Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has created history as the first Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh to stay overnight in Dodra Kwar, often referred to as the ‘Kala Pani’ of Shimla district due to its remoteness and difficult topographic terrain. Though some Chief Ministers have visited the Dodra Kwar area, but none had stayed overnight until now since the State’s formation.
Sukhu launched the ‘Sarkar Aapke Dwar’ programme in Dodra Kwar and spent the night at the residence of retired teacher Hardayal Khepan. He arrived at the home around 7:45 p.m. on Saturday evening, where he was warmly welcomed by Hardayal’s family.
Upon arrival, the Chief Minister interacted with the family, sitting by the bonfire, and inquired about their local traditions and customs. The Chief Minister asked, “When do you light wood fires in courtyards? In our local dialect, we call it Ghyana, and it is often set up during weddings in the winter season.”
The Chief Minister engaged with the residents, discussing various aspects of their daily lives, food, and local customs. Women from the community sang traditional songs, beginning with the ‘Laaman,’ a song dedicated to the local deity Kwar Jakha, to welcome him. For dinner, he enjoyed a traditional meal prepared by about eight village women.
The menu included Betu, Koda, and Fafra bread (roti), alongside local specialities like Siddu, Ogla, Chiyaun (local mushroom), and curry of locally grown Rajmah. A local delicacy called Limdi was also prepared for dessert. The women expressed their joy at the Chief Minister’s visit, with Jaipradha, Hemlata, and Pratibha sharing how honoured they felt to prepare the meal.
Pallavi, Hardayal’s daughter and a trained JBT teacher, expressed her excitement about hosting the Chief Minister, saying, “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.” The elated Hardayal described the Chief Minister as a warm and down-to-earth personality and the villagers appreciated his humble nature.
On Sunday morning, the Chief Minister joined the women of the Dhandarwadi-II Mahila Mandal for breakfast. Bharta Devi and Anita Bhetan, members of the local Self-Help Group said “We served the Chief Minister homemade Siddus with honey, and he enjoyed them immensely. We also offered him other local dishes. It is a proud moment for us to host him, as we have never had this opportunity before in our lifetime.”
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
