Federalism festival unfolds India’s flavours

By IANS

New Delhi : Delicacies from across the country, colourful handicrafts from various states, spell binding musical performances, intellectual discussions… the lush green lawns near the India Gate hosting the Federalism arts festival was abuzz with activities Monday.


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Celebrating the 4th International Conference on Federalism being held in the capital, the five-day parallel ‘Sanjha Safar’ arts festival started Sunday.

Pramod Bhasin, the technical officer of exhibitions at the festival, said the festival is a celebration of the fruits of freedom – diversity, interconnectivity and empowerment.

“The festival, which has over 200 crafts persons from nearly every corner of the country and around 2,000 other performers and participants, is a representation of federalism, not as a textual political concept but as a phenomenon which touches everyone’s lives,” Bhasin told IANS.

Bobby Dey, a craftsperson from West Bengal sitting in a stall with her handicrafts strewn around her, said that of everything she has on display, the Katha stitch saris are the most in demand.

“Katha stitch is a special craft of West Bengal. That’s why people don’t mind spending even Rs.5,000 for a Katha stitch sari,” said Dey.

From traditional clothes to fancy bags, from colourful bangles, candles and other accessories to intricate decorative pieces, the stalls from various states had everything one could ask for.

Near the handicrafts stalls, were the food stalls selling a variety of fare – biryani, gol gappas, laddoos… even paan!

Acrobats walking on suspended ropes were a major attraction, as were street plays on various issues like girl education and communal harmony.

Among the participants, children played a major role. With over 100 kids gathered here from far off states like Chhattisgarh and Karnataka, their voices did not go unheard.

Nilima Basu, who was coordinating the children’s activities, said that the kids were going all out speaking their minds through various mediums, like street plays, poster presentation and workshops.

Posters with messages like ‘Thank god children are not miniature adults’, ‘Why does school always have to be good and work always bad’ hung on the walls of the children’s tent in the festival ground.

Conceived and implemented by the Asian Heritage Foundation, Sanjha Safar, also had seminars and debates on issues like whether federalism has actually helped the masses.

The festival, put together by a team of young enthusiasts, including artists, designers, architects and curators led by renowned artisan designer Rajeev Sethi, is a must see for all.

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