Delhi government's Youth Festival kicks off

Sahitya Kala Parishad and the Department of Art, Culture, and Languages, Delhi Government under Deputy CM Manish Sisodia opens the 9th edition of the Youth Festival on December 1, 2019, at Central Park, Rajiv Chowk. The 6-day long festival will continue until December 6, 2019.

"I am happy to announce that today is the first day of 6-day long Youth Festival. We have always kept our faith in the development of the youth and children to make our nation better. We also believe that culture is the best way to reach out to the people from any section of the society," said Manish Sisodia.

"Therefore, with this Festival, we attempt to bring musical performances, dance, theatre and many other performances – which will help us to preserve the cultural heritage of the city," he added.

Speaking about the initiatives undertaken by the Delhi Givernment, he shared, "Our government hopes to create an environment of harmony and love through such programs. This celebration will bring together all the lovers of every culture and language who can enjoy the show."

The Youth Festival where more than 500 artists are performing is one such big platform that showcases creative and constructive involvement of Delhi's youth along with an exciting lineup of eminent artists.

The first day of the festival was opened with a lamp lighting session by Manish Sisodia, Deputy Chief Minister, Delhi. Thereafter, the first act was the Sarod and Rabab ensemble by the disciples of Mukesh Sharma. Known by the stage name of Anandam, their aim is to spread inherent message of Indian culture through the promotion of glorious traditions of Indian Music.

After a heart-touching rhythm of Sarod and Rabab was the turn of cultural performance by Tapaswani Navsadhana. The society performed an act "Mein Gandhi, Mujh Mein bhi Gandhi". Directed by Saanvri Kapoor, the play was set out on a journey to find our Gandhi, My Gandhi. A human, who is driven by emotion along with intellect, who cares for his family, who makes mistakes and learns from them and many other aspects that make him relatable.

After this, a Bharatanatyam presentation by Abhinayaa Group of Jayalakshmi Eshwar took place.

The evening continued with a Street Play by Parikalpana Cultural society.

Later, disciples of Shivam Chauhan presented their contemporary dance.

This was followed by a folk dance by Shyam Arts and group. The group performed Dhol Cholom a renowned dance form of the North East Indian State of Manipur. This traditional dance is also known as drum dance.Their second act was Stick Balance, the most popular traditional martial arts form of Manipur. The artist with the help of two bamboo stick, balance and play one wooden log. The artist performed different kind of stick balancing acts movement with acrobatic manners.

The evening came to an end with a band performance by Ekagra, a fusion Indian rock band. They kept the audience on their toes with their forte in Sufi and Bollywood with a twist by adding a little rock in their own style. The 6 member band group with lead vocalist Sreeju Premarajan, (one of the top finalists of Indian Idol - Season 3) performed on various Indian Bollywood Rock.

The audience will get to witness much more exciting lineup of artists performing dance, music, and street plays on a single stage until 6th December 2019.

Amidst all these, on the spot painting competition will be held on December 4 and 5, giving a platform to all the upcoming artists. The selected artworks will be exhibited during Kala Mela, an Art Exhibition from December 1 – 6, 2019.