###Shilpgram Utsav 2025 Begins with a Grand Cultural Showcase

Udaipur | The vibrant Shilpgram Utsav 2025 began on a spectacular note, captivating audiences with a rich blend of folk dances, music, and cultural traditions from across India. The third day of the ten-day festival witnessed an overwhelming response as performances at the Muktakashi Stage brought the festival’s theme, “Colours of Folk – With the Folk,” vividly to life.

The highlight of the evening was Gujarat’s tribal Rathwa dance, where dancers amazed the audience with exceptional balance and coordination. The formation of human pyramids, with female dancers balanced on the shoulders of male performers, drew thunderous applause and left spectators spellbound.

A Celebration of India’s Folk Diversity

Rajasthan’s powerful Nagara drumming, Safed Angi and Lal Angi Gair, and the energetic Chari dance set the tone for an enthralling evening. Folk performances from other states added to the cultural richness, including Sambalpuri from Odisha, Lai Haraoba from Manipur, and Pooja Kunitha from Karnataka.

The soulful strains of “Ghoomro Ghoomro Shyam Rang Ghoomro…” accompanied the graceful Rouf dance of Kashmir, with the audience enthusiastically joining in. Maharashtra’s famed Lavani dance, known for its expressive movements and rhythmic finesse, mesmerized spectators, while daring Mallakhamb feats brought excitement and loud cheers.

Adding to the festive spirit were Punjab’s lively Luddi, Gujarat’s energetic Sword Raas, and Haryana’s popular Ghoomar, which filled the atmosphere with enthusiasm and joy. The programme was smoothly compered by Mohita Dixit and Vedika Dixit.

More Cultural Treats Ahead: Furqan Khan

Director of the North Zone Cultural Centre, Furqan Khan, said that the core objective of the Shilpgram Utsav is to provide a strong platform for folk artists and traditional artisans from across the country. He credited the cultural sensitivity of Udaipur and the Mewar region for the festival’s growing popularity and noted that innovative and engaging folk performances are being introduced daily.

‘Hivda Ri Hook’ Draws Youth Participation

The interactive musical programme ‘Hivda Ri Hook’ at the Banjara Stage continued to attract enthusiastic participation from youth and families alike. Audience performances, combined with engaging quizzes hosted by Saurabh Bhatt, added to the programme’s popularity, with winners receiving attractive prizes.

Folk Culture Comes Alive at the Stalls

From 11 am to 6 pm, various venues within the Shilpgram complex hosted continuous folk performances, including Gavri, Kachhi Ghodi, acrobat acts, Gondhal, Powada, Masak instrumental music, Manganiyar singing, Been Jogis, puppetry, Deru and Ghoomat. Colourful Bahurupiya artists and stunning stone sculptures added to the festive ambience and emerged as popular selfie spots among visitors.

Today’s Special Attractions (Wednesday Evening)

The Muktakashi Stage will feature Garba (Gujarat), Jagarna (Jammu), Nagara drumming, Sahariya Swang, Safed Angi Gair (Rajasthan), Dekhni (Goa), Lai Haraoba (Manipur), Hojagiri (Tripura), Ghoomar (Haryana) and Sambalpuri (Odisha).
Thrilling performances of Karn Dhol and Mallakhamb from Maharashtra are also expected to enthral the audience.

Special Feature | Shilpgram Utsav 2025

Kashmiri Kahwa Wins Hearts with Its Aroma and Warmth

Amid the winter chill, the aromatic Kashmiri Kahwa has emerged as a crowd favourite at Shilpgram. At a stall behind the Dhol Hut, Mohammad Iqbal from Kashmir is serving freshly prepared kahwa along with packaged varieties and premium dry fruits.

He explained that kahwa is brewed using saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, licorice, rose petals and powdered dry fruits. Apart from its rich taste, kahwa is known to boost immunity and provide warmth, making it a traditional beverage in the cold regions of Kashmir.

Dry Fruits and Shilajit in Demand

Iqbal, who has gained recognition at craft fairs across the country, said that authentic Kashmiri dry fruits such as walnuts, almonds, figs, apricots, cranberries, raisins, honey, high-quality shilajit, kidney beans and Himalayan garlic are witnessing strong demand at the festival, with visitors appreciating their assured quality and purity.