- For the first time, the enchanting tribal folk culture of the Surguja-Jashpur region was showcased at ‘Lokrang Parv’; performances of Panthi and Nacha-Gammat also captivated the audience.
The third and final day of the three-day ‘Lokrang Parv’—an event dedicated to showcasing Chhattisgarh’s rich folk traditions, folk arts, and cultural heritage—highlighted the tribal folk culture of the Surguja-Jashpur region. For the first time, captivating performances of the Sarhul and Karma dances from the Jashpur region drew the audience’s admiration. Traditional attire, melodious folk tunes, and the artists’ energetic dancing filled the atmosphere with enthusiasm and exuberance.
A troupe led by Shri Vijay Kumar Bhagat from Jashpur presented the Sarhul and Karma dances. Rooted in tribal folk life, nature, and community traditions, these folk dances introduced the audience to the cultural diversity of Chhattisgarh’s tribal regions. The artists’ collective performance, traditional rhythms, and striking costumes added a special vibrancy to the event.
Additionally, Dr. Ramnarayan Netam from Raipur presented tribal folk songs and dances, while Shri Navaldas Manikpuri from Durg captivated the audience with his folk music performance. Ms. Aarti Barle from Bhilai garnered thunderous applause with her energetic rendition of the Panthi dance. Meanwhile, Ms. Ramadutt Joshi from Raipur enlivened the program further with a ‘Nacha-Gammat’ performance, blending humor, entertainment, and the essence of folk theater. Providing a platform for folk arts is our cultural responsibility: Dr. Kannauje
Speaking at the conclusion of the Lokrang Festival, Dr. Sanjay Kannauje, Director of Culture and Archaeology, noted that local artists from various parts of the state—including remote tribal regions of Chhattisgarh—delivered magnificent performances showcasing their respective folk arts. Such events play a crucial role in providing artists with a platform to display their talent while also offering them encouragement and a dignified stage.
He stated that cultural events like the Lokrang Festival serve as effective mediums for preserving Chhattisgarh’s rich and refined folk culture and passing it on to the new generation. Through folk music, folk dance, folk theatre, and traditional arts, the youth connect with their roots and cultural heritage. These events not only provide a platform for local artists but also encourage the preservation and promotion of vanishing folk art forms.
- Lokrang: A confluence of the diverse hues of folk heritage
The three-day Lokrang Festival provided a stage for the diverse folk traditions of music, dance, and culture from various regions of Chhattisgarh. On the final day, performances such as Sarhul, Karma, tribal folk songs, Panthi, and Nacha-Gammat conveyed the message that Chhattisgarh’s cultural identity is rooted in its diverse folk traditions.
Notable attendees at the event included Dr. Sanjay Kannauje (Director of Culture and Archaeology), poet Mir Ali Mir, senior journalist and photographer Shri Deependra Diwan, litterateur Shri Vijay Mishra, Film Board member Smt. Prasanna Awasthi, and social worker Shri Udaybhan Chauhan.
The final day of the Lokrang Festival offered the audience an opportunity to experience the diversity and vibrancy of Chhattisgarh’s folk culture up close. The audience enthusiastically cheered and applauded the artists’ performances. While the event provided a dignified platform for folk artists, it also delivered a meaningful message regarding the preservation, nurturing, and transmission of Chhattisgarh’s folk traditions to future generations.