Kasturi Winter Kauthig 2024: A Celebration of Uttarakhand’s Rich Culture and Heritage

The much-anticipated Kasturi Winter Kauthig 2024 commenced on Saturday with a grand inauguration by the Chief Guest, Gurmeet Kaur, wife of Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Gurmeet Singh, Governor of Uttarakhand.

Organized at the Christian Retreat Study Centre, Rajpur Road, Dehradun, the two-day festival (December 21–22) celebrates the vibrant traditions, culture, and handicrafts of Uttarakhand while empowering marginalized communities, especially women, across the state.

The much-anticipated Kasturi Winter Kauthig 2024 commenced on Saturday with a grand inauguration by the Chief Guest, Gurmeet Kaur, wife of Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Gurmeet Singh, Governor of Uttarakhand.

This unique event, spearheaded by Kasturi, a nonprofit organization led by the spouses of Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers and women officials, aims to create a platform for showcasing the rich craftsmanship and agricultural produce of remote village groups while promoting environmental awareness and social welfare initiatives.

A Step Towards Empowering Communities The festival serves as a marketing platform for Self-Help Groups (SHGs), farmer cooperatives, and women entrepreneurs from Uttarakhand’s far-flung regions. It showcases their wide array of handcrafted products, agricultural goods, bamboo and fiber items, textiles, and other artisanal creations.

By bridging the gap between rural producers and urban consumers, the Kasturi Winter Kauthig not only helps preserve Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage but also boosts the economic growth of its marginalized communities.

Mission and Vision of Kasturi Kasturi is driven by a vision of creating lasting social impact through various initiatives, such as: – Promoting environmental awareness through plantation drives. – Supporting Mahila Mangal Dals (women’s welfare groups). – Organizing awareness campaigns for forest and wildlife conservation. – Providing essential supplies like food, blankets, and woolen clothes in slum areas. – Offering scholarships to underprivileged and meritorious girls to support their education.

Grand Inauguration Ceremony The festival began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and a beautiful Ganesh Vandana performed by schoolchildren, symbolizing the auspicious start of the event.

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