Folk artistes dance into hearts of audience

SD Sharma

Panchkula, September 27

The otherwise tranquil ambiance of Indradhanush Auditorium reverberated with the spectrum of multiple folk dance genres as over 400 accomplished artistes drawn from 22 countries brought alive the traditional folk musical culture of respective lands in an International Folklore Festival titled ‘CU Rhythms - 2018’ here today.

The event, Asia’s biggest Folk Dance Festival, organised by Chandigarh University, Gharuan, marked World Tourism Day, which falls on September 27. The artistes who performed today represented Poland, Indonesia, Singapore, Central Russia, China, Ukraine, Italy, Slovakia, Germany, Croatia, South Russia and others.

After a welcome address by Additional Chief Secretary Dr Dheera Khandelwal, chief guest Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and others lighted the traditional lamp in the presence of Finance Minister Capt Abhimanyu, MP RL Kataria, MLA Gian Chand Gupta, Chandigarh University Vice-Chancellor Dr RS Bawa and others. Later, dancers from Poland took the centre stage.

After an impressive spell, the lead dancer enchanted the audience by singing Bollywood songs ‘mein ho gyi teri sajna’, ‘ae jaane jaan’, ‘tujhe dekha toh’. Another scintillating performance came from Olesia, Inna, Ahastasiya, Julisia from Ukraine who danced straight to the audience hearts while presenting hilarious Rajasthani Kalbelia dances on songs ‘Rakalo kood pado mela ma’ and ‘runjhun laagey’. Earlier these girls presented Haryanvi dance ‘Matak matak mat chaley’ teaming up with Haryanvi dancers led by Rajinder Phogat who anchored the programme to perfection.

The audience relished Indonesian dances ending in Pyramid like human formations. MP Rattan Lal Kataria sprang a surprise by doling out a Haryanvi parody song.

With duffs and flower buckets, Singapore dances had similarities with Chhau martial dance as also Central Russians nearing Indian dance patterns. Chinese drummers created rhythmic patterns while Italian mask dancers impressed all. More stunning performances came from South Russia, Slovakia and Germany. All groups finished with ‘Namastey’ posture to win a huge applause.

Coordinator Manish Jangra said the festival would conclude on September 29 at the CU auditorium in Gharuan.