“Festivals Play an Important Role in Preserving Ancient Culture and Devotional Traditions” – Aniruddh Singh

Shimla, November 19 – On the occasion of the conclusion of the two-day Gumma Fair 2023 held in Gumma, the Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Aniruddh Singh, participated as the chief guest.

During this two-day fair, the dance of the deity Bathindalu Maharaj was the main attraction, along with cultural and sports competitions organized, as stated by Aniruddh Singh. He expressed that Himachal Pradesh, being the land of gods and goddesses, has been playing a crucial role in preserving ancient culture and devotional traditions through local fairs for centuries. Singh emphasized that due to the faith of the people in the traditions of deities, local fairs become a platform for social gatherings, fostering camaraderie and trade activities.

Aniruddh Singh commended the organizing committee for successfully celebrating the Gumma Fair, which, like many other local fairs in the state, has been maintaining the essence of ancient culture and heritage. He extended his congratulations to the committee and sought the blessings of Bathindalu Maharaj.

Development Initiatives and Announcements:

Aniruddh Singh highlighted various development initiatives and announcements made for the Kasumpti constituency and Gumma Panchayat during the fair’s conclusion:

1. The road connecting two panchayats would undergo re-metalling, and a bridge would be constructed at Nautikhar to facilitate better connectivity, with a sanctioned amount of 5 lakh rupees.

2. A sum of 25,000 rupees was allocated for sports activities for school children, aiming to promote physical activities and overall development.

3. A fund of 10 lakh rupees was announced for the construction of a playground in Gumma, providing recreational space for the residents.

4. The construction of the IITI building in Mashobra was approved, with the groundwork expected to commence soon.

5. Health facilities were addressed with the provision of doctors for Primary Health Centers in the region.

6. The announcement included the construction of parks in each Panchayat, aligning with the government’s commitment to creating green spaces in every village.

7. The affected bridges, especially the damaged Kattli bridge, were in the process of reconstruction, with a budget of 15 lakh rupees sanctioned for the Khambi bridge.

Aniruddh Singh urged the Panchayat representatives to actively participate in selecting land for the construction of parks, enhancing the overall environment in the region.

He concluded the event by acknowledging the winners and runners-up of various sports competitions and presented them with awards and recognition.