Around 400 folk artists will be presenting various folk dances and music of their States, while 600 craftpersons will be displaying their handicraft items during the annual 14th Folk Festival-Lokotsav-2015 to be held from January 9 to 18 in Panaji.
The folk festival is being organized by the Goa Directorate of Art and Culture, in collaboration with the West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur, Kala Academy, Goa, Sports Authority of Goa and Corporation of the City of Panaji. The festival will be held at the Darya Sangam, Kala Academy.
The idea is to promote the folk culture and handicrafts from different States, including Goa, Director of Art and Culture Prasad Loliekar told The Hindu on Sunday.
“A perfect platform is given to the artisans to showcase and sale their crafts. This is 16th year of Lokotsav in Goa and day by day its popularity is increasing rapidly,” said Mr. Loliekar.
The folk artists and craftsman from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Assam, Manipur, Haryana, West Bengal, Sikkim, Chattisgarh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Odisha and the host State have been invited to present the folklore of their respective States.
The Goan artists will be performing Ghode modani, Jagor, Mussal, lamp dance, Goff, Dekhani, Mando, Kunbi/Dandla Khel and Dhangar on different days. From the other States, performances on Mangniyar, Kalbelia, Bhavai, Bahurupia, puppet show, Bihu dance, Mewasi, Kervano Vesh and Siddhi Dhamal.
Pung Dhol Cholam and Thangta from Manipur, Bhangra from Punjab, Maharashtra’s Lawani and Koli, Panthi of Chattisgarh, Ghommar of Haryana and Gotipua and Shingari of Odisha will also be performed.
Over 500 stalls will exhibit handicraft items, which will include Bandhani, Kathputali, Lakh Bengals, leather bags and chappals, khadi, Kotha and silk materials, handmade garments, carpets, glass wear, clay art, furniture, wooden toys, block print, appliqué work as well as Goan crafts will be displayed for sale.
The festival, to be inaugurated on January 9 by Governor of Goa Mridula Sinha, is expected to be a big draw for tourists and others.
