##The Mesmerising Shadow of Bengal’s Rai Benche Folk Dance

Udaipur.A wave of excitement swept through the packed open-air Mukta Akashi stage as performers from West Bengal showcased the breathtaking Rai Benche folk dance, infusing fresh energy into the ongoing Shilpgram Utsav–2025. The powerful performance, marked by acrobatic movements and warrior-like agility, left the audience spellbound.

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Rai Benche is a traditional folk dance of West Bengal, predominantly performed in the Birbhum, Bardhaman, and Murshidabad regions. Presented exclusively by male dancers, the form is deeply rooted in martial traditions and celebrates courage, strength, rhythm, and perfect coordination. The vigorous display of combat techniques and synchronized movements drew thunderous applause from spectators. The performance was presented on Friday evening as part of the ten-day Shilpgram Festival organized by the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Udaipur. Adding to Bengal’s cultural presence, the Natua dance, enriched with martial art elements, further enthralled the audience.

Uttar Pradesh’s traditional Dhediya folk dance from the Prayagraj region also captured hearts, as female dancers displayed remarkable balance while performing with earthen pots placed on their heads. The rhythmic harmony of song and movement resonated deeply with the audience, offering a vivid glimpse into Uttar Pradesh’s folk heritage.

Each performance of the evening beautifully embodied the festival’s theme, “Colours of Folk, Together with Folk,” providing wholesome entertainment to culture lovers. Jammu’s traditional Dogri Jagarna dance, Rajasthan’s Sahariya Swang dance and Safed Angi Gair, and Uttarakhand’s playful Chhapeli dance were among the crowd favourites. Goa’s renowned Samai dance, performed by dancers in traditional Nauvari sarees balancing oil lamps on their heads, impressed spectators with its grace, expressions, and rhythm.

The audience was equally amazed by Tripura’s Hojagiri dance, showcasing extraordinary balance with bottles balanced on the head. Maharashtra’s thrilling Mallakhamb performance and Manipur’s martial art-based Thang-Ta folk presentation kept the excitement soaring. Adding a spiritual dimension to the evening, Chhattisgarh’s Pandwani Gyaan, narrating tales of the Pandavas, infused the atmosphere with devotion and dynamism.

The cultural evening was smoothly anchored by Mohita Dixit and Yash Dixit.

‘Hivda Ri Hook’ Steals the Spotlight

Meanwhile, the interactive programme ‘Hivda Ri Hook’, being held at the Banjara Stage, continued to attract large crowds on its sixth day. Visitors enthusiastically participated by singing songs, reciting poetry, and showcasing their talents. The lively quiz session conducted by coordinator Saurabh Bhatt added excitement, with winners receiving instant gifts.

Folk Delight Across the Haat Stalls

Beyond the main stage, Shilpgram buzzed with cultural vibrancy across various haats from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Friday, performances included Adivasi Gair and Ghughra-Chhatri (Meena tribe) at the main gate courtyard, Bazigar near the courtyard, Terah Taali and Bhavai at Devra, Kutchi Gyaan at Banni, Naad at Sam, Been Jogi at Bhujodi, Galaleng folk tales at Pithora, Chakri at the Pithora platform, Manganiyar at Bada Bazaar, Pavri dance of the Kokna tribe from Maharashtra-Gujarat at the street corner, puppet shows at Goa Gramin, and Sundari performances at Darpan Dwar and Darpan Chowk.

Adding colour to the festival grounds, wandering Bahurupiya artists delighted visitors, while stone sculptures, artistic huts, and scenic corners across the premises have emerged as favourite selfie points for festival-goers.