Rain Fails to Play Spoilsport as Saang Artistes Enthrall Audience in Chandigarh
A cloudy Friday evening in Chandigarh transformed into a vibrant celebration of folk arts as the Haryanavi Saang Utsav-26 kicked off at Kalagram, organized by the North Zone Cultural Centre under the Union Ministry of Culture. Despite intermittent rain, upbeat crowds thronged the venue, undeterred by the weather, showcasing their enthusiasm for traditional performances.
Power-Packed Performances Light Up the Stage
The event sprang to life when saang artist Pardeep Rai Saangi hopped onto the stage, delivering a dynamic performance with his team to cheering spectators. Their presentation, titled "Leelo-Chaman," written by Rai Dhanpat Singh, captivated the audience with its poignant tale of love and separation during the Partition era. The story follows Chaman, who travels to Pakistan in search of his beloved Leelo, ultimately reuniting with her after a journey filled with hope and perseverance.
Saangi, a fourth-generation descendant of Rai Dhanpat Singh, received resounding applause for his engaging portrayal, highlighting the emotional depth of the narrative. The performance not only entertained but also preserved a slice of cultural history through folk theatre.
Mesmerizing Tales of Haryanvi Culture and Folklore
Following this, Daan Singh took the stage, mesmerizing the audience with an impressive theatrical depiction of Haryanvi culture in the saang titled Dharmdevi and Nau Bahar. This story revolves around two lovers from royal families who are married off against their wishes, leading them to fend for themselves in the woods. With the help of a seer, the girl makes significant sacrifices to raise her partner, reflecting themes of resilience and devotion.
As time passes, the characters endure trials and tribulations before returning to their kingdom, symbolizing the quintessential sacrifices made by women to achieve their missions. Singh's performance brought these elements to life, earning admiration from the crowd and reinforcing the festival's focus on cultural heritage.
Initiative to Protect and Promote Folk Arts
Mohd Furqan Khan, Director of the North Zone Cultural Centre, emphasized the importance of such events, stating, "The initiative is aimed at protecting, preserving and promoting the timeless folk arts and cultural heritage of our country." The four-day festival serves as a platform to showcase traditional art forms, ensuring they remain vibrant for future generations.
Looking ahead, folk theatre artistes Karn Singh and Dharamveer Singh are set to perform at the event on Saturday, promising more captivating acts. The Haryanavi Saang Utsav-26 continues to draw audiences, rain or shine, celebrating the rich tapestry of Indian folk traditions in Chandigarh.
