In a historic first, Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stayed overnight in the remote and rugged Dodra Kwar, known locally as the ‘Kala Pani’ of Shimla district, due to its isolation and challenging terrain. While previous Chief Ministers have visited this secluded region, Sukhu is the first to spend a night here since the state’s formation, underscoring his commitment to bridging the urban-rural divide in Himachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister’s stay, part of the launch of the ‘Sarkar Aapke Dwar’ (Government at Your Doorstep) initiative, was hosted by retired teacher Hardayal Khepan and his family. Arriving at 7:45 pm on Saturday, Sukhu was warmly welcomed by the Khepan family. In a touching display of cultural engagement, he sat by a bonfire, exchanging stories and asking about the local traditions, including the ritual lighting of wood fires, known as ‘Ghyana,’ typically arranged during winter weddings. Through casual yet meaningful interactions, Sukhu connected deeply with the villagers, learning about their lifestyles and challenges firsthand.
The evening was marked by a heartfelt community celebration, where local women sang traditional songs, starting with the ‘Laaman’ — a tribute to the regional deity Kwar Jakha — in honour of the Chief Minister’s arrival. Sukhu joined the villagers in a traditional meal prepared by eight local women, savouring a spread of authentic delicacies such as Betu, Koda, and Fafra breads, along with local dishes like Siddu, Ogla, Chiyaun (a local mushroom), and Rajmah curry. Dessert featured Limdi, a sweet treat beloved in the area. The villagers expressed their joy and pride at having the Chief Minister partake in their meal, marking a first-time experience for many in the community.
Pallavi, Hardayal’s daughter and a trained JBT teacher, shared her excitement, stating, “Having him stay in our home is a proud moment for our family. We took many photos together, and it is a memory we will cherish for life.” Hardayal echoed this sentiment, describing Sukhu as a warm and grounded personality whose humble nature endeared him to everyone.
On Sunday morning, the Chief Minister continued his outreach, joining members of the Dhandarwadi-II Mahila Mandal for breakfast. Local Self-Help Group members Bharta Devi and Anita Bhetan served him homemade Siddus with honey and other regional dishes. “It is a proud moment for us to host him, as we have never had this opportunity before in our lifetime,” said Bharta and Anita, reflecting the widespread community pride at hosting the Chief Minister.
