Artistes from 20 countries showcase traditional dance forms at varsity fest

Artistes from as many as 20 countries performed at Chandigarh University’s International Dance and Music Festival 2025.

The troupes of artistes including 183 dancers and 138 musicians from Maldives, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, Uganda, Syria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Namibia, Myanmar, Zimbabwe, Congo, Sudan, Lesotho, South Sudan, Nepal, Ivory Coast, Liberia and India, dressed in their colourful traditional attires to showcase their culture.

A troupe of artists – the Bidhabin group from Maldives performed a tribal dance Bodu Beru. Mohamed Asim, who led the group, said, “Bodu Beru is a tribal dance form of Maldives which is performed to foster community spirit that celebrates unity and reflects the rich heritage of our country.”

Artistes from Laos delivered traditional dance and singing performances. Bounsong Phathanady, a renowned artist from Laos who was part of the troupe said, “Som Song Seng and Lao Douangdeuane highlights traditional instruments and, like Khaek Vora Seth, was historically performed to honor the King and now welcomes high-ranking visitors while featuring in major events and festivals.”

A dance troupe led by Sofi Ohanyan from Armenia performed Kochari, while artistes from Kyrgyzstan showcased traditional instrumental folk orchestra Molmol.

Toktomurat Osmonaliev, a renowned Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic, komuz player said, “Molmol is a 12-member orchestra of folk instruments.

A group 12 female artists led by Akerke Mussalimova from Kazakhstan delivered local Tumar Dance.

Folk Ceylonia, a dance troupe of more than 20 artistss from Sri Lanka, led by HA Chathuranga Lakshan, performed the traditional Shanthi Karma (rituals of solace) dance that invoke blessings from local deities to ensure prosperity and ward off evil spirits.

A group of artists from Uganda delivered a traditional folk-dance performance called Bakisimba, while artistes from Syria performed the traditional Dabke.

The troupe from Bhutan performed oldest classical dance form Zhungdra. One of the artistes said, “India and Bhutan share strong cultural ties, with Indian films and music being a major source of entertainment in Bhutan. Bhutanese youth are also active in India’s music and film industry.”

A performer from Nepal said, “Many prominent Nepalese artists work in the Indian film industry, promoting cultural exchange between Nepal and India and boosting each other’s folk music and traditions.”