LOK VIRASAT- A FESTIVAL OF VANISHING ART FORMS

‘Lok Virasat’, a festival of vanishing art forms was organised at Police DAV Public School, Jalandhar

with the objective of creating awareness about preserving Punjab’s Vanishing Cultural Heritage.

The North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in Collaboration with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) organised the Special cultural programme which showcased Punjab’s endangered Cultural traditions.

The programmes are being organized in every divisional headquarter across India. It is being organized in five divisional headquarters of Punjab, out of which Jalandhar is one.

A shabad was presented by the students of the school at the beginning of the event. It was followed by performances of various art forms.

Maj Gen Balwinder Singh, INTACH State Convener said that it was the collective responsibility of all to save our vanishing culture. He said that Cultural heritage forms the bedrock of our collective identity as it connects us to our past and enriches our present and influences our future. He appreciated the initiative by the North Zone Cultural Centre(NZCC). INTACH Punjab to organise such programmes at numerous places.

Dr Rashmi Vij, Principal Police DAV School, Jalandhar said that it was a privilege to host the programme. She appreciated the performances of the various artists and stressed on the importance of acquainting the younger generation about culture and heritage.

Mr Harmanpreet, Programme Director, Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Punjab coordinated the show and acquainted the students with the vanishing art forms. He appreciated Mr Muhammad Furkan for his efforts to preserve the vanishing arts He assured that NZCC would organise more programmes.

The programme featured three significant cultural performances which fall under vanishing art forms. These include Algoja Performance. The Algoja, a traditional double flute instrument of Punjab, represents one of the region’s most cherished yet endangered musical traditions. Traditionally played by shepherds and rural musicians, the Algoja has been integral to Punjabi folk music, particularly in your accompanying Nakaal Performance. Nakaal is a unique art form that combines elements of storytelling, mimicry, social commentary and satire.

The third vanishing art form is Ludi Tribal Dance an ancient tribal dance form of Punjab, performed by young male dancers. This energetic dance form originated in Punjab’s tribal communities and is characterized by, dynamic jumping movements and spins, Rhythmic foot patterns, traditional formation changes and Synchronized group choreography.

Principal Dr Rashmi Vij presented tokens of love to Major General Balwinder Singh, INTACH Punjab State Convener, Mr Jarnail Singh, Assistant Program Director, Mr Arvind, Coordinator INTAC and Ms Lovleena Rajput from Army Public School, Beas.