Pinjore Heritage Fest kicks off

Panchkula, December 21

Cultural performances representing different parts of the country made visitors dance with abandon during the 12th Pinjore Heritage Festival, which began at the Pinjore Gardens today.

Giving out a strong message through a comical storyline on Save the Girl Child, Cyber Crime and Nation Unity, the Anadi Foundation group left the audience spellbound. Performances by folkdance groups of the North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala, entertained the visitors.

Kanwar Pal, Tourism Minister, Haryana, inaugurated the festival. Vijay Vardhan, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Haryana, Rajeev Ranjan, Director General, Tourism, Randhir Singh Gollen, Chairman, Haryana Tourism Corporation, and Mukesh Kumar Ahuja, Deputy Commissioner, Panchkula, also graced the occasion.

Schoolchildren took part in various competitions. The participating students gave judges a tough time deciding the winners.

Food court is a major attraction of the festival. Students from the Institute of Hotel Management from Panipat and Yamunanagar are rustling up spicy and mouth-watering treats for visitors. Ethnic handlooms and handicrafts from various parts of the country are on display at the crafts bazaar.

Popular Punjabi pop sensation Jasbir Jassi was the star attraction at the cultural programme in the evening. He sang several hit numbers, which entertained the audience.

The festival, which will continue till Sunday, will see drawing and group dance competitions for students. Bollywood singer Madhushree will perform on Sunday evening.

Results of folk dance (junior) contest

1st position: St Soldier Sr Secondary School, Dhakoli; 2nd position: DAV Police Public School, Panchkula; and 3rd position: Akal Jyoti Public School, Pinjore. — TNS