Tribal Arts, Traditions and Folk Heritage Shine on Day Three of ‘JanJati Bhagidari Utsav’

Lucknow: The third day of the JanJati Bhagidari Utsav, organised by the Uttar Pradesh Institute of Folk and Tribal Arts at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Gomtinagar, presented a vibrant display of India’s diverse tribal traditions, folk arts and cultural heritage. Uttar Pradesh Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Vocational Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Kapil Dev Agarwal, visited the exhibition and cultural arena, interacting with artists and appreciating their commitment to preserving tribal art forms.

The day began with a captivating performance by Odisha’s Durua tribe. Sixteen artists, led by Pratima Rath, enacted a traditional ritual performed after the special Durua worship, where two children symbolically engage in a mock duel—a presentation that enthralled the audience. Equally mesmerizing was the serene Rouf dance and musical performance by artists from Kashmir, whose soulful melodies brought alive the cultural spirit of the valley.

Adding colour and entertainment, Rajasthan’s Bahurupiya artist Shamshad appeared in the guise of Aladdin’s genie, drawing laughter across the hall with his lively interaction. Under the direction of Ranjish Rana, 15 performers showcased Pilibhit’s Jhinjhi dance, highlighting messages of nature, harmony and togetherness through traditional folk songs and the symbolic use of earthen pots lit with lamps.

Artists from Assam, directed by Swagata Sharma, presented the Bodo dance, depicting the tribe’s deep emotional bond with nature. This was followed by the energetic Karma dance of Sonbhadra, led by Amarjeet Singh Kharwar, bringing alive the rhythms of the madal, the communal synchronicity of movements and rituals associated with the monsoon season. The cultural evening concluded with an enchanting Maand recital by Bhanwaru Khan Langa and his troupe, filling the venue with the rich harmonies of instruments such as the morchang, dholak, khartal, bhapang and Sindhi sarangi.

The event was attended by several dignitaries including Anand Kumar Singh, Deputy Director of the Social Welfare Department; J. Ram, Deputy Director; and Atul Dwivedi, Director of the Institute. The visiting Durua and Kashmiri troupes were also taken on a tour of Ambedkar Memorial Park to experience the state’s architectural heritage. A live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address from Dediyapada, Gujarat, was streamed at the venue on the occasion of JanJatiya Gaurav Diwas. The Prime Minister highlighted the contributions of tribal communities, especially in light of the 150th birth anniversary of freedom icon Birsa Munda, and urged citizens to strengthen national development through inclusive participation.

Children enjoyed playing on a giant Ludo board created on the ground, while the handicrafts exhibition and diverse food stalls continued to draw enthusiastic crowds, adding to the festive spirit of the ongoing celebration.