Punjab hosts international folk festival

PATIALA - Cultural exchanges help build ‘bridges of understanding’ between people, and in this endeavour Punjab International Folk Festival was recently organized by Punjab Cultural Promotion Council in Patiala.

Artists came from several countries including Poland, Argentina and Thailand to perform in the festival, which was aimed to develop cultural exchanges.

These artistes were invited by the Punjab Cultural Promotion Council to participate in the Punjab International Folk Festival at Ramgarhia Girls College in Patiala.

The guests got to know about Punjab’s Bhangra whereas Punjabi artists and audiences were enthralled by Poland’s Polonez, Argentina’s Tango and Thailand’s Khon folk dance.

“Exchange between Poland and India is very important because we get to know about the new culture, we meet new people. It’s very interesting and very important,” said a folk dancer from Poland.

Sukhdep Singh, a Bhangra artist said: “We want to show the folk dance of Punjab - Bhangra to the whole world. Punjabis are famous across the world. People of other countries too start dancing to the beats of drums.”

Argentine Yesmin Llebeli put up a spectacular Tango, and the powerful movements and suppleness of the dancer were striking which grabbed every ones attention.

Dance lovers had great fun watching a convergence of folk artistes from diverse cultures. he Thai folk group, Ayutthaya Folklore, presented the traditional lore of Thailand in their interpretative style.

The audience appreciated their moves and the grandeur of their costumes.

Polish folk dances by Promyki folk group were another highlight of the event, as the audience appreciated Polska folk costumes and polish songs.

It was an endeavour to bring Punjab on the global map for its well-known and rich culture. Students from Punjab and other countries can interact with each other. They will become aware of each other’s culture and heritage. A bond of international friendship will develop. Punjab will earn a name in the world,” said Devender Singh Chinna, Director of Punjab Cultural Promotion Council.

“Punjabi students will become aware of foreign culture and their vision will become wider and these foreign artistes will go to all parts of the world as ambassadors of India and Punjab’s heritage and spread the message of humanity, international friendship that we have got from Guru Granth Sahib,” he added. .

The quintessential Punjabi flavour to the international festival was added by vivacious and lively Bhangra performances by Indian students.by Karan Kapoor (ANI)