Glimpses of lesser known folk arts

Expressbuzz, Oct 16, 2009

It’S a visit to the discotheque that we prefer when in a mood to celebrate. The modern dance of Bollywood flicks is also followed hugely. Almost all of us must have tried the Moonwalk of the immortal MJ at least once. We love music and dance. Then why is it that we hardly even know the names of our rich variety of folk dance!


These were the thoughts of most youngsters who enjoyed the lesser-known dance types that once flourished in the State and the country at the recently held National Folk Dance Festival. The Bhalu Naacha, Ghoda Naacha, Dhudki Naacha, Ghumura, Jhumar, Takara and many other dance forms from the interiors and tribal pockets of the State, that many watched for the first time ever, received rave response pulling a houseful crowd at Jayadev Bhawan on both October 7 and 8. The Sambalpuri and Dalkhai performing groups might not have brought the perfect effect in the dance movements. However the young team that was in charge of the miniature forms of the accompanying drums and percussion has to be lauded for its effort. The festival also showcased Bhangra, Bihu and folk dances of other States.

The participant groups were Dayal Nrutya Sangita Parishad of Balasore, Lok Niketan of Kolkata, Tarini Kala Sansad of Ganjam, Mahabir Sanskrutika Anusthan of Bhawanipatna, Mandakini Kala Sansad of Ranapur, Surabhi, Nrutyayana and Hallisaka of Bhubaneswar and Bihu Nrutya Dal from Assam. Organised by Prerana, the two-day event was a pleasant step forward towards the dying arts, the annual festival of which the Government scrapped last year. “It has to be from the people’s side also. If there are not enough viewers how can the Government be blamed?” pointed out Culture and Higher Education Minister Debi Prasad Mishra. Also present were former vice-chancellor of Utkal University of Culture, Bimalendu Mohanty, Suresh Kumar Routray and actor Pushpa Panda. “Probably we need to keep making efforts and not quit trying if we wish to revive our folk arts,” said Dilip Srichandan of Prerana. He also announced that the festival would be an annual event.