####Thrill of Folk Culture Enchants Shilpgram Utsav Audience; Karna Dhol Performance Wins Hearts

Udaipur — The fourth day of Shilpgram Utsav 2025, organised by the West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC), Udaipur, witnessed a vibrant celebration of India’s diverse folk traditions at the open-air stage, where captivating performances left audiences spellbound. The evening’s highlight was Maharashtra’s traditional Karna Dhol (Shabd Bhed) presentation, in which an artist — blindfolded — located a coconut placed among the audience using rhythmic cues from traditional instruments. The breathtaking act drew loud applause and admiration from spectators.

Goa’s Ghumat and Dekni, Jammu’s Jagarna, Odisha’s Sambalpuri dance, Manipur’s Lai Haraoba, Tripura’s Hojagiri, and Gujarat’s Garba added colour and grace to the evening. Rajasthan’s Nagada Vadan, Sahariya Swang, and Safed Aangi Ger beautifully reflected the essence of local folk culture, while Maharashtra’s thrilling Mallakhamb acts delighted the crowd. Haryana’s Ghoomar and other regional performances also received enthusiastic appreciation.

WZCC Director Furqan Khan said that the deep love for art among Udaipur residents is the true strength of Shilpgram Utsav, enabling the festival to reach new creative heights each year. He added that the ongoing art camp and workshops inside the Shilpgram premises are drawing keen participation from people of all age groups.

At the Banjara Manch, the talent-show segment “Hivda Ri Hook” continued to attract young performers, offering a platform to those who possess talent but rarely get a stage. Interactive quizzes further enhanced the lively atmosphere, with instant prizes for winners. Throughout the day, various chaupals across the venue featured performances such as Gavri, Chakri, Manganiyar singing, Behrupiya acts, Kachchi Ghodi, Bin-Jogi and puppet shows, entertaining visitors and immersing them in living folk tradition.

For Thursday evening, special attractions include Odisha’s Gotipua dance, Chhattisgarh’s Pandavani, Manipur’s Pung Dhol Cholom, and West Bengal’s energetic Natua dance, along with ongoing folk presentations from multiple states.

To facilitate public participation, the Municipal Corporation has started a special city bus service from Surajpol to Shilpgram, operating every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Once again, the festival reaffirmed that Shilpgram is not merely an event — it is a vibrant living platform where folk culture, tradition, and collective heritage come alive.