Nagpur's Orange City Craft Mela Celebrates Talent of Specially Abled Children
The 32nd edition of the Orange City Craft Mela in Nagpur witnessed an inspiring and powerful display of cultural performances by specially abled children on Tuesday. Organized by the South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC), the event highlighted the artistic abilities and vibrant spirit of these young performers, drawing attention to inclusivity in the arts.
Divyarang Divyangache: A Vibrant Opening Segment
The opening segment, titled 'Divyarang Divyangache', was presented by the Ashadeep Foundation and featured 33 children in a dynamic cultural showcase. This segment set a celebratory tone for the mela, emphasizing the theme of empowerment through performance.
The programme commenced with a spirited dance performance to the popular devotional song 'Deva Shree Ganesha', captivating the audience with its energy and grace. This was followed by 'Shivgarjana', a theatrical act staged by students from a school for the hearing and speech impaired. The act showcased their remarkable talent in expressive storytelling, proving that communication transcends verbal boundaries.
Diverse Musical and Rap Performances
The repertoire of performances was rich and varied, including heartfelt songs such as 'Hich Amuchi Prarthana', 'Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se', 'Jai Jai Shiv Shankar', and 'Chhoo Kar Mere Man Ko'. Adding a contemporary twist, the children also delivered a remix rap performance, blending traditional elements with modern beats to create a unique auditory experience.
Priyanka Gaharwar's Folk Music and Bhajans
Later in the event, Delhi-based vocalist Priyanka Gaharwar took the stage with her segment 'Folk Music & Bhajans'. She opened with a soulful Ganesh Vandana, setting a devotional ambiance. Her performance traversed the folk traditions of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, featuring sohar, sanskar, and virah compositions, as well as profound Kabir bhajans.
Gaharwar also enchanted the audience with Ram bhajans rendered in Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Awadhi dialects, accompanied by the harmonious sounds of tabla, keyboard, and guitar. Her set was a testament to the diversity and depth of India's folk music heritage.
Upcoming Attractions at the Craft Mela
On Wednesday, the mela's line-up promises more cultural richness with Kabir Gayan by Mukesh Chauhan, followed by folk dances of Maharashtra performed by transgender artistes. This highlights the event's commitment to showcasing diverse communities and their artistic expressions.
The Orange City Craft Mela will continue until April 5, with daily performances scheduled at 6.30pm. Attendees can look forward to a series of engaging cultural events that celebrate India's artistic diversity and promote social inclusion through the arts.
