Dehradun, Sept. 21 -- Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday said Uttarakhand's folk culture was the identity of Devbhoomi, stressing that connecting the younger generation with its language, traditions and roots was a "collective responsibility." He was speaking at the concluding ceremony of the two-day Devbhoomi Cultural Festival-2026, organised under the Indian Army's Operation Sadbhavana in collaboration with the Chamoli district administration at the Tourist Arrival Plaza in Badrinath Dham. The festival was held under the theme "Our Heritage, Our Future". Dhami, who attended the event as chief guest, felicitated winners and runners-up of various cultural competitions. He also welcomed and honoured Army personnel, residents, youth, students, artists and devotees. Earlier, the CM visited Bamni village and joined residents in celebrations marking Nanda Ashtami. He called for preservation and promotion of Uttarakhand's folk traditions and cultural heritage. At the festival venue, Dhami inspected stalls showcasing local products, handicrafts, traditional cuisine and products prepared by women's self-help groups. He enquired about the local products and Pahadi delicacies being prepared by the women and appreciated efforts to provide market access for them. He said, "Linking local products with tourism could create new livelihood and self-employment opportunities in border areas". He also visited an Indian Army exhibition and was briefed about modern weapons and military equipment. Dhami said such exhibitions "could familiarise young people with the Army's operations and strengthen the spirit of patriotism and service to the nation". "The soul of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand resides in its folk culture. Our folk dances, songs, traditions and customs define our unique identity," Dhami said. He added that cultural events helped connect the younger generation with its language, culture and roots while inspiring youth in border areas to serve in the Army. Dhami said the state government is pursuing development alongside preservation of culture and heritage under the guiding principle of "Development as well as Heritage". He said work on the Badrinath Dham Master Plan is progressing rapidly under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite challenging geographical and weather conditions. He said, "Infrastructure related to roads, electricity, telecommunications, tourism and livelihoods is being strengthened in border areas under the Vibrant Village Programme. Areas such as Mana, Niti and Jadung were being linked with tourism and livelihood activities to create local employment and self-employment opportunities and curb migration". Dhami said 3.10 lakh women in Uttarakhand had become "Lakhpati Didis" and women associated with self-help groups were promoting self-reliance through local products, traditional hill cuisine and handicrafts. He said cultural events strengthened cooperation, coordination and mutual bonds between the Army and local communities. He also appreciated the traditional performance by villagers from Mana. He said development should go hand in hand with preservation of folk languages, songs, dances, traditional attire, fairs and festivals. Dhami congratulated the Army, Chamoli district administration and organisers for the successful festival and prayed to Lord Badrivishal for happiness and prosperity of all....