####Shilpgram Utsav 2025 Begins with Grandeur
Folk Art Is the True Illumination of Life: Governor Bagade
Udaipur, The ten-day Shilpgram Utsav 2025, organized by the West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC), Udaipur, under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, commenced with grandeur at Shilpgram, Hawala, on Sunday. Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagade formally inaugurated the festival by lighting the ceremonial lamp and beating the traditional nagara along with distinguished guests.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Bagade said, “Where there is folk, there is illumination. Folk art is the true light of life because it is natural and free from artificiality.” He urged officials and citizens to impart education in art and culture to children and provide them platforms to perform, so that folk traditions can be preserved and carried forward.
He also cited the example of renowned sculptor Ram V. Sutar, creator of the “Statue of Unity,” highlighting how encouragement received in childhood can shape extraordinary talent.
Festival Reflects the Spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’: Governor Kataria
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, the special invited guest, described the festival as a living embodiment of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. He said such cultural festivals play a vital role in preserving and promoting India’s rich and diverse heritage, offering something meaningful for people of all age groups.
Welcoming folk artists from across the country, Kataria emphasized that their performances inspire a sense of responsibility towards cultural conservation. He also praised Furkan Khan, Director of WZCC, Udaipur, and his team for consistently organizing the festival successfully.
Director Furkan Khan welcomed the dignitaries, briefed them about the festival, and presented mementos to the guests.
Governors Exchange Warm Greetings
Governor Bagade welcomed Punjab Governor Kataria and thanked him for attending the ceremony, while Kataria, as a citizen of Udaipur, warmly welcomed Governor Bagade to the city and expressed his gratitude.
Dignitaries Present
Udaipur MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat, Udaipur City MLA Tarachand Jain, and Udaipur Rural MLA Phool Singh Meena were also present at the inauguration ceremony.
Komal Kothari Folk Art Awards Conferred
The Dr. Komal Kothari Memorial Lifetime Achievement Folk Art Award was conferred upon Dr. Niranjan Vallabhbhai Rajyaguru of Rajkot (Gujarat) and Ramnath Chaudhary of Jaipur (Rajasthan). Each awardee received a silver plaque along with a cash prize of ₹2.51 lakh.
Ramnath Chaudhary is the world’s only artist who plays the algoza using his nose, while Dr. Rajyaguru has conducted extensive fieldwork in folk and devotional music, producing over 700 hours of sound recordings.
Spectacular Fusion of Folk Cultures Enthralls Audience
The inauguration ceremony witnessed a magnificent choreographed folk dance presentation featuring Goa’s Dekhni and Ghode Modni, Manipur’s Lai Haraoba, Kashmir’s Rouf, Rajasthan’s Laal Aangi and Chari, Karnataka’s Pooja Kunitha and Dhal Kunitha, Maharashtra’s Songi mask dance, Punjab’s Luddi, and Gujarat’s Talwar Raas and Rathwa dances. Directed by renowned Delhi-based choreographer Sushil Sharma, the performance mesmerized the audience with its vibrant cultural fusion.
Kathak–Lavani Folk-Classical Symphony Steals the Show
A captivating folk-classical fusion featuring Marathi Lavani by Shraddha Satveedkar and Kathak by Nitin Kumar left the audience spellbound. The rhythm, costumes and graceful movements drew repeated applause, making Shilpgram resonate with cheers.
Folk Song Medley Wins Hearts
A melodious medley of Rajasthani folk songs, directed by Dr. Prem Bhandari, enchanted music lovers. The presentation retained the original folk essence while blending it with a classical touch, earning widespread appreciation from the audience.
The grand opening set a vibrant tone for Shilpgram Utsav 2025, celebrating India’s rich folk heritage through art, music and dance.
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