Virasat cultural fest begins today

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 28

The art and heritage fest Virasat 2015 will begin in Dehradun tomorrow. The 13-day event to be held at Dr BR Ambedkar Stadium will witness performances by some renowned artistes of the country.

President of Virasat 2015 Lokesh Ohri told mediapersons that santoor recital by Pandit Bhajan Sopori, a Sufi song presentation by Lakhwinder Wadali, ghazals by Chandan Das, a Bhojpuri music presentation by Malini Awasthi and Pandavani by Padmashri Poona Ram would be some of prominent presentations by artistes from the country.

Ohri said a Jazz music team from Lithuania, Gypsy jazz from Austria and Qawwali singers Faird Aiyaz and Abhu Mohammed from Karachi would be some of foreign artistes performing in the festival.

He denied the charge that local artistes were being neglected in the festival. He said while the Virasat festival that would complete 21 years this time was a national festival, artistes from Uttarakhand also get amply opportunity to perform.

Ohri said besides performances, a large number of stalls would be set up at the festival where arts and craft items would be sold to visitors. As is the practice, there would be no entry fee for visitors. He added Chief Minister Harish Rawat would be present at the concluding day of the festival on December 13.