Uttarakhand Promotes Green Games

• 07 Feb 2025

Why in News? 

In the ongoing 38^th National Games, Uttarakhand introduced innovative initiatives aligned with the Green Games theme.  

• The state has implemented sustainable practices, promoted local culture, and prioritized women’s health. 

 Key Points 

• Green Games Initiatives: 
  • The state has chosen Monal, the Himalayan state bird, as the official mascot to highlight conservation efforts. 
  • In a unique initiative, medals awarded to winners have been crafted from e-waste. 
  • Uttarakhand is creating a Sports Forest (Khel Van) to honor victorious athletes.  
    • A 2.77-hectare area has been designated for the project, where 1,600 Rudraksha trees will be planted. 
  • The event incorporates sustainable practices such as invitation cards made from recycled materials, electric rickshaws to curb pollution, the use of solar panels, and reusable water bottles. 
• Repurposing Sports Waste: 
  • Various symbols, including a running athlete and the Monal bird, have been crafted from repurposed sports materials. 
  • A massive tiger sculpture made entirely from e-waste has become a major attraction at the Games. 
• Promoting Fitness and Sustainability: 
  • To encourage environmental conservation and physical well-being, bicycles have been made available at event venues. 
• Women’s Health Takes Priority: 
  • Uttarakhand is addressing menstrual health awareness through a thoughtful initiative for female athletes. 
  • The state has introduced kits featuring sanitary pads and other essentials, earning praise for promoting women’s health in sports. 
• Yoga and Mallakhamb: 
  • For the first time, traditional Indian sports have been included in the National Games medal tally. 
• Celebrating Local Culture and Tourism: 
  • Uttarakhand has ensured that the National Games highlight local culture and extend beyond metropolitan hubs. 
  • Events are being hosted in scenic locations like Tehri and Almora, promoting lesser-known regions. 
• Showcasing Pahadi Heritage:  
  • Traditional cuisine, including Jhangora and Gahat Dal, is being served, while Aipan folk art is featured in posters, banners, and event decorations. 

 Aipan Art  

 

• Aipan is a traditional folk art created exclusively by women in Uttarakhand. 
• The artwork is done on floors over a brick-red background using a white paste made from rice flour. 
• Only red and white colors are used to craft religious motifs, repetitive geometric patterns, and nature-inspired elements, reflecting the region's distinct artistic style. 
• Aipan is an integral part of household ceremonies, rituals, and special occasions. 
• The motifs are believed to invoke divine power, bringing good fortune and protecting against evil. 

 Mallakhamb 

 

• Mallakhamb is a traditional sport, originating from the Indian subcontinent, in which a gymnast performs aerial yoga or gymnastic postures and wrestling grips with a vertical stationary or hanging wooden pole, cane, or rope 
• The name Mallakhamb derives from the terms malla, meaning wrestler, and khamb, which means a pole. Literally meaning "wrestling pole", the term refers to a traditional training implement used by wrestlers. 
• Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra have been the hotspots of this sport.