Tradition, rhythm and folklore light up Lucknow

The spirit of India’s folk culture heritage came alive in Lucknow as the two-day Deshaj festival unfolded at Ram Manohar Lohia Park. Organised by the Sonchiraiya Foundation, the event marked 15 years of celebrating and preserving the traditional art forms and the artists who continue to keep India’s living traditions alive.

The festival brought together folk artists from different parts of the country, offering audiences a rich cultural experience through music, dance and theatre and folklores. Performances ranged from the powerful Chhau dance of Bihar to the graceful Ghoomar of Rajasthan, the energetic Giddha from Punjab, the rhythmic Cheraw bamboo dance of Mizoram, and the ritualistic Theyyam from Kerala. Each act reflected the unique cultural identity of its region and was met with enthusiastic applause.

One of the highlights of the festival was the performance by folk singer Malini Awasthi. Speaking about the purpose of the festival, Malini who also heads the foundation said, “To understand India, we must first learn about its artists and their culture. It is their dedication and loyalty towards their art that keeps our traditions alive.”

The second day of the festival added a theatrical dimension with the staging of the folk classic, Bidesiya, a play that explores themes of love, separation and migration.

The performance resonated strongly with viewers for its emotional depth and relevance even today.

Sharing his experience, Piyush Pandey, a visitor at the festival, said, “ We usually read about folk culture in books, but Deshaj makes you feel it. Watching so many traditions together reminded me how rich and alive our culture still is.”-Amina Ashraf