Shilpgram Festival Opens With a Call to Preserve India’s Folk Culture

Udaipur, Dec 22, 2025 – The 10-day Shilpgram Festival opened on Sunday (December 21) following a formal inauguration by Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagade to the beats of the traditional nagara and lighting of the ceremonial lamp. Guest of Honour on the occasion was Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria. Also present were Udaipur MP Dr Manna Lal Rawat, Udaipur City MLA Tarachand Jain and Udaipur Rural MLA Phool Singh Meena.

“Where there are people, there is illumination, and folk art is the true illumination of life because it has no artificiality - only natural authenticity,” said Governor Bagade at the launch of the festival which has been organised by the West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC), Udaipur, under the Union Ministry of Culture.

 He called upon all present to impart education in art and culture to children and provide them platforms so they can carry forward and preserve folk culture. The Governor cited the example of renowned sculptor Ram V Sutar, creator of the Statue of Unity of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, highlighting how encouragement received in childhood can help one become a great artist.

Also speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Governor Kataria said this cultural festival is a living symbol of Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat and that such fairs play a vital role in carrying forward the country’s rich cultural traditions. Welcoming the folk artists to the city, he said that witnessing their art inspires a sense of responsibility towards the conservation and promotion of culture. He had words of praise for Furqan Khan, Director of WZCC Udaipur, and his team for the continued successful organisation of the festival.

Khan welcomed the guests, shared details about the festival and presented mementoes to the dignitaries.

At the ceremony, the Dr Komal Kothari Memorial Lifetime Achievement Folk Art Award was conferred upon Dr Niranjan Vallabhbhai Rajyaguru of Rajkot (Gujarat) and Ramnath Chaudhary of Jaipur (Rajasthan). Each awardee received a silver plaque along with a cash prize of Rs 2.51 lakh.

Ramnath Chaudhary is the world’s only artist who plays the algoza (double bamboo flute) using his nose. Dr Rajyaguru has conducted extensive fieldwork on folk and devotional music and has completed 700 hours of sound recordings.

Dance presentations at the inauguration brought together Goa’s Dekhni and Ghode Modni, Manipur’s Lai Haraoba, Kashmir’s Rouf, Rajasthan’s Laal Aangi and Chari, Karnataka’s Puja Kunita and Dhaalu Kunita, Maharashtra’s Songi Mukhauta, Punjab’s Luddi, and Gujarat’s Talwar Raas and Rathwa dances. Directed by renowned Delhi-based choreographer Sushil Sharma, the special performance mesmerised audiences with a unique confluence of cultures from across the country.

The beautiful symphony of Marathi Lavani folk dance by Shraddha Satveedkar and Indian classical Kathak by Nitin Kumar created a unique blend of classical and folk traditions, drawing thunderous applause. The dancers’ costumes and rhythmic mastery repeatedly prompted cheers of admiration.

A melodious medley of Rajasthani folk songs, directed by Dr Prem Bhandari, struck a chord with listeners. The highlight of the presentation was its ability to retain the original folk singing style while adding a classical touch, which was widely appreciated by music lovers.

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