- Chhattisgarh’s rich agricultural and cultural heritage was showcased through traditional games.
- Hareli Tihar was also celebrated in all the colleges and agricultural science centres run under the university.
“Hareli Tihar,” Chhattisgarh’s premier agricultural festival, was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University. Held in traditional style at the agricultural university’s research field, Vice Chancellor Dr. Girish Chandel, the chief guest, worshipped bulls, plows, and other agricultural machinery and equipment and prayed for a good harvest.
Following this, various traditional sports competitions—Gidi race, Chair race, Phugdi, Pitthul, coconut throwing, tug-of-war (Tug-of-War)—were organized under the auspices of the National Service Scheme (NSS) on the Agriculture College campus. A large number of students participated, creating a festive atmosphere. Addressing the students, Vice Chancellor Dr. Chandel explained the relevance of Hareli Tihar and its scientific significance in relation to agriculture and the environment.
He stated that Hareli is an important festival linked to Chhattisgarh’s agricultural culture and folk traditions. This festival symbolizes our rich tradition of expressing gratitude to farmers, cattle, agricultural equipment, and nature. Dr. Chandel said that it is important to connect students with their cultural roots and traditional agricultural heritage through such events at the university.
Traditional Hareli Prasad and Chhattisgarhi delicacies such as Khurmi, Thethri, Aairsa, Bada, Peedhiya, Gulagula, etc. were distributed on this occasion. The welcome address and vote of thanks were delivered by the college’s Dean, Dr. Aarti Guhe. Present on this occasion were the Director of Research, Director of Extension, Director of Teaching, Director of Field, Dean of Student Welfare, Dean of College of Agricultural Engineering, and Dean of College of Food Technology, along with several department heads, professors, scientists, and a large number of students. Hareli Tihar was also celebrated in all the colleges and Krishi Vigyan Kendras operated under the university.
