Udaipur’s Shilpgram Festival-2025 concluded on a mesmerizing note as the Western Region Cultural Centre, Udaipur, presented a grand folk instruments symphony that struck a chord with the audience. The final day witnessed a soulful blend of diverse folk cultures from various states, bringing the festival’s theme, ‘Lok Ke Rang – Lok Ke Sang’ (Colors and Togetherness of Folk), vividly to life.
The symphony featured around three dozen folk musical instruments from states including Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh. Instruments such as khartal, morchang, dhol, dholak, madal, sarangi, bansuri, rabab, matki, pung, ransingha, karnal, been, harmonium, bhapang, and algoza combined in a unique question-answer musical dialogue that enthralled the crowd at Shilpgram’s Muktakashi stage on Monday.
Under the direction of Furqan Khan, director of the Western Region Cultural Centre, this grand musical confluence began with the resonant sound of the conch shell and moved to a dynamic crescendo where over thirty instruments played together in harmony, earning applause from all music lovers present.
Before the symphony, the stage was set with folk dances from different states that captivated the audience. Performers dressed in peacock feather costumes performed the traditional Mayur dance, depicting the playful love of Radha-Krishna and spreading joy. This dance, popular across various regions, is known as Morni dance in Rajasthan, linked to the love story of Mor and Morni, and is performed in Tamil Nadu during the Pongal harvest festival.
Other notable performances included the unique blend of classical and folk styles in Manipur’s Pung Dhol Chelam dance, featuring rhythmic drum beats, energetic footwork, and martial arts elements. Folk dances from West Bengal like Rai Bense and Purulia Chhau, Maharashtra’s Lavani, Rajasthan’s Kalbeliya, and Gujarat’s Siddhi Dhamal also received well-deserved appreciation for their artistry and energy.
The soft melodies of Mevat’s Bhapang, the playful teasing in Uttarakhand’s Chapeli, and the graceful Bihu dance from Assam won hearts. The Thang-Ta stick dance from Manipur combined martial arts with dance, creating an exciting spectacle. Gujarat’s energetic Dhamal and Punjab’s vibrant Bhangra got the audience moving, while Singhi Chham added to the festive spirit.
Earlier in the day, the Banjara stage hosted the final ‘Hivda Ri Hook’ event, where participants showcased their talents with enthusiasm. The event’s coordinator, Saurabh Bhatt, made the program more engaging with a quiz, rewarding correct answers with gifts.
Various performances continued throughout the day at Shilpgram’s different venues, entertaining visitors from morning till evening. Highlights included tribal dances like Adivasi Ger and Chakri, Baazigar acrobatics, Terathali, Been Jogi and Bhavai, Kucchi Gyan, Manganiyar singing, folk tales like Galalang, and traditional dances of the Meena tribe. Puppet shows, Sundari performances, and traditional tribal dances from Maharashtra, Dadra, and Nagar Haveli enriched the cultural experience.
Performers dressed as colorful characters roamed the grounds, delighting visitors with their costumes and acts. Sculptures and picturesque huts throughout Shilpgram served as popular selfie spots, enhancing the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
