‘Kuchmani Khayal’ by Bansi Lal Khiladi scored the first run in today’s session of the 2011 Shilpgram Fest, followed by the Gair dance.

The audience was once again treated to the Dandpatta Shabdvedh by Marathi artists in which a blind folded man was given directions to the beat of the drum and the Manganiar by Gazi Khan.

The Lawani dance performed by Maharashtrian female artists and the Dangi dance performed by the Rathwa Adivasis from South Gujarat mesmerized the audience specially the tourists who had flocked in to witness the performances.

The Bhapang by Ustad Jumme Khan and the Purulia Chau dance by West Bengal artist Ustad Gaur Kumar and his team was followed by the Bhangra by Punjabi artists.

This resulted in a gush of enthusiasm amongst the audience, for obvious reasons….one cannot sit straight when watching the Bhangra live…!

Today’s program culminated with the Siddhi Dhamal by Shabbir Bhai Siddi and party from Bharuch.

As told to UT by Vilas Jhanve of the WZCC, the Siddi Tribe (Muslim) community came to India from Africa in the 12^th century and settled in South Gujarat. Every 10^th day of the Islamic month of Rajab, they celebrate the Urs and perform a dance in what is today known as the Siddhi Dhamal.