Prayagraj: The Diwali Crafts Fair, organized by the North Central Zone Cultural Center, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, was a vibrant cultural program on Thursday. Performances of folk songs, classical singing, and folk dance captivated the audience. The audience applauded the artists’ performances, encouraging them.
The program was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by the chief guest, Prof. Swatantra Sharma, former Vice Chancellor, Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University, Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), Sanskar Bharti, Kashi Province Organization Minister Deepak Sharma and Advisor Kalpana Sahay and special guest, Prof. Pandit Prem Kumar Malik of Allahabad University.
The cultural evening began with a Dhrupad performance by Saket Kumar and his group, who won first prize in classical music at the Brahmanad competition. The artists introduced the beauty of classical music by presenting the Raga’s Vistar, Alaap, Nom-Tom, and Layakari.
Dr. Jyoti Mishra then enthralled the audience with her semi-classical singing. She performed “Aaye Birajo” in Raga Jogkauns, “Guru Bin Kaun” in Raga Yaman, “Nand Ghar Baje Kahan Lage Mohan,” and the Nirgun Bhajan “Mori Aai Gavanwa Ki Bari.” Her singing was well received by the audience.
A glimpse of Uttarakhand’s folk culture was seen in Geeta Siradi and Rajendra Siradi’s Chhapeli dance. Vinod Kumar Patel and his fellow artists brought scenes from the Ramayana to life through Birha singing. Folk tunes and soulful performances captivated the audience. Rajmani Tiwari and his team from Madhya Pradesh presented Duldul Ghori.
On this occasion, Deputy Director Dr. Mukesh Upadhyay honored all the artists by presenting them with robes and saplings. Abhijeet Mishra conducted the program.
