Yesterday
had an opportunity to visit Lokotsav-2014, organized by the state government of
Goa at Darya Sangam, Kala Academy, Panaji. This is a 10-day folk festival which
will continue till 16/Jan, a perfect platform for a lot of folk artists and craftsmen from various
states across India to showcase their talent and display/sell various arts/crafts.
A
lot of locals, domestic tourists and foreigners are flocking to the place to
have a glimpse of the festival. There is no entry fee however the government
could have charged a nominal fee.
The
festival hosts hundreds of stalls of handicrafts, eatables, arts, pottery,
furniture, carpets etc. A few of them are by the local artisans from Goa,
as well.
A
large number of artistes perform folk dances, music, songs
exhibiting traditional culture of various states in India. To name a few:
Ghoomar (Haryana), Bhangda (Punjab), Bihu (Assam), Kalbeliya (Rajasthan),
Mewasi (Gujrat), Ghodemodni (Goa). The festival is a must-visit and all the
performances are a treat to watch.
There are also food courts that serve
traditional local delicacies from various states. One can try some Chaats, Paanipuri, Jalebis, Kachodi, Aalu Tikki, Lassi and of course from local cuisine
like Chicken Xacuti and Pao!
The
festival is being held for last 14 years and is a praiseworthy event organized
by the state government. The schedule and details are available on the official
website of Art and Culture department of Goa, at: http://www.artandculture.goa.gov.in/news_disp.php
It’s a very festive atmosphere for one
to spend a good evening with friends and families…go today, check the true
richness of our widespread culture.
While returning I happened
to notice, nice segregated garbage collection unit put up by the Corporation of
the City of Panaji – well done guys! And you all readers – do make use of the
same, when you visit next!
very informative information about Lokotsav.
ReplyDeleteIn times to come it will be difficult to uniquely identify Goan culture. Lokotsav will be the right platform for remembering the good old goan days. Goans from Swindon/Dubai/Kuwait/Bahrain are the few ones who might preserve our culture and represent Goa in Lokotsav.
ReplyDeleteI wasnt aware that the event is for 10days. Thanks for sharing the info..
ReplyDeleteOn entrance fees front, yeah, i do agree with you. A nominal fee like Rs 10/- would have been good. Only genuine crowd would have then visited thereby reducing the traffic ;-)