Hamirpur’s Folk Heritage Takes Centre Stage at Sujanpur Holi Festival
2 min read
Sujanpur, March 3: The National-Level Holi Festival Sujanpur-2026 is showcasing a vibrant display of Hamirpur’s rich folk culture through a series of daytime cultural activities alongside the evening performances by Himachali artists.
For the first time, the festival organizing committee has set up a dedicated cultural stage amidst the exhibition stalls, hosting daily programmes such as poetry recitals, devotional singing, folk dances, and traditional ballads. On March 1, a Kavi Sammelan was organized where poets from across the district presented their compositions in Hindi and Pahari.
Cultural activities coordinator and District Language Officer Santosh Kumar Patial informed that traditional devotional groups performing with instruments like ektara, kartal, and dauru were also given a platform. This ancient bhajan singing tradition from Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and parts of Mandi district, now on the verge of fading, received enthusiastic appreciation from the audience. A painting competition was also organized within the exhibition premises.
On the second day, a folk dance competition was held in which Kusum Kala Manch secured first place, Degree College Sujanpur team finished second, and Shubham Kala Manch stood third. Prizes were distributed by local MLA Captain Ranjeet Singh. The organizing committee announced cash awards of ₹11,000, ₹5,100, and ₹3,100 for the top three teams respectively. The event also featured a mass folk dance “Jhamakda,” where hundreds of women from across the district participated with great enthusiasm.
On the third day, March 3, traditional Gugga ballads and the folk theatre form “Dhahja” of Hamirpur district were presented by various local cultural troupes, adding depth and authenticity to the celebrations.
