Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh inaugurated the State Level Lohri Festival in heritage village Pragpur in District Kangra today. While addressing the gathering Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said that fairs and festivals were the symbols of our rich cultural heritage and sincere efforts should be made to keep their originality.
Chief Minister while facilitating the people on the occasion of Lohri and Makar Sankranti festivals said that these were celebrated in the entire country in different forms. He said that this was the first State Level programme which he was presiding over after becoming the Chief Minister of the State.
He said that Pragpur has the status of heritage village and tourists from world over came here to have a peep into the rich culture and traditions of Himachal Pradesh. He said that we must maintain our tradition, local culture and civilization along with development of the State. In present era of computer and technology, Himachali culture should be preserved, he added.
Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh was today accorded warm and rousing reception by thousands of people at various places on his way to Heritage village Pragpur in district Kangra. People gathered in large numbers to welcome Virbhadra Singh. This was the first visit of Virbhadra Singh to Pragpur village on becoming the Chief Minister of the state for the record sixth time.
Earlier, Chief Minister also inaugurated exhibition put up by various departments and evinced keen interest in the exhibits.
Sanjay Rattan, MLA welcomed the Chief Minister. He said that speedy development of Jawalamukhi along with entire Dehra area would be ensured under the able guidance of Virbhadra Singh.
Nikhil Rajor, Ex-MLA requested for restoration of old ponds of Garli-Pragpur area and said that Pragpur PHC be upgraded into Community Health Centre. Children of various schools presented a colourful cultural programme on the occasion. Chief Minister also distributed Lohri amongst the children.
While interacting with the CM, People of Dehra region requested the Chief Minister that Central University which was being constructed in Dehra should remain here only. In their reply Virbhadra Singh ensured that Govt won’t move the complex sanctioned for Dehra.
Virbhadra Singh also performed Pooja at Baba Dangra Chano Sidh temple near Pragpur. Neeraj Bharti, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Jagjivan Pal, MLA. Yograj and Surender Kaku, former MLAs, Congress leader Brigadier (Retd.) Rajender Singh Rana and Manu Sharma, C. Palrasu, Deputy Commissioner, Kangra, Diljeet Singh Thakur, SP, Kangra and other prominent people of the area also present on the occasion.
