Kalam inaugurates 'Lok Tarang'

Add as a preferred source on Google

New Delhi, Jan 24 (UNI) 'Lok Tarang', the spectacular annual National Folk Dance Festival, was inaugurated by President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam here this evening, with dancers weaving a resplendent tapestry of culture by showcasing 41 dance forms, 22 of them revived under the 'Guru-Shishya (teacher-taught) Parampara'.

The inaugural ceremony of the six-day festival began by lighting lamps to invoke Agni (fire), the most essential of the five basic elements of life, known as 'Panch Mahabhoots' (five elements).

The inaugural programme of the festival, organised by the Union Culture Ministry in association with seven zonal cultural centres, was choreographed by danseuse Maitreyee Pahari.

Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni presided over the function.

The objective of organising this festival is to celebrate the resurgence of Indian Republic and its rich cultural heritage represented through folk dances of the country in their raw, rustic and virile forms.

''This event will provide a unique opportunity for the people to witness colourful, vibrant and authentic folk dances drawn from the various parts of the country which will go a long way in preserving, promoting and disseminating Indian folk dances as a part of Indian art and culture,'' Ms Soni said.

This year approximately 800 folk artistes from all over the country are participating in this event, showcasing 41 folk dances selected from various states and two Union Territories.

''These folk dances underline the spirit of unity in the cultural diversity of our country and have the potential to raise cultural consciousness of our people,'' she said.

The festival features folk dances restricted to women folk only, folk dances performed by males only, folk dances relating to martial arts, tribal dances, drum dances, mask dances and fire dances.

''The festival has representation from all states and it is an attempt to keep dying art forms alive. It depicts rural India and our grassroots... we have to preserve our culture for the future generations,'' she added.

''In the modern times film music and dance has pushed the folk genre into obscurity but we will try to save it,'' she said.

Five contingents of children participating in the festival will perform at the Republic Day Parade.

'Deuri Bihu' from Asom, 'Natwari' from Uttar Pradesh and 'Kanniyarkali' from Kerala are some of the forms, which are to be presented by the children.

Among the 22 revived folk dances are Dhamali (Jammu and Kashmir), Taandi (Uttaranchal), Cheraw (Mizoram), Karagam (Tamil Nadu) and Natua (West Bengal).

Twelve folk dances, including Pung Cholum (Manipur) and Manjira Raas (Gujarat) are being presented for the first time in the festival. Besides, 13 dance forms are exclusively by women.

Tribal dances, including Mewasi (Gujarat) and Gendi (Chhattisgarh) and martial arts-based folk dances, also feature in the festival.

Folk dance groups will put up performance in Taalkatora Stadium and other places in Delhi till January 29.