Capital celebrations draw to an end

Delhi - a city which is all encompassing, modern and forward looking. A 'mini-India’, the national capital is a melting pot for people from all parts of country who bring to it their diverse religious and cultural beliefs that enrich and augment Delhi’s all encompassing spirit.

Concluding the Delhi Carnival on its third day organised with a view to celebrate the 'Spirit of Delhi', the organisers today hailed the tremendous public response and promised to come up with similar cultural ceremonies in the future.

In a unique and special initiative to celebrate this spirit of the Capital city, a three-day folk festival presented by Delhi Government’s Department of Art, Culture and Languages and the Sahitya Kala Parishad  that kicked off on Friday, concluded today. Inaugurated by Sheila Dikshit on Friday, the Delhi Carnival was being showcased in such a manner that it brings forth the rich cultural heritage of India to the people.  

A 64/40 feet multi-level stage, 250 performers from across India and two special songs by noted singer Palash Sen and Euphoria  – added to the grandeur of the mega event.

The festival which for the first time took place at the East Delhi-situated Yamuna Sports Complex was a specially choreographed presentation of the folk music and dances from various parts of India.

“This mega event presented the best of Indian people’s art to Delhi’s audiences for the first time in such a big way. We are very happy with the terrific response we received on all three days. We wholeheartedly thank the people of Delhi who came here in large numbers and the Delhi government for their active support. The festival was in one way a celebration of the 'Spirit of Delhi’ that is a microscopic representation of India. The specially created songs by Palash Sen added to the glory of the event,' said eminent theatre personality Bhanu Bharti, who also was the program director.

'250 performers from across the country- from Assam, Tripura, Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and others,  had put their best in an attempt to enthrall the Delhi audience through this endeavor that celebrated cultural diversity and the richness it brings to a civilization,' Bharti added.

The performances on three days which lasted for an hour and a half began at 7 pm during which people got to experience the multiple folk art forms of the country.

'Folk music and folk art depicts the richness of your culture and it is very important to keep your folk arts alive and thriving. Delhi is a city that loves culture and absorbs everything that comes its way. The people of Delhi, I hope have loved this event and every next day, the crowd exceeded the previous day I sincerely feel, this will stay with them for a long time,' said SS Yadav, Secretary, Department of Art, Culture and Languages.