Rainbow art

On an apt occasion,200 of them came together to celebrate the spirit of cultural diversity. It was May 21 – World Cultural Diversity Day,when the first set of performers took the stage to put on display a diverse array of art. Akhil Bhartiya Sanskrutik Sangh’s multilingual drama dance music fest Bhav Rag Taal,which kickstarted on May 21,had an assortment of art was on offer for the art lovers in the city. The first day had 200 out 5,500 participating artistes putting up performances at five different cultural centres in the city.

Bhav Rag Taal,a programme that brings together artistes across 18 states under one roof is on till June 1. Organised by ABSS Pune for the seventh time,the programme this year witnessed an overwhelming response from over 5,000 artistes from across the country. “ We have artistes from Arunachal Pradesh who have travelled for five days to take part in the fest,” says Swananda Deshpande,one of coordinators of the programme.

Organised at five different cultural centres in the city — Lokmanya Tilak Smarak Mandir,Balgandharav Mandir,Kalmandapam Kshetriya Karyalaya Ghole Road,Bharat Natya Mandir and Shri Ganesh Kala Krida Manch — the 10-day festival incorporates 1,300 programmes. “ Different programmes take place at all these places. One day is divided into three parts,” says Deshpande.

While the classical and semi-classical performances are being staged at Bal Gandharv Mandir,Lokmanya Tilak Smarak Mandir is reserved for folk dance forms. The mono acts on the other hand are hosted at Bharat Natya Mandir while Kalamandapam handles the music front where vocal and instrumental performances take place.

(Bhav Rag Taal is on till June 1 at five cultural centres in the city)