Chamoli, Uttarakhand – On a vibrant autumn evening in the picturesque border village of Mana, nestled in the highlands of Chamoli district, the 2025 edition of the Devbhoomi Cultural Festival was inaugurated with a strong message of cultural pride, local economic revival and civil-military cooperation.
The festival was addressed by Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, who captured the spirit of the moment by saying:
“I am confident that this festival will not only provide an excellent platform to showcase the rich cultural traditions of our border region, but will also inject new energy into the local economy and tourism. It will also strengthen the cooperation between the army and local citizens… I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Indian Army, the Tourism Department, and all the organisers who contributed to the successful organisation of this festival…”
A Festival With Multiple Aims
Organised jointly by the Indian Army and the Government of Uttarakhand, the festival comes at a time when the state is placing renewed emphasis on border-area development, winter tourism promotion and stemming migration from hilly villages. As reported, the festival includes folk music and dance, artisan-exhibitions of local crafts and organic produce, interactive exhibits of the army’s role, and community participation.
By situating this event in Mana, which lies close to the India-China border, organisers have underscored the dual objectives of cultural celebration and strategic regional engagement.
Cultural Traditions Meet New Opportunities
The programme featured traditional Garhwali performances that drew applause from both locals and visitors. Villagers displayed weaving, wood-craft and organic valley produce in a vibrant market-style setting. The Indian Army’s “Know Your Army” exhibit and a lively Army Band added a unique dimension by bringing together cultural and civic citizenship themes.
Chief Minister Dhami’s reference to injecting “new energy into the local economy and tourism” was reflected in the enthusiastic response from local entrepreneurs, who saw the festival as a chance to reach wider audiences and foster sustainable livelihoods.
Strengthening Civil-Military Ties
Dhami’s mention of “cooperation between the army and local citizens” highlights an important aspect of the event: positioning the border region not simply as sensitive terrain, but as a living, thriving cultural zone where the defence establishment and civilian life meet. By engaging the army in soft-power cultural outreach, the festival also aims to build stronger bonds of trust and shared purpose in border-villages.
Looking Ahead: The Devbhoomi Promise
The Devbhoomi Cultural Festival 2025 offers more than two or three days of performances. It is a statement of intent: that Uttarakhand’s high-altitude communities, their traditions, and the strategic terrain they inhabit will not only be safeguarded but celebrated, economically empowered and connected to larger national goals.
By acknowledging both the “rich cultural traditions of our border region” and the potential for local economic dynamism, Dhami has set a tone. The challenge now lies in sustaining the momentum, turning festival-energy into year-round opportunity.
