MillenniumPost
Features

Traditional art forms steal the limelight at NSD

An enthusiastic audience comprising of children, parents and underprivileged kids from NGOs were in for some treat as traditional art groups and special folk theatre artists weaved their magic with enchanting performances on the second day i.e., November 4 of the prestigious 'Bal Sangam' at the NSD campus.
Making a mark with a marquee performance was Dashavtar Darshan (Kalo), a special theatre performance presentation from Mushtifund Sunstha from Goa. Mushtifund Sunstha focuses on inculcating values in children so that they develop the love for the Indian culture, traditions and customs. The performance, Dashavtar Darshan is focussed on ancient Indian thinking, entertainment and a means of social reform. The ritualistic folk form 'Kalo' is successfully performed all over Goa.
In this children's performance, Raatkalo (Shankasur Kalo), which is famous for its rich musical tradition and unique rhythm pattern has been used. This performance made an attempt to present all the 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu, so that the younger generation is exposed to Indian mythology and ancient tradition.
Among the other traditional groups that graced the NSD campus with their performance included: Nataraj Sanskritik Silpi Samaj from Assam which train students in Bhortal dance, Thionam, Dihanam, Ghosanam, Ongkya Vaona, Ojhapali, Deodhani, Siyageet Naw Khel, Mohoho Geet, Biya Nam and other traditional dances of the region. Bhortal Nritya propogates the 'Sankari culture' of Assam and is performed on a very fast beat. The dance movements are designed to form colourful patterns. The dance is said to have been derived from the classical dances of the state.
Aradhana Dance Academy from Bhubaneswar, Odisha showcased their majestic folk dance, Gotipua. For centuries, the Gotipua dance has been performed in Odisha by young boys who dress up as women to praise Lord Jagannath and Lord Krishna. A group of boys perform acrobatics inspired by the life of Radha and Krishna.
Hindustan Kalari Sangam from Kozhikode, Kerala – a traditional Kalaripayattu training centre started by Guru Veera-Sree Sami Gurukkal of Kozhikode for creating contexts for oriental martial art expressions in India performed on stage a dance form called Meippayattu. It is a body control exercise designed in a special sequence. It is a combination of Vativu and Chuvatu with body movements, holds, kicks, jumps and cuts.
Artists from all across India and Bangladesh have travelled to the Capital for this five-day carnival, which saw a number of activities making it a festival of sorts with dhol players, jugaadband performers, acrobats, behrupiyas, the clowns, longman, different workshops like origami, puppet and mask-making among others.
The 'Bal Sangam' festival is an ensemble of various performing traditional art forms presented by children, with the objective of encouraging children to continue traditional performances so as to preserve our cultural heritage in this rapidly changing world.
The festival will showcase rarest folk theatre performances by children across India and Bangladesh till November 7 at the NSD campus. The entry to the event is free.
Next Story
Share it