Nainital – Nainital of Uttarakhand was known not only for its beauty but also for the autumn festival organized here. But Sharadotsav has not been organized in Nainital for the last 6 years. Sharadotsav started in Nainital in the year 1952. Then it was known as Ranikhet Week and September Week. Gradually its form changed into Kumaon Mahotsav. After the formation of the state, on the initiative of the government, it was given a larger form and it was named Sharadotsav. The local municipality has been organizing it. But now Sharad Utsav has been eclipsed. The local people are also disappointed with this. Because through Sharadotsav, local artists also got a platform. So many outside artists and Bollywood artists used to come to Nainital and perform. Besides, it also had an impact on tourism. And tourists also used to reach Nainital to enjoy the autumn festival.
Nainital Municipality citing lack of budget every year and the administration’s lax attitude towards organizing Sharadotsav are the reasons why Sharadotsav has not been organized in Nainital for the last 6 years. Through this report we will tell you what is the opinion of the people of Nainital on this.
Autumn festival was the identity of Nainital
Local artiste Mithilesh Pandey said that Sharadotsav was the identity of Nainital. It was a center of attraction for the local people as well as the tourists visiting Nainital. All India Drama Competition used to be held here during Sharadotsav. In which 20 to 25 teams from all over India used to come here and stage plays. Sharad Utsav has been completely closed for the last few years due to which he is very sad. Nainital resident theater artist Irdish Malik told that in Nainital, Sharadotsav used to start in Mallital flats from the second day of Dussehra. In which all kinds of programs including drama, Pagal Gymkhana, Aipan competition, cultural programs were organised. Sharadotsav also served as a foundation for artists interested in art and theatre.
Dissatisfaction among local artists
There is resentment among local artists as well as people due to the closure of Sharadotsav. Theater artiste Rajesh Arya told that in those times, light and sound programs were organized in Sharadotsav in which the history, culture and art of India was staged. About 15 to 20 thousand people used to watch that program. Theater artist HS Rana said that he feels bad that Sharad Utsav is not happening in Nainital. In today’s era, people prefer to watch things virtually. But through Sharadotsav, people used to watch outsiders and artists performing live. Nainital resident Dr. Lalit Tiwari said that through Sharadotsav, local artists and the culture of Uttarakhand were also promoted. He got a chance to anchor Sharadotsav for 3 years. Sharadutsav was the pride of Nainital. Which was organized in Nainital with the arrival of autumn. He told that the administration should start Sharodtsav again.
Sharad Utsav was the center of attraction for tourists
Nainital’s local artist Umesh Kandpal told that he loved Sharadotsav very much and being an artist, he used to wait for Sharadotsav. He also got a chance to showcase his talent along with big artists on the occasion of Sharad Utsav. For the last few years, there has been a complete pause in Sharad Utsav due to which he is also very sad. And wait for the autumn festival to start again. Local resident Pinky Bhotia said that there was a lively atmosphere in the city during Sharad Utsav. The autumn festival also attracted tourists. Due to which the local people also got income. Every year in the month of October, people wait for the autumn festival.
People’s demand from administration
Local artist Manish of Nainital told that local artists of Nainital used to participate enthusiastically in Sharadotsav. The artists here used to get a stage. He told that Nainital is a small city. There is not much exposure here. But Sharadotsav was the medium which introduced the local artists to the big artists. He told that stars like Hema Malini, KK have come and performed in Sharadotsav. Local people used to wait every year to see which film star would come to the Sharadotsav this year. He appealed to the administration to organize Sharad Utsav again.
Tags: Local18, Nainital news, Public Opinion, Uttarakhand news
FIRST PUBLISHED : November 2, 2024, 1:35 PM IST
