Virasat is a unique endeavour to preserve the culture of Punjab through exhibitions,fairs and special showcases ITS a walk down memory lane,a showcase that gives you a glimpse of the days gone by. Virasat,an ongoing exhibition in the city,strives to preserve the art,apparel,culture and games of Punjab for the future generations. Its a unique endeavour,which Harvinder Singh Khalsa describes as a mission to keep alive our ancient forms of embroidery,art and craftsmanship. The idea is that the younger generation should not forget the richness of our land,and so for decades I have been travelling all over the state collecting old,priceless things that are part of our memory and ethos, says Singh. The exhibition displays the traditional embroidery of Punjab such as phulkari and bagh,and darian, ghagras and hair accessories. It showcases how the looks,materials,colour combinations and styles have changed over the years. Earlier,a ghagra would be made with almost 20 metres of cloth. Now,its much lighter, just eight metres,with a belt, says one of the workers of the Virasat Foundation. Most of the exhibits are handmade. Computerised designs on darian dont have the striking quality and colours that the ones made with hand do, says Singh as he admires one with a bright parrot on it,made by his mother-in-law. He admits its an expensive and tedious process collecting things and preserving them but its the fear that all these would be lost in time,that makes Singh continue the work. I have rare handwritten manuscripts,Maharaja Ranjit Singhs coins and letters,which can be sold at huge prices. But believe me,I am never tempted, shares Singh. Also on display are things that were used in everyday lives,including charkhas which are still used in villages to make thread; old travelling means such as the old rath,palki,doli,kharas and halat (pulled by bullocks,used to travel to fairs and weddings). Some designs were so rare,that we got old artists to recreate these designs,and also make some miniatures, adds Singh. Travelling all over the country with these rare treasures of the past,Singh is now neck-deep in work for the Virasati Mela,an annual affair held in a village near Bhatinda. It was a mela held by Bulleh Shah. We revived it in 1996 in a fort in Bhatinda with Professor Karan Singh. Its held every November from 23 to 25 and is a one-of-a-kind event in the world,in which you will see everything there is to Punjab. We have created a village called Jaipatgarh,and every house here has some activity going on during the mela days. We start with the Virasati jaloos,then khel,music,art and dance. The atmosphere is filled with colour and life, says Singh. The exhibition is on till October 4 at Punjab Kala Bhawan,Sector 16.
