Prayagraj: The melodious sound of songs, the beats of the tabla, the captivating postures of classical dance, the vibrant spirit of dandiya-garba, and the amazing creativity of young artists. Such a captivating scene unfolded on Monday at the auditorium of the North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC). The occasion was the grand closing ceremony of the 15-day summer children’s workshop, organized by the North Central Zone Cultural Centre, Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The children displayed their talent on stage in such a way that the entire auditorium reverberated with thunderous applause. From a painting exhibition to folk songs, classical dance, instrumental music, dandiya, and garba performances, the audience was immersed in the diverse colors of Indian art and culture.
The programme was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by the chief guest Prof. Ram Pyare, Member Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission, Prayagraj Centre Director Sudesh Sharma, Deputy Director Dr. Mukesh Upadhyay and Programme Advisor Kalpana Sahay.
The cultural presentations began with folk song performances by children trained by instructor Ankur Srivastava. The children received a standing ovation from the audience with their renditions of folk songs like “Jagdamba has come home to the house,” “Sawan Boodiyan has come to the house,” “My eyes are not happy without my beloved,” “Reliya Bairan, my beloved is coming,” “My Lord has come to Awadh,” and “Char Mahinwa Garmi Paden.”
Following this, children trained by Dr. Anupam Gupta gave an impressive performance of Teentaal accompanied by tabla playing on the song “Ari Sakhi Mangal Gao Ri.” Under the guidance of Kathak instructor Dr. Anu Sinha, children presented Kathak dances based on Ganesh Vandana and Vishnu Vandana, while a captivating Bharatanatyam performance under the direction of Urvashi Jaitley captivated the audience.
Under the guidance of Dandiya and Garba instructor Sonali Chakraborty, children and youth filled the auditorium with enthusiasm and excitement by presenting Dandiya dance on the songs “Hey Rangilo Jame Kalind Neere Raat”, “Chhogado Taaro”, “O Re Rangilo Taaro” and Garba dance on popular songs like “Dholida Dhol Re Baja”, “Mare Hichle Se” and “Rang Tali, Rang Tali, Rang Tali Maa Ambe Rang Tali”.
Painting exhibition became the center of attraction: On the occasion of the closing ceremony, an exhibition of paintings and artworks prepared by children, titled “Kalpa Tarang: Little Minds, Infinite Worlds,” was organized at the Mahatma Gandhi Art Gallery under the direction of instructor Pratibha Pandey. The chief guest and other dignitaries visited the exhibition and praised the children’s creativity and artistic expression.
The exhibition showcased paintings based on various themes including environmental protection, natural colours, folk arts, human emotions, Samudra Manthan, Warli, Gond and Pattachitra art. Artworks made from waste material, canvas paintings, clay crafts and handmade items attracted special attention from the visitors. During the workshop, children were trained in drawing-painting, crafts, clay crafts, making useful items from waste material and yoga activities, the excellent results of which were seen in the exhibition.
At the end of the program, the chief guest and center director honored the trainers with certificates, robes, and a plant. All the center’s officers and employees, along with a large number of city dignitaries, were present on the occasion. The program was conducted by Akash Agarwal.
