Cultural items mark Spiti snow festival
Our Correspondent
Kullu, February 15
Cultural programmes were presented on the 22nd day of the snow festival at Chicham village in the Spiti valley of Lahaul and Spiti district today. Technical Education Minister Ram Lal Markanda was the chief guest on the occasion.
Various cultural items were presented by local artistes wearing colourful traditional costumes. Women presented traditional ‘tashi’ dance while men presented ‘gahar’ dance. An archery competition was also organised.
A variety of sculptures crafted from snow such as a statue of the Buddha, red fox, ibex and bule sheep remained the centre of attraction. Traditional utensils of stone were exhibited. These are used by the people of the region even today.
The minister said that the snow festival was aimed at promoting tribal culture and traditions and link it with tourism to strengthen the economy of the locals.
He added, “We do not have to run away from our rich culture and rather promote it to generate employment”.
Markanda announced Rs 10,000 for the Mahila Mandal of Chicham. He said that a multi-purpose building would be constructed at Chicham. The possibility of making water for drinking and irrigation purposes from the Benak Donam drain for Ladarcha Maidan would be explored.
Kaza ADM Gyan Sagar Negi, Assistant Commissioner Vikas Mahender Pratap, DSP Sushant Sharma, and DFO Hardev Negi were present on the occasion.
