Four-day Kinnaur Festival to begin from October 30

The four-day state-level Kinnaur Festival would kick off at the Mini Stadium in Reckong Peo from October 30. This was stated by Revenue, Horticulture, Tribal Development, and Public Grievance Redressal Minister Jagat Singh Negi while he was chairing a meeting regarding preparations for the Kinnaur Festival.

During the meeting, the minister said just like the preceding years, this year too, the festival would feature cultural programmes, sports competitions and exhibitions of various departments. He said exhibitions would reflect state-level standards showcasing government policies and programmes to help the public benefit from various initiatives.

To ensure comfort of participants, the minister directed the Water Resources Department to install temporary toilets at the festival venue. He also instructed officials present at the meeting to complete all preparations for the festival at the Mini Stadium on time. During the meeting, it was decided that the chief guest for the festival’s inauguration and closing ceremonies would be announced later.

“Sub-committees for organising cultural programmes and sports competitions, including both government and non-government members to maintain transparency in event planning, have been constituted,” he said.

“The festival will give priority to local artistes in cultural programmes. The festival will include competitions aimed at preserving ancient cultural practices. A Shehnai competition will be organised. Cash prizes of Rs 50,000 for first place, Rs 30,000 for second and Rs 20,000 for third spot will be awarded to winners. Besides, women groups would participate in “Mahanati” (folk dance), known as “Kayang” in Kinnauri,” said Negi.

During the meeting, Dr Amit Kumar Sharma, Deputy Commissioner and Chairperson, Kinnaur Festival Committee, provided details on the income and expenditure from last year’s festival.