The International Gita Mahotsav at the sacred Brahmasarovar is giving a new lease of life to the disappearing folk culture and traditional crafts. In this festival, artists from various states are skillfully showcasing the unique folk art and craftsmanship of their respective regions.
Haryana: Just like every year, this International Gita Mahotsav once again presents a grand confluence of the nation's folk culture, traditions, and handicraft art. The Saras and Craft Fair, set up on the banks of the sacred Brahmasarovar, has become the biggest attraction of this festival, where artisans from various states are captivating tourists with their unique craftsmanship.
This vibrant display of folk culture and traditional crafts is not only enchanting tourists but also providing an opportunity for vanishing traditions to be revitalized.
Brahmasarovar Comes Alive with the Echoes of Folk Art
Every day at the festival, artists from different states of the country are presenting their traditional folk arts. When Uttarakhand's Chhapeli dance, Punjab's Gatka, Himachal's Gaddi Naati, Rajasthan's Bahrupiyas, and Punjab's Bazigars take to the stage, every ghat of Brahmasarovar reverberates with thunderous applause. This confluence of folk arts is not just a medium of entertainment but also a vibrant introduction to India's cultural diversity.
Even on the fifth day, from morning till evening, devotees and tourists swayed to the tunes of the artists. While some were enjoying the rhythm of the Punjabi artists, others were seen dancing to the traditional melodies of Uttarakhand and Himachal. During this time, the sight of Brahmasarovar truly resembled a mini-India—where every state was present on a single stage, carrying its unique heritage.
Tourists Swaying and Taking Pictures with Artists
Tourists visiting during the festival do not remain mere spectators but become active participants. In many places, tourists are seen dancing with the artists, while others capture the artists' traditional costumes and performances on camera. Pictures and videos of these events are also rapidly going viral on social media, allowing this folk culture to reach every corner of the world.
Artist Gurkeerat Singh from Punjab and dancer Isha from Jammu state that preserving ancient folk arts in the modern era is not easy. The younger generation's inclination is towards modern and Western art, making it crucial for traditional arts to receive a platform and support. According to them, a grand platform like the Gita Mahotsav significantly eases this challenge, as the art of one state reaches other states here, and artists receive appreciation from across the country.
Isha said that here on stage, artists not only present their art but also bring their costumes, music, dance, songs, and cultural identity to the world. This is why this festival has become a platform of prestige for folk artists.
Brahmasarovar's Banks Adorned with Handicrafts
At the Saras and Craft Fair of the festival, the craftsmanship of artisans from various states of the country continues to be a major attraction for people. Artisans like Siraj, Akhtar, and Ranjan Jain from Assam have displayed unique bamboo products at their stalls. These primarily include fruit baskets, wall hangings, table lamps, flower pots, cup-plate sets, and bamboo water bottles.
The artisans explain that many people work together in the creation of these items, and each product is the result of months of hard work. By purchasing these items, tourists are not only enhancing their home decor but also promoting the Indian handicraft tradition.
