Celebrating and Preserving Extinct Folk Arts: A Festival of Cultural Heritage
Under the guidance of the North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Language and Culture Department of District Shimla, a festival dedicated to reviving and celebrating extinct folk arts was held at the historic Gaiety Theatre’s Muktakash Theatre. The event, presided over by Padma Shri Vidyanand Sarak and with Joint Director of the Himachal Pradesh Language and Culture Department Manjit Sharma as Chief Guest, highlighted the richness of folk heritage.
Showcasing Traditional Arts
The event featured several mesmerizing performances:
Krishna Lal from Kinnaur performed on the Kinnauri Veena, capturing the audience’s hearts.
Dr. Jogindra Singh Habbi and his group showcased the traditional Bhadaltu folk dance from Sirmaur, while Jia Lal and his friends from Solan performed folk songs like Chandaniya Rata Ra Najara.
Artists from Shimla, led by Manoj Tomar, presented regional songs from Shimla, Solan, Mandi, and Chamba.
Kailash and his group from Sirmaur performed Renuka Mai Mahamai, moving the audience with Deepak, Parat, Mala, Rasa, and Mujra Nati dances.
Gopal Singh Manta and his team from Kupvi in District Shimla captivated attendees with the Budiyat folk dance, Harul singing, and the traditional Diwali songs accompanied by the Hudak, Damama, and Tankara instruments.
Preserving Folk Culture: A Call from Padma Shri Vidyanand Sarak
Padma Shri Vidyanand Sarak encouraged the youth and general public to take part in preserving folk culture. He emphasized that folk culture extends beyond dance and music, encompassing our food, lifestyle, and traditions. He urged the community to actively work towards the preservation of this cultural heritage.
Audience Appreciation
Dev Thakur, a retired forest department officer, applauded the efforts of the North Zone Cultural Centre and the Himachal Pradesh Language and Culture Department. He noted that events like these play a vital role in connecting younger generations with ancient traditions and cultural knowledge.
The program, conducted by Vinod Sharma, saw the attendance of various dignitaries, including NJCC Working Officer Rajesh Bakshi, Shimla’s District Language Officer Anil Harta, and Assistant Public Relations Officer Nitish Pojata.
