Curtain down on six-days festival with a gala evening

The Youth Festival, which was held between February 22 and 27 at the Central Park, witnessed around 200 artists enthralling the audiences with various performances. The event was organised by Sahitya Kala Parishad in association with Department of Art, Culture and Languages, Delhi Government.

On the concluding day, Sindhu Mishra, Deputy Secretary, Sahitya Kala Parishad said, "We are extremely thrilled to see the response of the audience at Central Park. More than 5000 people have come to see the festival. I also believe that any art form helps you get closer to your own self. Today's youth being extremely energetic need to put the energies in constructive things so that, we can fight evils and form a better society."

Deputy CM Sisodia, speaking on this year's edition of the Youth Festival said, "The unfortunate killing of a young man by the family of his lover has shaken the conscience of the people of Delhi. This is not the culture and ethos of our city or our country. Hate of this nature can and must be countered by love and we must celebrate the freedom to love. The festival will host performances that drive home this message among the youngsters of Delhi. We dedicate this edition of the Youth Festival to love and harmony."

Under Youth Festival, Sahitya Kala Parishad also organised Kala Mela at Central Park, Connaught Place. Himanshu Sachdeva and Arun Kumar showcased the caricatures of Steve Jobs, Sachin Tendulkar, Albert Einstein and many others. Whereas Noopur Sharma and Saiful Islam showcased their calligraphy work in Urdu. Beautiful portraits of leaders, children, and others were presented by Harpriya Gola and Suraj Shukla. Much admired pottery work at Kala Mela was presented by Om Prakash Galav. Other Delhi University colleges that participated were College of Art, Faculty of Fine Art, Jamia Millia Islamia, Triveni Kala Sangam, Niv Art Centre, Shilpa Bharti Institute of Fine Art and Crafts, and Ambedkar University.

With around 1200 artists performing over the spread of 6 days, the festival was packed in a comprehensive itinerary for all six days.