Big names to light up World Peace Music festival

Sur Jahan, World Peace Music festival earlier known as Sufi Sutra will be held in Mohor Kunja from February 3 to 5.

The 7th edition of the festival will be held by banglanatak dot com, a city based UN recognised social enterprise in collaboration with the Rural Craft and Cultural Hubs of West Bengal, an initiative by the department of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises and Textiles (MSME&T) in association with UNESCO.

It may be mentioned that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has over and again stressed the need of cultural exchange with special emphasis on Bengal's rich traditional folk culture.

Teams from 21 countries and 12 states will take part in this year's programme. There will be cultural exchange workshops and concerts in the evening. There will be stalls by rural artisans, handicraft artists and thematic exhibitions and workshops.

Ale Moller is a prominent figure of Swedish folk music. His is the key person in popularising Scandinavian folk music. Apart from composing, he also plays multiple instruments like mandolin, Piano Accordian, Flute, Shawn and Cowhorn. Improvisation is an important component of his musical journey. BraAgas is a medieval music

band from Prague, Czech Republic. Set up in 2007, the troupe presents traditional songs from Southern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Balkans and Scandinavia. The Swedish team comprising Rafael Sida, the multifaceted percussionist is a big name in jazz and world music in Sweden. Octava Yo of Russia is going to win the hearts of the audience. The band is an outstanding mixture of Russian folk, punk, rock film and cartoon soundtracks.

The Bauls of Bengal will present their traditional songs. It may be mentioned that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recently laid the foundation stone of a Baul Academy in Birbhum.

Folks of Bengal is an initiative of banglanatak dot com for promoting the folk traditions of Bengal through creating opportunities for urban musicians working with folk genre which includes releasing their music albums and running an open to all weekend cultural space Akhra@Baitanik. The festival has become popular and entry to the festival is free.