DEHRADUN: In what is being billed as one of the biggest gatherings of people of Uttarakhand-origin living outside India, a cultural extravaganza 'Gulf Kauthig 2017’ is slated to be organised in over 5 Gulf counties including UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman from December 15 to 22. The fest is expected to bring together over 20,000 people hailing from the state who will be celebrating the cultural dances, folk songs, and what organisers termed the ‘memories of Uttarakhand ’ through the event.

Many local artists and performers from the Himalayan state like folk singers Kishan Mahipal, Sangeeta Dhaundiyal and Khushi Joshi among others would be performing in the fest. “This would probably be the biggest gathering of Uttarakhandis abroad. People have been waiting for the fest since months,” said Arvind Pant, media coordinator of the festival. He added that the fest which is in its 9th edition this year will be “much bigger than previous years.” “We have got the support of The Hans Foundation as well as eleven well-known Uttarakhand folk singers whose presence will make the cultural evenings magical.”

Gulf Kauthig would commence from Dubai (UAE) on December 15, followed by Bahrain on December 16, Kuwait on December 18 and Doha (Qatar) on December 20. The concluding event will be in Muscat (Oman) on December 22.

The fest is being jointly organised by Uttarakhand Association of UAE, Uttarakhand Society of Bahrain, Uttarakhand Association of Qatar, Uttarakhand Cultural Association of Kuwait and Uttaranchal Wing, Muscat.

Around 50,000 people from Uttarakhand reside in the Gulf countries. “The event will give a chance for many youngsters who are not familiar with hill culture to connect with their roots,” Pant said.