Bridging the cultural gap

Mayur Utsav 2018, an initiative by Delhi Government along with Sahitya Kala Parishad, concluded on a high note on December 16. The three-day long festival that was held from December 14-16 in different phases of Mayur Vihar aimed at creating a cultural space that will help in reviving the lost sensitivity towards the culture and heritage of India by the society.

The first day of the event was held at Durga Pooja Park, Mayur Vihar Phase-1. The day started with an enigmatic performance by the Indian Ocean Band, who is widely recognised as the pioneers of the fusion rock genre in India. Formed in 1990, the band is best classified as folk and fusion music. During the festival, they performed on various songs, including Ghat Ghat ka, a fusion twist to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's song Sade Naal, Aree ruk ja re bande from the movie Black Friday and more. The evening was woven into a traditional web with a puppet show by Puran Bhatt and his team. The team with their large puppets performed on Jai Ho (Slumdog Millionaire) and Tharki Chokro from PK movie. The first day of the Mayur Utsav came to an end with Manipur's folk dance Dhol Cholom by Shyam Arts. They performed stick balance one of popular martial art dance.

The second day of the event was organised at the A1 Park in Mayur Vihar Phase-3. The show started with a Hasya Kavi sammelan which included one of the most popular comedians in India Shyam Rangeela, Ved Prakash Ved among others. Through this medium, they promoted messages like a brotherhood, society improvement to name a few. Later, Shyam Rangeela, a 23-year-old young man from Rajasthan who took over the Internet with his imitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's voice, made the audience laugh with his stand-up comedy act. This was followed by a folk performance by the Delhi Panchavadya Trust. The artists were seen playing the melam, which is a type of drumming instrument that is famous in the south especially in Kerela. Later, girls from a senior secondary government school, new kondli also performed a folk dance. Puran Bhatt and his team wrapped up the evening with their exciting puppet show.

The last day of the festival was held at East Vinod Nagar Sports Complex, Mayur Vihar Phase-2. Students from the Government school performed a folk dance. The next in line was another folk dance by Suresh Vyas and Group. The team performed various acts famous in Rajasthani like Ghumar, instrumental Chari dance, Terah Taali manjira dance and more. This was followed by a puppet show. An awardee of Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2003, Puran Bhatt along with his team showcased a delightful puppet act for the audience. The highlight of the event was the energetic performance by the Indian film music composer and pop-rock based singer - Kailash Kher. The singer is known for his unique and powerful voice, style and music, performed some of his hit numbers like Jana jogi de naa, Kon hai vo from Bahubali, Kaise bataye kyun tujhko chahe and many more.

This was a step towards bridging the cultural gap prevailing in society. The Delhi Government aims to organise many more editions of Mayur Utsav and similar events for the Delhi audience.