750 folk artists, 960 craftsmen, experts in traditional handicraft of their respective states will take part in this year’s Shilpgram Utsav-2015. Besides its regular events, this year WZCC, the main organizing body of Shilpgram has introduced many new attractions to entertain the audience.

The 10 days of cultural extravaganza will be organized by WZCC in association of Commissioner, Development of Handicraft, New Delhi, National Jute Development Board, New Delhi, Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals Limited, Udaipur, Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi Jodhpur, Directorate of Art & Culture Maharashtra, Government of Goa, Yuvak Seva & Sanskrutik Department, Government of Gujarat, North Central Culture Center, Patiala, North Central Cultural Center Allahabad, South Zone Culture Center Tanjavur, Central Zone Cultural Center Nagpur, Eastern Zone Cultural Center Kolkata and Dimapur.

Governor Kalyan Singh will inaugurate the Shilpgram Utsav 2015 on 21st Dec and all entries will be free only on that day after 3 PM. Special guests of the event will be Gulab Chand Kataria (Home Minister) and Arjun Lal Meena MLA.

While addressing a press conference, WZCC Director Furqan Khan briefed about the scheduled programs and special events which will be introduced for the first time.

Hivra ri Huk – Dil Chahta hai – There is an artist that resides inside every human being but mostly due to hesitation it never comes out. Singing is a common practice and it also gives us self relaxation but what if a common person gets a stage to perform? The hidden talent will come out suddenly and surprise the audience and the performer himself.

With the motive to provide a stage to every common person who are not professional or passionate artists, singers and dancers will get a stage “Hivra ri Huk” which means Dil Chahta hai to perform with their fullest.

From 22nd to 28th Dec between 12 PM to 4 PM, a special stage performances will be conducted and people can register their names before performing. There is no selection procedure and everyone can perform with any of talents viz. Singing, Dance, Playing Musical Instrument or reciting Poetries.

Documentary (Drishyam) – This is for the first time, that Documentaries are included in the Shilpgram Utsav. Audio Visual Shows are best way to promote, extend and communicate. Through documentary presentation, WZCC will try to spread knowledge and awareness among masses regarding the folk arts which are fading through time.

Three venues of Shilpgram are selected for Documentaries viz. Main Rangmanch, Kala Niwas and Kala Kunj will have a large LED Screen installed and films will be showcased whole day.

Apart from special documentary of Shilpgram, films on Gavri, Turra Kalangi Rogan Kam, Mewati Jogi and Dang will also showcased.

Special Days – West Zone Cultural Center is amalgamation of Western States of India which are not only varied geographically but also have diverse History, Culture, Art and Craft. WZCC has its members in states including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa and during the 10 days event, these four states will get special day dedicated to them.

21st Dec will be for Gujarat, 22nd Maharashtra, 23rd Goa and 24th Dec will be known as Rajasthan Divas, respectively. On every special day, the program presentation will be themed accordingly and artists of particular states will showcase their dance and music.

Comedy Plays – Laughing is regarded healthier and one of the best ways of entertainment. Shilpgram Utsav will provide ample amount of laughter through folk plays, Behrupiya art and several other ways to jolly the audience.

Mimicry – An art of standup comedy, mimicry is full of entertainment and most of the times exhibit the social, political aspects through satire. Hemant Kharsani aka Chika Kharsani from Ahmedabad is a well known mimicry artist and has successfully presented his art on both national and international platforms. His self written mimicry stories Dog Meeting, Yudh etc. are renowned.

Kaanch ka Nagada – Nagada is an ancient musical instrument which is commonly used in play and dance. It is been used even in marriage ceremonies in Rajasthan with Shehnaai, another musical tool. Interestingly Narendra Singh Khushwaha from Ujjan has mastered in Nagada made of glass. Kushwaha is known as king of Nagada and his Kaanch ka Nagada will be in spotlight during the festival.

Baal Sansar (Kids World) – The children visiting Shilpgram Festival will get opportunity to learn the arts of Magic Tricks, Calligraphy and Toy making by experts.

WCZZ Director Furqan Khan has informed that every morning all artistic activities and Haat Bazaar will begin, whereas from 6 PM folk artists will start performing with music, dance and theater on stage.

Additional Director Sudhanshu Singh was also present during the press meet.