Punjabis enthrall international audience with bhangra, gatka

Phagwara, Punjab: Folklore is a universal language and world folk festivals create a platform of international friendship and culture of peace. Punjabis, who had just come back to Punjab, after attending an international folk festival in Tula region of Russia, speak about the rich traditions of Russian folklore and the response of the Russian community towards Punjabi folk dances.

Russians have great respect for colorful turbans and traditions of Punjab. The mesmerising effect of the Punjabi folklore and Sikh martial arts Gatka during our folk performance at Tula amphitheatre, Vaniov Theatre, Golden City Resorts, Greecovysky and other places, said Davinder Singh Chhina, director of Punjab Cultural Promotion Council, while talking to the The Tribune, here yesterday.

All the participants – Dr Davinder Singh Chhina, Karanbir Singh Chhina (Patiala), Bansi Lal (Ludhiana), Neeraj Kumar, Navraj Singh Chhina (students of Nankana Sahib Public School, Ludhiana), Atambir Singh (student, Budha Dal Public School, Patiala) and Alamjeet Singh (Mohali) were honoured with Dyplom-de-participation by Vadim Barshinikov, Natalia, head of the Folk Culture House, Tula Region, and Emil Dmitrov, manager of the FolkWorld, at the glittering- felicitation ceremony, held at Tula amphitheatre.

Punjab Cultural Promotion Council (PCPC) team was joined by Bosnian students at Tula Theatre to enthral the audience with exotic Bhangra. Bosnian girls, attired in Punjabi costumes, excelled in Bhangra actions. Russians, too, enjoyed Bhangra. Dhol beats of international drummer Bansi Lal captivated the folk artistes from Russia, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Macedonia and other countries.

Gatka artiste Atambir Singh exhibited Sikh martial arts – Gatka at all the venues of the festival. The international audience and tourists from various nations had a great time watching Gatka at the world famous tourist destination the Red Square of Moscow city. The overwhelming response of the audience towards our performance inspired me a lot, disclosed Atambir Singh, aged 14, the youngest member of the folk troupe from Punjab.

The cultural happenings and folk manifestations by international folk groups and exhibitions on Russian arts and artifacts at Twelve keys valley of Tula region, as well as exchange of cultural souvenirs between Punjab delegation and international delegates, were the other highlights of this international event.

While speaking to Russian TV crew, Davinder invited the Russian delegations to visit and explore the great heritage of Punjab. Colourful dances of Punjab region are exceptional and absorbing for the Russian community,€said Nina and Natalia, organisers of the festival.

Source: The Tribune