The 2011 Shilpgram Festival was inaugurated today by the Governor of Rajasthan, Shivraj Patil. This is the Silver Jubilee Year of the WZCC, the organiser of the Shilpgram Festival.

Subsequent to being given a traditional and warm welcome by the Festival authorities and the artists from the participating states, the Governor was led to the stage where he lit the traditional lamp, accompanied by the Director of WZCC, Shailendra Dashora.

In his inaugural speech, the Governor welcomed all the participants and gave due credit to the Late Rajiv Gandhi, under whose patronage the Zonal Cultural teams were formed, to facilitate a platform for artists.

He also said, “there is a lot of talent around the world, which is unknown to the public, and a platform like this is the right place to present such talent. I came here last year as well and am impressed by the arrangements this year too. Rajasthan is a beautiful place and a foreign tourist’s visit to India is incomplete without a visit to Rajasthan, especially Udaipur, which has its life within the Aravali hills.

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Subsequent to the inauguration ceremony, the cultural events commenced, a melodious start being given by the well known Gazi Khan Mangniar from Rajasthan. A group of 7 boys, dressed as girls performed the acrobatic folk dances “Mangal Charan” and “Bandh” dance.

This was followed by the Maharashtrian “Sondi Mukhatay” dance and the Gujarati “Rathawa” dance. Rathawa is one of the oldest tribes of Gujarat.

Mizoram’s bamboo dance, popularly known as the “Charo” dance was then followed by the Goan “Dekhani” and the UP based “Mayur” dance.

Finally the “Ghumar” dance was performed by Hariyanvi artists.