Nine-day fair inaugurated in Narendra Nagar on first day of Navratri; CM highlights tourism, education, healthcare and infrastructure development in Tehri
Narendra Nagar, October 2026: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday inaugurated the 50th Siddhpeeth Shri Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair by hoisting its flag in Narendra Nagar, marking the golden jubilee of the annual event.
The Chief Minister witnessed cultural tableaux, inaugurated a development exhibition and inspected stalls set up by various government departments. He also paid tribute to martyrs by laying floral wreaths at their statues at the Martyrs’ Memorial and at the Freedom Fighters’ Memorial. He subsequently lit a ceremonial lamp and offered prayers before the image of Maa Kunjapuri.
Extending his greetings on Sharadiya Navratri and the golden jubilee of the fair, Dhami said the inauguration coinciding with the first day of Navratri was an auspicious occasion. On International Day of the Girl Child, he also wished girls a bright future, noting that Indian culture regards young girls as manifestations of Goddess Bhagwati.
He described the 50th Kunjapuri Fair as a symbol of public faith, cultural heritage and glorious traditions. Such events, he said, connect younger generations with their cultural roots while promoting trade and tourism. He appreciated the contributions of the fair’s founder, Surendra Singh Pangti, and the organising committee.
Preserving cultural and religious heritage
Dhami said the country’s cultural and religious heritage was being strengthened under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Kashi Vishwanath Dham and development works at the Kedarnath and Badrinath shrines were examples of this effort.
The state government is also working to expand facilities at major temples under the Kedarkhand and Manaskhand pilgrimage circuits, he added.
Emphasising the need to check migration from the hills and create employment opportunities for local youth, the Chief Minister said initiatives such as One District, Two Products and the House of Himalayas brand were helping local products reach domestic and international markets. Sales under the House of Himalayas brand have crossed ₹6 crore, he said.
The State Millet Mission, Apple Mission, Farm Machinery Banks, homestays, tourism and film policies, and the Wed in Uttarakhand initiative are also encouraging self-employment. Dhami said the state had recorded a 44 per cent increase in reverse migration.
Government highlights development and recruitment initiatives
Dhami reiterated the state government's commitment to preserving Uttarakhand's cultural identity. He referred to the Uniform Civil Code, a stringent land law, anti-conversion legislation, an anti-riot law and an anti-cheating law as key measures taken by the government.
More than 13,000 acres of government land have been freed from encroachment, he said. Referring to Operation Kalnemi and action against illegal madrasas, the Chief Minister also said transparent recruitment processes had resulted in more than 35,000 young people being appointed to government services.
Major development projects in Tehri
Highlighting development initiatives in Tehri district, Dhami said a ring road and tourism routes were being developed around Tehri Lake. Water sports, adventure tourism and homestays were being promoted in the lake region to generate employment and strengthen the local economy.
He also referred to plans to upgrade the Government Polytechnic in Narendra Nagar, establish a Kendriya Vidyalaya and a law college, construct an auditorium, upgrade the Gaja hospital and implement a sewerage-line project worth approximately ₹50 crore.
The Chief Minister said the government was giving priority to expanding education, healthcare and basic infrastructure across the district.
Cultural tableaux mark the golden jubilee
The fair featured colourful tableaux showcasing Chholiya folk dance, the traditional Gadu Ghada (oil urn) ceremony, Mahishasura Mardini, the Narasimha avatar depicting Prahlad's devotion, Maa Kunjapuri, India's illustrious daughters, and the changing and developing Narendra Nagar. Students and cultural troupes participated in the presentations.
Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal congratulated the organisers on the golden jubilee, saying the fair preserves folk culture while providing a platform for sports, tourism and local talent. He thanked the Chief Minister for supporting development initiatives, including the upgradation of the polytechnic, budgetary allocations and creation of posts for the law college, and the sewerage project.
Fair founder Surendra Singh Pangti shared his experiences, while Narendra Nagar Municipal Council Chairman Rajendra Vikram Panwar also extended his greetings.
The state-level fair will run from October 11 to 19, featuring sports events, school-level competitions and cultural programmes. Performers scheduled to participate include Padma Shri awardee Dr Basanti Bisht, Narendra Singh Negi, Meena Rana, Sangeeta Dhaundiyal, Kishan Mahipal, the Pandavaas band and other artists.
The fair will conclude with a Jagar singing performance by Padma Shri awardee and Jagar exponent Pritam Bharatwaan.
Several public representatives and officials attended the inauguration, including Narendra Nagar Block Pramukh Diksha Rana, Tapovan Nagar Panchayat Chairperson Vinita Bisht, Rishikesh Mayor Shambhu Paswan, Gaja Nagar Panchayat Chairperson Kunwar Singh Chauhan, BJP district president Uday Rawat, District Magistrate Nitika Khandelwal, Senior Superintendent of Police Shweta Choubey, Chief Development Officer Varuna Agrawal and Additional District Magistrate Shailendra Singh Negi.
