President Patil to inaugurate national folk dance festival 'Loktarang'

New Delhi, Jan 24 : President Pratibha Patil will inaugurate the six-day national folk dance festival 'Loktarang' here this evening.

Union Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni will preside over the function.

The inaugural show will begin with the lighting of a lamp to invoke the Agni (Fire), the most essential of the five basic elements of life known as 'Panch Mahabhoots'.

As many as 42 folk dances selected from 28 states and two Union Territories with about 700 folk artists will participate in the event.

The festival is a regular event, which is organized by the Union Culture Ministry every year with an objective of showcasing the rich cultural heritage of our country represented through folk dances.

This event will provide a unique opportunity for the people to witness colourful, vibrant and authentic folk dances drawn from various parts of the country and will go a long way in preserving, promoting and disseminating the country's folk dances.

In association with the seven Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs), the Ministry of Culture is organizing the festival as part of the ensuing Republic Day celebrations.

ANI