Snow festival reviving traditions in Lahaul: Deputy Commissioner

Our Correspondent

Kullu, March 3

Various events were held during the snow festival at Beeling in Lahaul and Spiti district yesterday. Archery, tug of war, Chholo, musical chair etc. were organised. Chhomo won the knitting competition. Traditional folk dances were presented by local artistes and traditional ‘Ghure’ songs captivated the audience.

Lahaul and Spiti Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Rai lauded the performances. An exhibition of local cuisine, handicraft and Thangka paintings, along with ancient heritage items and artifacts, was also organised. The Deputy Commissioner presided over the meeting of the snow festival core committee. The schedule of programmes to be held in March were discussed.

Rai said that many cultural traditions no more popular were being revived because of the snow festival and it was an auspicious sign for boosting cultural tourism. He added that ‘Shang Jatar’ was held after about 90 years while ‘Raink Jatar’ was held after about 50 years. He added that the resumption of ‘Selu’ dance in the Darcha area was the result of this effort.

The Deputy Commissioner said that a small community museum of antiques and artifacts would be built in every village where visitors could get information about the antiquities and artistic objects of the place.