India, Dec. 20 -- The 15th edition of Mahakauthig - an annual cultural festival showcasing the folk culture, handicrafts and cuisine of Uttarakhand - kicked off on Friday at Noida Stadium in Sector 21.

The 7-day event was inaugurated by Ajay Kumar Pandey, additional commissioner of police (HQ), Gautam Buddha Nagar. Cultural performances were a key attraction on the opening day, with a Chholiya dance troupe from Almora drawing a large audience. Around 180 stalls, featuring traditional pulses, grains, sweets and clothing from the hill state, have been set up at the venue.

Organised by Parvatiya Sanskritik Sanstha, the festival aims to preserve and promote Uttarakhand's folk culture, traditions and heritage, particularly among the younger ...