Jauljibi Fair is a living symbol of the shared cultural heritage and trade relations between India and Nepal: Chief Minister
Chief Minister lays foundation stones for 24 development projects and inaugurates one project; announces Rs 10 lakh for organising the fair
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday inaugurated the historic Jauljibi Fair, organised at the confluence of the Kali and Gori rivers in the border region of Pithoragarh district, by lighting a ceremonial lamp. On the occasion, the Chief Minister presented the district with 25 development projects worth Rs 102.72 crore. These included the foundation-laying of 24 projects costing Rs 102.48 crore and the inauguration of one project worth Rs 24 lakh. He also announced financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh for organising the Jauljibi Fair.
The Chief Minister said the historic Jauljibi Fair is a living symbol of the shared cultural heritage, mutual harmony and trade relations between India and Nepal. For centuries, the fair has served as a platform connecting people from the two countries culturally and socially. It has held a special place in the history of trade and cultural relations between India, Nepal and Tibet. He said the fair not only preserves the rich traditions and folk culture of the border region but also strengthens the close ties between citizens of the two countries.
Dhami said he had a special attachment to the Jauljibi Fair since childhood. He had closely witnessed the region's rich culture, traditions and local customs. Such events keep the cultural identity alive and serve as an important means of connecting the younger generation with its roots. He added that these fairs also play a significant role in promoting folk artists, local products and traditional occupations.
The Chief Minister said the land of Uttarakhand represents the invaluable legacy of the sacrifices, hard work and struggles of its ancestors. Preserving this heritage and ensuring the overall development of the state is a collective responsibility. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government is continuously working towards the all-round development of Uttarakhand. He said the Prime Minister had described the third decade of the 21st century as the decade of Uttarakhand. To realise this vision, the government is committed not only to implementing development projects on the ground but also to preserving the state's cultural heritage.
Dhami said the development of border areas is a special priority for the state government. Continuous efforts are being made to expand roads, drinking water facilities, education, healthcare, tourism and other basic infrastructure in these regions. He said the natural beauty, adventure tourism potential and rich folk culture of border areas offer extensive self-employment opportunities for local youth. The government's effort is to ensure that people in remote areas receive better facilities while also gaining access to new livelihood opportunities locally.
The Chief Minister said the development projects would strengthen basic infrastructure in the district and accelerate development in border and rural areas. In particular, improvements in road connectivity, drinking water supply, disaster protection and tourism facilities would benefit local residents while promoting economic activities and self-employment opportunities.
He further said that historic fairs such as Jauljibi are not merely commercial events but also play an important role in strengthening cultural unity, social harmony and traditional relationships. The centuries-old cultural ties between India and Nepal are an integral part of their shared heritage. Such events help pass on the cultural identity of border regions to the younger generation.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister inspected development exhibitions and stalls set up by various departments and obtained information about their activities and local products. Traders from India and Nepal participated in the fair, which also featured traditional cultural programmes.
Among the major projects for which the Chief Minister laid foundation stones were the construction of a new State Guest House (Circuit House) in Pithoragarh at a cost of Rs 23.26 crore; works related to the Ghat Pumping Drinking Water Scheme costing Rs 13.38 crore; the Khotila and Ghatdhar area flood protection scheme worth Rs 36.10 crore; and the construction of a motor bridge over the Ramganga river at a cost of Rs 8.80 crore.
In addition, foundation stones were laid for projects related to roads, drinking water, education, tourism, irrigation and other basic infrastructure facilities. The Chief Minister also inaugurated works related to a link road and a Himalayan View Shelter in Kanalichhina block.
Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta also addressed the programme.
District Panchayat Chairperson Jitendra Prasad, Didihat MLA Bishan Singh Chuphal, Dharchula MLA Harish Dhami, Pithoragarh Municipal Corporation Mayor Kalpana Devalal, Bhanupratap Singh Pal, District Magistrate Ashish Kumar Bhatgai, Superintendent of Police Akshay Prahlad Konde, local public representatives, officials, cultural personalities and a large number of citizens from India and Nepal were present on the occasion.
