Mahotsav is not merely an entertainment event but a platform that preserves Uttarakhand's cultural soul, traditions, and collective experiences. It brings the vibrancy of Uttarakhand's heritage to the soil of Lucknow.
Shekhawat added that Uttarakhand's ancient history enriches India's cultural consciousness and that Prime Minister Modi has often said that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is not just a land of scenic mountains but also a source of spiritual guidance for the country and the world. Uttarakhand's culture, he said, has strengthened India's diverse cultural fabric.
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