Lucknow witnessed a vibrant celebration of folk music and dance at the 'Traditional Folk Art Festival', which highlighted the essence of Ganga-Jamuni culture. The event was held at the Mohan Singh Bisht Auditorium on Sunday, drawing a large audience of art enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs.
Opening Ceremony and Dance Drama
The festival commenced with a Ganpati Vandana, setting a spiritual tone for the evening. This was followed by a captivating dance drama titled 'Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb', which beautifully depicted communal harmony through visual representations of temple aarti and mosque azaan. Directed by Vishal Gupta and Arun Sonkar, the production seamlessly blended Kathak, Sufi, and qawwali traditions, showcasing the syncretic culture of the region.
Folk Performances from Various Regions
The evening was enriched with Awadhi, Bhojpuri, and Rajasthani folk performances. Notable presentations included 'Railiya Bairan Piya Ko Liye Jay Re' and 'Kesariya Balam Aao Ri', which captivated the audience with their rhythmic melodies and traditional choreography. Shubham presented a Kajri dance, a folk genre popular in the Awadh region. Additionally, Kalbeliya and Uttarakhand folk sequences added a distinct regional flavour to the programme, highlighting the diversity of Indian folk traditions.
Organisers and Dignitaries
The festival was organised by Lok Sanskriti Foundation with support from the North Central Zone Cultural Centre, Prayagraj. The chief guest for the event was Mandavi Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya (BSVV). In her address, she emphasised the importance of preserving and promoting folk art forms as a means to foster cultural unity.
General secretary Mahendra Singh Gailakoti remarked that Ganga-Jamuni culture symbolises India's shared heritage and unity in diversity. He noted that such festivals play a crucial role in strengthening communal bonds and spreading the message of harmony.
Visitors to the festival praised the performances for their artistic excellence and for promoting the values of brotherhood and mutual respect. The event served as a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that defines the Ganga-Jamuni tradition, leaving attendees with a sense of pride and inspiration.
