Shilpgram Utsav 2011 is nearing its culmination as is the year 2011. Each year is unique in itself, so is each Shilpgram Utsav, as it leaves behind memories unalike year on year.

This year we got to see some of the most fascinating and astonishing performances by individuals – the skills that a human body can perform in full strength or otherwise was something to be seen, appraised and applauded this time.

Today, when we closed Day 9 at the Utsav, we felt that some close association was seeping out and we were unable to stop it.

The day started with the Gair by Rajasthani artists. In what has become a parallel family to the Utsav, Ustad Gaur Kumar and his group from West Bengal gave us the Purulia Chau from their part of the country.

The Bahurupiya once again tickled the funny bone in the audience, while the Lavani by Smita and the hummable “jhir mir barse megh” and “leel hamari bindani, laal hamaro rang” renditions in Gazi Khans Manganiar will never be forgotten.

Padma Bhushan awardee Teejan Bai Pandwnani gave life to the story of the Pandavas in Mahabharat, through her “Pandwani”, the stoy of the Pandavas.

One of the most remembered sequences of the day will be the Assamese Bihu dance performed by Deep Jyothi Hazarika and party.

While the Bhangra got the audience to their feet yet again, the Bhapang and the Siddi Dhama, this time being performed with fire and petrol, left the audience mesmerized.

News Cover: Mansoor Ali

Photos: Sayeed Ahmed