75th Foundation Day of Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal

Udaipur: The internationally renowned institution dedicated to folk arts, Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, Udaipur, celebrated its 75th Foundation Day with great enthusiasm. As part of the annual tradition, a two-day cultural fair commenced with mesmerizing performances, including the puppet play Kalibai and soulful Rajasthani folk songs that enthralled the audience.

Dr. Laiq Hussain, Director of Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, informed that the 75th Foundation Day celebrations are being observed with grandeur. On the first day, distinguished guests inaugurated the program by garlanding the portrait of the institution’s founder, Devilal Samar, and lighting the ceremonial lamp.

Following the inauguration, artists of the Mandal presented traditional Rajasthani folk songs. This was followed by the staging of the puppet play Kalibai, based on the life of the brave young girl Kalibai, who played a significant role in spreading education awareness in Rajasthan. The play has been written and directed by Dr. Laiq Hussain.

Second Day Highlights – February 23, 2026

On the second day (February 23, 2026), performances will include Rajasthani folk dances, the Bhapang folk music tradition from Alwar, and a Phad narration troupe from Jodhpur. The performances will begin at 7:00 PM, and entry for the general public will be free. The event is being organized with the support of Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi.

Aadi Bazaar by TRIFED

Dr. Hussain also mentioned that an Aadi Bazaar is being organized within the institution’s premises by TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India). Around 30 stalls will showcase and sell tribal handicrafts, artworks, paintings, textiles, jewelry, meenakari, bamboo crafts, and organic products from across the country.

The exhibition will prominently feature:

• Bagru print textiles and Jaipur blue pottery decorative items from Rajasthan

• Pithora paintings and Bandhej/Bandhani textiles from Gujarat

• Bidri art home décor from Karnataka

• Dokra crafts from Chhattisgarh and Odisha

• Bagh print textiles and Gond paintings from Madhya Pradesh

• Toda woven textiles from Tamil Nadu

• Bamboo and cane products from the North East

• Pattu woolen weaves from Himachal Pradesh

• Warli paintings from Maharashtra

• Saura paintings from Odisha

• Longpi (black pottery) from Manipur

The two-day celebration beautifully highlights India’s rich and diverse folk and tribal heritage, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience.