President Droupadi Murmu attended a special session of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly on 3 November 2025. State Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan presented the President with a Ramman mask and a book on the centuries-old festival celebrated in the state’s Garhwal region.
About the Ramman Festival:
- Location: Celebrated in the twin villages of Saloor-Dungra in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand.
- Timing: Held annually in late April during Baisakhi.
- Deity Worshipped: Dedicated to Bhumiyal Devta, the tutelary (guardian) god of the area.
- Cultural Activities:
- Involves theatrical performances depicting the Ramayana and local legends.
- Villagers perform masked dances and sing traditional folk songs.
- 18 different types of masks made from Bhojpatra (Himalayan birch) are used during performances.
UNESCO Recognition:
- In 2009, Ramman Festival was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.
- UNESCO’s Description:
- A multiform cultural event combining theatre, music, oral traditions, and historical reenactments.
- Reflects the environmental, spiritual, and cultural values of the community.
- Reinforces community identity and self-worth by celebrating local myths and heritage.
Source: IE
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