Dateline Rudraprayag: It was five days of celebration at an altitude of 2,000 mtrs. Sārī–Devriyātāl played the perfect hosts for its first Kāphal Festival 2025 which witnessed visitors across age groups, from all over India and the globe in an immersive experience into the ecological and cultural richness of the region.
The festival commenced with a three-day photography workshop at Devriyātāl, focused on nature, forest ecosystems and village life. The workshop was mentored by renowned photographers Salil Dobhal and Mohammad Asif, who guided attendees including one from Germany in an immersive storytelling through their lenses.
In partnership with Tameer Artivists Foundation, a major cleanliness drive was conducted along the 3 km trek route from Sārī to Devriyātāl. Over two dozen participants collected trash and installed handcrafted bamboo (ringāl) dustbins along the trail. All collected waste was responsibly transported back to a designated waste management center. The festival was designed as a 100% plastic-free event, with Amritdhara, the official water partner installing free refill stations. Also distributed were rice husk glasses to eliminate single-use plastic waste.
Local cuisine of Mandua-based (finger millet) dishes, traditional Arsa, Pakoras, Jalebi and Rotana along with Buransh juice and local herbal tea was prepared by villagers and served to one and all.
Though a light drizzle played spoil sport but not for long. A yoga session was held at Heaven Hills Cottage, Sārī, led by instructors Ananya Sati and Shivam. Māngal songs sung by folk singers Rameshwari Bhatt, Narmada Bhatt, Kubja Devi, Sureshi Devi, Pareshwari Negi, and Sulochana Bhatt wove magic.
Alongside a marathon of sessions on topics pertinent were organised such as “Wildlife, Forest Fires, and Local Culture”, moderated by Rahul Kotiyal, Dr. S.P. Sati, VCSG University, Bharsar, Kailash Nautiyal, Village Dimli and Upendra Singh, Village Sārī. The discussion explored sustainable tourism, ecological threats, and the need to preserve indigenous wisdom and forest traditions.
Veteran poet Om Prakash Semwal curated a poetry session with Murli Diwan, Jagdamba Prasad Chamola, Beena Benjwal, Upasana Semwal, Vedika Semwal, Jai Vishal Garhdesi, and Tejpal Nirmohi with themes revolving around nature, love and rural life, resonating deeply with both locals and visitors.
The highlight of the five day event was the performance by Band Pandavaas, one of Uttarakhand’s folk fusion bands. Their performance wove traditional Garhwali music with modern arrangements, evoking emotion, pride, and celebration.
The first of many to follow grassroot-driven celebration has set a benchmark for like-minded people in picturesque surroundings of Garhwal hills in the hope of it being an annual event on our cultural calendar.
Festival Sponsors & Partners
Associate Sponsor
- MDDA (Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority)
Co-Sponsors
- Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board
- Club Retreat
Camera Partner
- Nikon India
Support Sponsors
- Tehri Hills Consulting
- Rudraksh Sanstha
- Amritdhara (Drinking Water Partner)
Hospitality Partners: Devbhoomi Homestay, Café Buransh, Moon Hotel Tungnath Homestay, Chandrashila Hike Homestay, Hotel Mountain View, First View Homestay, Hasuli Hotel, Heaven Hills Cottage, Riddhi Homestay, Laxmi Homestay, Chaukhamba Homestay, Mayur Homestay, Happy Holidays Homestay, Anjali Homestay
Village Community Participation: The local community of Sārī village were the perfect host for the festival. Key contributors included: Mrs. Manorama Devi (Gram Pradhan), Mr. Murli Singh (Sarpanch), Mr. Dharmendra Bhatt (Youth Wing), Mrs. Manju Devi (Mahila Mangal Dal), Mrs. Anita Devi (Deputy Head), Mr. Ganesh (Panchayat Representative), Mr. Gajpal Singh (Outreach), Mr. Jeetpal Singh (Logistics) and others supported food, accommodation, planning, and cultural coordination.
