In city,SAARC fest performers steal the show

It’s a cultural extravaganza that goes beyond borders and introduces the audience to the rich repertory of art,culture,dance and music that exists in India and the other SAARC Countries. The ongoing SAARC Folklore and Heritage Festival and the performances by various artists,opens many windows to the traditions that have been forgotten,the legacy that needs to be preserved and the artists who create against all odds.

The performances,on in the mornings at various venues and in the evenings at Tagore have featured the best on centre stage like Purna Das Baul,the pioneer of Baul movement. His father Nabani Das Khepa Baul was a celebrated Baul singer and philosopher of Bengal and tried to spread the Baul songs through his unique singing style at that time. The authentic exponent of traditional Baul,Purna Chandra Das,represents the eighth generation of an ancient Baul family. The 77-year-old musician’s music is divine to the ears,and Das was the first to present Baul music on All India Radio. The most popular exponent of Baul music,Das has participated in many story-telling festivals,Baul is an oral tradition and Bauls make extensive use of music and poetry. Mystic songs which communicate spiritual experience to his fellow humans with music,dance,ektara…is a treat to watch and listen.

Teejan Bai,the noted Pandavani folk singer also performed here. The most renowned singer in this style,her choreography and depth of voice are unique,earning her international acclaim. The folk singer’s singing transcends the language barrier of Chhattisgarhi and has preserved the originality of Pandwami. The Pandwani folk songs are accompanied with tabla,harmonium,tamboora and damru. Teejan gives a new dimension to Chhattisgarhi and Indian folk culture by blending the Chhattisgarhi tradition of song with acting and expression.

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Algoza performers from Punjab,Kajri from UP,Dhangad Dance from Nepal,Salam Logary group from Afghanistan,Hozagiri from Tripura,Sufi and Malang performers from Pakistan,the vibrant dance and drummers’ of Ariyarathne Kaluarachichi’s group from Sri Lanka …it’s a spell-binding experience.

The Malang performers dressed in their traditional black gowns and ghungroos danced in all masti to please their divinity. The whirling head movement of the artists left the audience mesmerised.