Registration of folk artistes underway in Chamba district

The Department of Language and Culture has launched a registration and categorisation drive for folk artistes in Chamba district. According to District Language Officer Tukesh Sharma, local folk artistes can now register at the department’s Rang Mahal office until February 5.

This initiative seeks to preserve and promote the region’s folk culture, revitalise ancient cultural traditions and offer artistes increased opportunities for performances. The registration process also allows previously registered artistes who have reached new milestones or received certifications from recognised institutions to update their records.

Once the registration is completed across districts, a graded list of registered artistes will be available on the department’s official website. This will help streamline the process and remove the need for repeated auditions.

The registration process will be followed by a categorisation phase conducted by a departmental committee in February. Artistes eligible for categorisation must have performed during prime-time slots (8 pm to 10 pm) at state-level fairs at least seven times, national fairs five times and international fairs three times. They must also include artistes who have been winners or runners-up in prominent TV talent shows like Indian Idol or Sa Re Ga Ma, youth festival winners and cultural groups that have participated in international or national cultural events at least three times.

Eligible artistes are required to submit certificates from fair authorities, government-recognised institutions, or other relevant departments, along with a passport-size photograph and a copy of their Aadhaar card. For more information, interested artistes can contact the department at 01899-222752 or 9817575279.