Lok Tarang fest gets underway tomorrow

New Delhi, Jan 23 (UNI) About 700 artistes will present folk dances from across the country at the 'Lok Tarang'festival to be held here tomorrow as part of the Republic Day celebrations.

President Pratibha Patil will inaugurate the six-day event, which will showcase the rich cultural heritage of India represented through folk dances.

It will be an unique opportunity for the people to witness 42 colourful folk dances, from 28 states and two Union Territories, said Mr N C Goel, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, at a press conference here.

He said it will go a long way in preserving, promoting and disseminating folk dances as a part of Indian art and culture.

The festival is being organised by the Ministry of Culture in association with the seven Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs).

Mr Goel said entry to the event will be free of cost for general public at Hamsadhwani Open Air Theatre in Pragati Maidan on all days of the show except the inaugural function day on January, 24 when entry will be strictly on special invitation basis.

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'.

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