Dandiya and Garba Events Keep Folk Culture Alive: Chief Minister

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami congratulated Shri Guru Ram Rai University on the successful organisation of Navrang Dandiya 4.0 through a virtual message. He said that the sacred festival of Navratri symbolises India’s rich culture, faith and traditions. Dance forms such as Dandiya and Garba not only keep our cultural heritage alive but also strengthen the spirit of enthusiasm, unity and brotherhood in society.

The Chief Minister said that he had personally wished to attend the event but could not do so due to official commitments. He appreciated Shri Guru Ram Rai University for connecting students with Indian culture and traditions through such celebrations. He extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all students, faculty members and staff on the occasion of Navrang Dandiya 4.0.

Shri Mahant Devendra Das Ji Maharaj, Honourable President of Shri Guru Ram Rai University, also congratulated the entire organising team on the occasion of Sharadiya Navratri and extended his best wishes for the successful conduct of the event.

Navrang Dandiya 4.0 commenced in grand style on Thursday evening at the helipad ground of Shri Guru Ram Rai University, Pathri Bagh. The programme began with prayers, aarti and the resonating sound of conch shells. The event was inaugurated by chief guest Vinod Chamoli, MLA from Dharampur, along with Dr. Vipin Chandra Ghildiyal, Vice-Chancellor of Shri Guru Ram Rai University, and Dr. Sonika Kandari, Registrar, through the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The university campus came alive with chants in praise of Goddess Durga and the vibrant colours of Uttarakhand’s folk culture.

Chief guest Vinod Chamoli said that Navrang Dandiya 4.0 was a commendable initiative to preserve and celebrate Indian culture and Uttarakhand’s folk traditions through a vibrant cultural festival. Congratulating SGRR University on the grand event, he said that such celebrations play an important role in strengthening the younger generation’s connection with its traditions and preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The cultural programme gained momentum with a performance by Jagar Samrat and Padma Shri awardee Pritam Bhartwan and his team, who opened the event with traditional musical instruments of Uttarakhand. His Jagar renditions, devotional offerings to Goddess Durga and popular Uttarakhandi folk songs made the evening memorable. Through his Garhwali folk music and devotional Jagar singing, Bhartwan captivated the audience, offering a glimpse into the faith, traditions and folk life of Uttarakhand.

Among the popular devotional Jagar compositions performed were “Narayani Meri Durga Bhawani” and “Bhagwati Raj Rajeshwari Jagar.” Students enthusiastically danced to his well-known Garhwali songs, including “Shivji Kailashu Randan,” “Band Amravati,” “Binduli,” “Chal Meri Saruli” and “Meri Bijora.”

The helipad ground, bathed in dazzling lights, emerged as the centre of attraction. The natural greenery, beautifully landscaped surroundings and vibrant illumination added to the grandeur of the venue.

DJ Sonal took the celebrations to another level with high-energy beats at Navrang Dandiya 4.0. Students and faculty members danced enthusiastically to the music well into the night. The colourful rhythms of Garba and Dandiya transformed the entire venue into a vibrant festive arena. Young participants danced with great enthusiasm to traditional Dandiya tracks, while their colourful attire added to the splendour of the occasion. The blend of music, dance and exuberance made the event truly memorable, with the venue echoing with applause, music and excitement late into the night.

During the event, prizes were presented for the reel-making competition. Isha Negi from the School of Engineering and Technology secured first place, Kunal, a student of Mass Communication at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, won second place, and Ayush Chaudhary from the BCA programme secured third place.

On the occasion, Navrang Dandiya Chairperson Dr. Malvika Kandpal, Dr. Arun Kumar, Dr. Priya Pandey and Dr. Ganarajan were present, along with the deans of various schools, heads of departments, faculty members and thousands of students from the university.