Kullu’s Wildlife Week, Women’s Fair: A platform for cultural expression

The picturesque Tirthan Valley in Banjar subdivision of Kullu district is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its ancient civilisation and culture. The annual Wildlife Week and Women’s Fair in Sairopa were inaugurated on October 2 by Sachin Sharma, the Forest Division Officer of Great Himalayan National Park Kullu. The event featured various activities, with a Kulluvi Naati competition for women of the area being the main attraction.

Attendees included ACF Hansraj Thakur from Great Himalayan National Park, Deputy Director (Horticulture) Neena Thakur, District Council member Man Singh, and several officials from the Forest Department, voluntary organisations and local panchayats.

This year, the fair, organised by the park management and BTCI, witnessed a larger crowd than in previous years. The fair offered women a platform for entertainment and cultural expression, allowing them to showcase their talents. Traditional stalls were set up, adding to the festive atmosphere. The Naati competition featured participation from around 12 self-help groups (SHGs), showcasing their traditional attire and skills. Participants promoted key messages such as ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao”, cleanliness, environmental conservation, and substance abuse awareness. A group from Anah village in remote Panchayat Shrikot participated for the first time, garnering applause for their performance.

In the Naati competition, the Five Bir SHG from Tung secured first place, followed by students from the Gushaini school in second and groups from Laxmi Narayan and Jagriti in third. Neha from Parwadi village won the chair race, while Rina and Aarti Thakur secured top spots in the pot-breaking event. The quiz competition for school students saw participants from Trinity Public School and High School Tinder take the top two spots. Winners received trophies and certificates in recognition of their achievements.

DFO Sachin Sharma emphasised the importance of the Wildlife Week, which focussed on “human-wildlife coexistence” this year. The week-long event will include workshops, quizzes, and painting activities in schools within the GHNP eco-zone.

The Women’s Fair attracted hundreds of locals and tourists, who enjoyed the rich cultural displays. Since the crowd was quite large, seating in the pavilion became scarce. Visitors of the events also explored the newly established Nature Learning Park.The picturesque Tirthan Valley in Banjar subdivision of Kullu district is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its ancient civilisation and culture. The annual Wildlife Week and Women’s Fair in Sairopa were inaugurated on October 2 by Sachin Sharma, the Forest Division Officer of Great Himalayan National Park Kullu. The event featured various activities, with a Kulluvi Naati competition for women of the area being the main attraction.

Attendees included ACF Hansraj Thakur from Great Himalayan National Park, Deputy Director (Horticulture) Neena Thakur, District Council member Man Singh, and several officials from the Forest Department, voluntary organisations and local panchayats.

This year, the fair, organised by the park management and BTCI, witnessed a larger crowd than in previous years. The fair offered women a platform for entertainment and cultural expression, allowing them to showcase their talents. Traditional stalls were set up, adding to the festive atmosphere. The Naati competition featured participation from around 12 self-help groups (SHGs), showcasing their traditional attire and skills. Participants promoted key messages such as ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao”, cleanliness, environmental conservation, and substance abuse awareness. A group from Anah village in remote Panchayat Shrikot participated for the first time, garnering applause for their performance.

In the Naati competition, the Five Bir SHG from Tung secured first place, followed by students from the Gushaini school in second and groups from Laxmi Narayan and Jagriti in third. Neha from Parwadi village won the chair race, while Rina and Aarti Thakur secured top spots in the pot-breaking event. The quiz competition for school students saw participants from Trinity Public School and High School Tinder take the top two spots. Winners received trophies and certificates in recognition of their achievements.

DFO Sachin Sharma emphasised the importance of the Wildlife Week, which focussed on “human-wildlife coexistence” this year. The week-long event will include workshops, quizzes, and painting activities in schools within the GHNP eco-zone.

The Women’s Fair attracted hundreds of locals and tourists, who enjoyed the rich cultural displays. Since the crowd was quite large, seating in the pavilion became scarce. Visitors of the events also explored the newly established Nature Learning Park.