Ludhiana, November 16
In the National Games rehearsals at Guru Nanak Stadium one could see a serious attempt to revive traditional folk arts of Punjab that are almost becoming extinct.

There were around 1,100 participants present on the grounds of stadium and a number of coaches trying to give finishing touches to the programme that will be a cultural bonanza showcasing Punjab’s rich cultural heritage of yesteryear on November 19 when the Games begin. The programme, after many hiccups, finally started . The 1100-participants took their positions and the opening scene was a typical Punjab mela scene. Famous Punjabi singers Dolly Guleria and Gurmeet Bawa regaled the spectators.

The inimitable and rich voice of Dhadi singer Idu Sharif filled the ground with his song Mahiya. Jagdish Jaggu sang in his baritone voice Chal oye Jaggya mela chaliye. The music directors of the show are Surinder Bachchan and Major Singh Chatha said Devinder Singh Chinna.

According to Mr R.T. Jindal, convener of the cultural and entertainment mega event, “the whole cultural programme of 45 minutes is to promote almost dying arts like Dhadi singers and nachar dancers. It is going to be the biggest Punjabi cultural extravaganza of the new millennium. No western tunes or songs will figure in the event.”

After the opening scene the participants took their places and a band of drummers came beating the dhol with vigour and energy.

The dholis were followed by nachars. Nachar was a famous dance of 19th century. Musicians played on typical traditional instruments — bhugroo, sarangi and dhad. Then there was an interesting tug of war which was enjoyed by all participants. Mr Bansi Kaul, director of the mega Show said, “The programme has participants from the age of 6 years to 80 years performing different items. There are equal number of rural and urban participants in this spectacle.” The folk orchestra played on the instruments like chimta, algoza, sarangi, saamp, kato, bean, tumbi, bhugroo, khubchoo and dhad. The music created by these instruments was of a different nature but appealing.

The vigorous and earthy bhangra took everyone’s breath away. This was performed by boys of all local colleges. They said that they had been practising for 4 to 5 hours for the last one month. Gatka , a vigrous Punjabi martial dance which the Nihangs performed using kirpans, barchas and rotating of big bamboo ‘chakris’ will go well with the audience. It showed great skill. The last scene showed a Baisakhi scene.