Folk performances spice up Kullu Dasehra

Abhinav vashisht

Kullu, October 23

A large number of girls and women participated in Kullu nati, organised by the International Kullu Dasehra Festival Committee, at Rath Ground on Tuesday. Transport and Forest Minister Govind Singh Thakur, who is also the committee chairman, said this year’s theme was women empowerment.

The minister said the state and the Centre had launched various schemes like Ujjwala Yojana, ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padao’ and Kanyadan Yojana to empower women.

The mega nati event, known as ‘Pride of Kullu’, which was launched in 2014, had then made it to the Limca book by registering 8,540 participants. The event provides a glimpse of Kullvi folk culture. In 2015, 9,892 persons had participated, setting a world record.

Performances by folk dancers enthralled the audience during the fourth cultural night at Kala Kendra on Monday. The programme commenced with shehnai composition, followed by nati. Local artistes presented traditional songs, which were admired by foreign and domestic visitors. The presentation by artistes from various parts of the state presented a glimpse of Himachali culture. Artistes from Nepal left the audience spellbound. Later, singers Sanchita Bhattachrya and Asit Tripathi doled out rocking numbers.

A large number of people gathered at the Kala Kendra for the cultural evening. Hundreds of foreign and domestic tourists, besides locals, turned up to watch the spectacular performances by international and national artistes. Banjar MLA Surender Shourie was the chief guest on the occasion.