News Analysis India

Tag: Cultural Heritage

  • A colourful, cultural extravaganza

    By Express News Service

    After two years of staying indoors, there is a feeling of freedom to finally be out in the open and interact with people. We were incandescent with glee when we visited the Bharat Bhagya Vidhata Red Fort Festival on Monday evening. August 15 Park (Lahori Gate) is the venue for this event and hosts makeshift stalls and a giant Ferris wheel.

    This 10-day extravaganza, which was unveiled on March 25, is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of India. Part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav—an initiative by the government of India to commemorate 75 years of Indian Independence—highlights the country’s diverse crafts, cuisines, and more.The Ministry of Culture has conceptualised this event along with Dalmia Bharat Limited, the organisation selected as Red Fort’s ‘Monument Mitra’ by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India.

    As part of the ‘Adopt a Heritage Project’ by the Government, Dalmia Bharat Limited has been working towards making the iconic 17th Century heritage site tourist-friendly. The festival is thus a giant step taken for the purpose of heritage conservation and tourism.

    “The very magnitude and importance of the festival holds relevance as it is larger than life, and incorporates a fusion of art, culture, enthusiastic participation from culture lovers, food, and presentation from across our great nation,” shares Puneet Dalmia, managing director of Dalmia Bharat Limited.

    Divided into a number of sections, this festival will offer the visitors a wholesome experience of ‘Bharat’. Divided into five sections, this festival offers visitors a wholesome experience of ‘Bharat’.

    The best of everythingAlong with food stalls under the ‘Khao Gali’ section that offers Indian cuisines, the festival also has a section titled ‘Khel Gaon’ specifically for children. In the latter, one will witness ongoing workshops, storytelling sessions, games, and more, that are likely to keep children both informed and entertained.

    ‘Satrangi’ is a section allocated to around 70 craftspersons, with stalls featuring Kashmir’s Sozni embroidery, Rajasthan’s horn and bone craft, Ikat from Telangana, and more.

    Vankar Ramesh Virji, a generational Bhujodi weaver from Bhuj-Kutch, shared, “It is great that artisans can showcase their work here without paying for the stalls.” Seline Fernandez from Dwarka, who was browsing through the stalls here, shared, “It is great for those interested in handicrafts to meet artisans face to face.”

    Interactive storytelling

    Just as the stalls have been attracting visitors interested in crafts, the festival also has exhibitions and performances for culture enthusiasts. One such interactive exhibition is the ‘Bharat Gaurav’ that showcases India’s achievements. Visitors might also be interested in the ‘Yatra’—a 360 degree immersive experience narrating the story of India as one of the oldest civilisations.

    The experimental project attempts to modernise oral storytelling. Ananya Jain from Rohini, who was at the festival with her parents on Monday, said, “‘Yatra’ was one of my favourites; it is a different way to gain information about the country.”

    There is also a cultural parade—it circles the festival ground once a day—choreographed by classical dancer Maitreyee Pahari. It highlights India’s folk dance forms such as Singhi Chham from Sikkim, Ao Naga dance from Nagaland, Kalbelia from Rajasthan, among others.

    Every evening, the Rang Manch stage is enlivened by live performances featuring multiple artists. Notable musicians such as playback singer Shaan, contemporary folk musician Raghu Dixit, and others have already performed here.

    Speaking about the festival being at the Red Fort, Jain concluded, “Nothing can be more significant to have a festival highlighting India at a monument that has such historical importance to our nation.”

    CHECK IT OUT

    WHAT: Bharat Bhagya Vidhata Red Fort FestivalWHEN: Till April 3; 11:00am to 10:00pmWHERE: August 15 Park, Red Fort

    MUST-WATCH HIGHLIGHTS

    WHAT: Cultural Parade by Maitreyee PahariWHEN: Every day; 4:00pm

    WHAT: Bharat Gaurav and Yatra exhibitionsWHEN: Every day; 4:00pm onwards

    WHAT: Anokhe Vastra: Puppet Theatre by Dadi PudumjeeWHEN: Today; 8:00pm

    WHAT: Nizami Brothers performanceWHEN: April 1; 9:00pm

  • Cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh is our identity: Chief Minister Mr. Baghel

    Bhupesh Baghel today attended the All India Ramnami Mahasabha Bade Bhajan Mela organized in village-Nandeli of Sarangarh development block of Raigad district. He worshiped Jayastambha. The Chief Minister announced the construction of a 50-bed hospital in Sarangarh, to make Kosir a sub-tehsil, and a reservoir in Bhadisar.
    Chief Minister Mr. Baghel, where did you find the couplets of Sant Kabir, I am in your possession, said that the people of Ramnami society got Ram’s name in their body and installed it in themselves instead of finding God outside. is. He said that people of Ramnami society practice hard work. Rama’s name is written all over the body. Odhni also carries the name of Rama. The state government is working to cherish, cherish and carry forward the rich cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh. Ram Van Gaman Path is being constructed by spending about 135 crores. In which 9 places are being developed as tourist destinations this year.
    Chief Minister Mr. Baghel said that the government is continuously taking beneficial decisions for the farmers. All necessary arrangements have been made for paddy purchase in support price. So far 86 lakh metric tonnes of paddy has been purchased this year. New committees and paddy buying centers have been opened for the convenient procurement of paddy. Due to the conditions arising due to corona, the supply of gunny bags was affected, so the purchase of gunny bags with ration bags and plastic gunny bags was approved so that the purchase would not be affected. Work is being done to start the jute mill located in Raigad. So that people can get employment and the shortage of gunny bags can also be removed. Under the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana, the input incentive amount of about Rs 5750 crore is being deposited directly to the paddy growing farmers in their account. 4500 crore rupees have been given in three installments under the scheme. The fourth installment will be given before 31 March.
    The Chief Minister said that for the first time in the country, the Godhan Nyaya Yojana was launched to strengthen the rural economy. Under which the cow dung is being purchased for two rupees a kilo. Due to this, additional income is being provided to the cowherds, farmers and villagers. With the creation of vermi compost, women have got a new way of self-reliance. Earlier people used to buy motorcycles by selling paddy, now they are buying motorcycles only by selling cow dung. Vermi compost is promoting organic farming. The fertility of the land is increasing. The quality of crops is also improving.