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Tribune News Service
Dehradun, February 22
Farmers and goat herders of the Pantwari region in Tehri Garhwal will organise Bakri Swayamavar, first of its kind event, on February 24.
Conceptualised by Green People, an organisation that works towards reviving old traditions of farming and associated practices, and co-partnered by the Uttarakhand Sheep and Wool Development Board, mass wedding of goats will take place at Pantwari. It will involve all rituals of a normal human marriage ceremony.
Green People founder Rupesh Rai, while addressing a press conference here today, said goats have been integral part of the Uttarakhandi culture. “Bakri Swayamavar is not only aimed to revive the age old tradition of goat wedding but will also help in improving the breeds of goats leading to better earnings for farmers. Using entertainment as a tool, we intend to initiate a sense of pride within herders and thus motivate them to do it the right way,” he said.
Over 500 villagers and travellers will attend the event wherein three female goats will choose their life partners as observed and guided by the veterinary experts and other practitioners, followed by a ‘’Saamuhik Bakri Vivvah’’.
“The baratis and hosts will enjoy regional food amidst lots of fun, entertainment and drama. The organisers aim to make this event of an international repute, something similar on the lines of Pushkar camel fair and promote it globally to optimise Uttarakhand’s natural tourist attractions,” Rupesh added.
The Green People has been contributing towards state development and reverse migration through its agritourism social drive titled The Goat Villages. Pantwari is the first Goat Village of Uttarakhand and the Green People is already in process to turn more villages into Goat Villages in the state.
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