Haroli/Una, April 12 (Rajveer Chopra): Amidst the festive fervor of Baisakhi and the vibrant hues of folk culture, the state-level 'Haroli Utsav–2026' witnessed a grand inauguration on Saturday. Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, in the presence of Mukesh Agnihotri, formally inaugurated the event at the Haroli Grounds in Rora, situated along the banks of the Sombhadra River. This festival is being held from April 11 to April 14.
The program commenced with the worship of the sacred flame (*Pawan Jyoti*) from the Mata Shri Chintpurni Temple, creating an atmosphere that blended faith with enthusiasm. Prior to this, a magnificent procession (*Shobhayatra*)—setting out from the bus stand complex—transformed the event into a true festival of the masses. The rhythmic beats of *dhol-nagara* drums, musical bands, and cultural troupes adorned in traditional attire kept the atmosphere vibrant, while large crowds gathered on both sides of the roads to witness the spectacle.
The Chief Minister, accompanied by the Deputy Chief Minister, rode in an open jeep and graciously accepted the greetings of the people. MLAs Rakesh Kalia, Sudarshan Bablu, and Vivek Sharma were also present during the occasion.
The first cultural evening, held in the evening, was inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. In his address, the Chief Minister stated that the Haroli Utsav stands as a symbol of the state's rich cultural heritage and social unity. He lauded the efforts of the Deputy Chief Minister in ensuring the grandeur of the event.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri remarked that this festival is a celebration for the common people, conveying a message of joy, energy, and unity throughout the region. He urged the public to participate enthusiastically in the festivities.
During the first cultural evening, Punjabi singer Gippy Grewal mesmerized the audience with his popular songs. The crowd danced to his performance until late into the night.
According to the organizers, G Khan and Prabh Gill are scheduled to add further vibrancy to the festival on April 12 with their performances.