3 day Lokanuranjan Mela began at Lok Kala Mandal on the 66^th foundation day of Lok Kala Mandal.  Being held in  collaboration with The Performance Institute, a number of cultural programs depicting folk art were the highlights on the opening day.

The opening performance was by Mubarik and Langa party.  This was followed by the famous Gujarati Garba performed by artists from Gandhinagar.  Another fantastic performance was the Madhuri dance by Telangana artists.  Bhapang Vaadan by Umar Farouqh of Alwar mesmerised the audience.

Manipuri artists presented their dance “Pung Cholam”.  Performance from the Haryanvi artists was also loved by all.  The other remarkable performances were “Gair” dance by artists from Balotra, “Bhangra” by the Patila people… Bhangra performance with its vigorous moves made the audience spring up from their seats and dance.  Rajasthani artists from Baraan presented “Chakri” dance and artists from Bharatpur presented the “Mayur” dance.  Audiences couldn’t stop dancing and swaying to “Kalbeliya” performance from Jodhpur.

Institute Director, Goverdhan Samar, Honorary Secretary Riyaz Tehseen, Chief Guest Mayor Chandra Singh Kothari were present at the inauguration.  Riyaz Tehseen gave details regarding the establishment of the institute.

The audience also enjoyed the Shilp Haat which had started at 9 a.m. at the Lok Kala Mandal premises.  Shilp Haat has various handicraft items from different states.  This Shilp Haat exhibition will go on till the evening of 2^nd March.  A number of foreign and Indian tourists enjoyed the exhibition and various handicraft items were also sold.