The State’s Culture and Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj participated in the historical Sanguda Sera Gend Mela near the Bhuvaneshwari temple in Pauri district on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Wednesday. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the Gend Mela was the “grandfather of rugby”. He said that this ancient ritual sport is one of the jewels of Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage which needs to be publicised further and preserved.
The minister also paid his obeisance to the goddess in the Bhuvaneshwari temple on the occasion. It is pertinent to mention here that since 1750, under the leadership of Kedar Singh Negi of Sainar village and Madhav Singh Rawat of Kutli village, the Gend Mela was organised. This historical fair attracts residents of 50 to 60 villages of the Maniyarsyun and Langoor Pattis. During the Gend Mela, the special ball brought for the occasion is used to play a game by the people from various villages who congregate for the occasion.