Festival of folk Ramayana to form part of Kullu Dussehra

Kullu, Oct 3 (UNI) On the occasion of famous Kullu Dussehra fair a ''Lok Ramayan Parv'' would be organised for the first time, in which cultural troupes from various parts of the hill state would stage the sacred epic in their unique folk style.

Five cultural troupes are being invited from different areas including Fagu (Shimla), Shillai (Sirmour), Nirmand (Kullu), Hamirpur and Bharmour (Chamba) where the tradition of presenting the Ramayana in the form of opera is still existing, Mr B K Aggarwal, Secretary, Language, Art and Culture said.

He said that operatic performance of the Ramayana in the form of 'Masada Gayan' would be presented by Bharmour troupe on October 9 amd 10 while Chhadi cultural troupe Nirmand, Wavlaj troupe Fagu, cultural troupe from Hamirpur and Shillai would perform on October 11, 12, 13 and 14 respectively. He said that as many as 54 artistes would participate in this mega cultural event.

"The presentation and staging of Ramayan would go a long way in preservation of this great Indian spiritual legacy, traditional folk songs, instrumental music besides adding glamour and vibration to the event," he said.

Mr Aggarwal further informed that the tradition of dramatising Ramakatha during Kullu Dusshehra would continue in future also and be sanctified with time.

"The Academy with its great efforts had succeeded in exploring the traditional operatic performance of Ramayana Shrut, which bears manifestation to our sublime spiritual heritage and its preservation for our coming generations, he said.

UNI PS MMS1854