NOIDA, Dec. 20 -- The 15th edition of Mahakauthig - an annual cultural festival showcasing Uttarakhand's culture, handicrafts and cuisine - 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), GB Nagar. Cultural performances were a key attraction on the opening day, with a Chholiya dance troupe drawing a large audience. Around 180 stalls, featuring traditional pulses, grains, sweets and clothing, have been set up. Organised by Parvatiya Sanskritik Sanstha, the festival aims to promote Uttarakhand's folk culture, particularly among the younger generation. This year's main stage has been designed on the lines of the Jageshwar Dham temple in Uttarakhand. Visitors, many of whom were from Uttarakhand and currently based in the city, expressed great enthusiasm for the event. Saloni Manwar, a student attending the event, said: "I am from Uttarakhand and have come here to experience the Garhwali culture. I have heard a lot about the festival and have been looking forward to the local singers coming to perform." Rajni Joshi, media coordinator for the event, said the footfall is expected to be in lakhs. Stall holders also expressed this sentiment. BS Rawat, representing Rural India Crafts, said: "We are highly optimistic about the turnout this year." The fair offers free entry and will be open daily from 10am to 8pm until December 25....