‘Lok Virasat’ festival highlights dying folk culture

The Language and Culture Department of Mandi district, in collaboration with the North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala, organised the “Lok Virasat” festival, celebrating the region’s vanishing folk culture, at Sunken Garden in Indira Market of Mandi yesterday.

The event was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan.

The North Zone Cultural Centre Patiala conducted workshops on traditional music and dance forms, including shehnai, Banthda and Luddi, under the Guru-Shishya tradition. Students showcased their talents during the event, with notable performances by shehnai master Sher Singh from Pulgharat and dance instructor Mast Ram for Banthda.

The festival featured vibrant presentations of Nagri dance, Luddi, Charakti and Banthda, showcasing ancient traditions. A short play, depicting traditional rituals related to marriage and childbirth, was performed by artistes from the Himachal Research Institute and the Natya Rang Mandal Satohel, emphasising the importance of cultural heritage.

The programme not only aimed to preserve local customs but also provided a platform to local artistes, creating employment opportunities through the efforts of the Culture Ministry and the Language and Culture Department. A poignant performance of Banthda highlighted concerns about increasing substance abuse, earning appreciation from the chief guest Apoorv Devgan, who urged community cooperation in combating the issue for the well-being of future generations.

The event concluded with the District Language Officer expressing his gratitude to Rajesh Bakshi, programme officer of the North Zone Cultural Centre, and all organisations and dignitaries for their support, hoping for more such initiatives in future.