First Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav ends on a high note

The last day of the RASHTRIYA SANSKRITI MAHOTSAV hosted by The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, ends in a crescendo with the Wadali Brothers.

The grand finale of the Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav, which captured the imagination of Delhi and the entire nation, began with a superlative Manipuri performance of Dhol Cholam which is a drum dance that forms an essential part of Holi festivities. Artists of the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Akademi (JNMDA), performed the dance, artfully modulating the sounds from their instruments from a soft whisper to a thunderous climax.

When the Wadali Brothers took the stage, a thunderous applause greeted them. They greeted the crowd with their trademark humour and a warm, "Wah bhai wah". Supremely talented Sufi singers and musicians from Guru Ki Wadali in the Amritsar District in Punjab, the Wadali brothers set the stage on fire with their powerful renditions of popular sufi kalams.

Puran Chand Wadali studied music from masters like Pandit Durga Das and Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan of the Patiala Gharana, while Pyare Lal Wadali considers his older brother his guru and mentor.

The duo have won many awards including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1991 and Puranchand Wadali was awarded the Padma Shri award by the Government of India, 2005. It was only fitting that the extravaganza, which celebrated the very best of Indian cultural traditions, ended with a tribute to divine love, and a unifying message of one god.

This was followed by gala folk performances by the 7 Zonal Cultural Centres which highlighted folk dance forms such as Purulia Chhau, Barsana ki Holi, Bhapang Vadam, Sirmour Nati, Bardoi Shilkla, Mayur Nritya, and Bhangra, as the evening drew to an enthralling end.

Shri NK Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Govt of India gave a warm vote of thanks.

With this the Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav drew to a conclusion. Over 8 days, the festival showcased 150 art forms, performances by more than 1500 artists; 32 forms of paintings: visual arts; 400 master craftsmen; and delectable cuisine by traditional master chefs.

The festival created a delightful peek into the myriad dimensions of our cultural traditions reviving pride in being an Indian. The Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav is definitely going to be an affair to remember and one that the nation will look forward to every year.

Source : Equity Bulls

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