Lucknow, May 11 (PTI) 'Algoza', a traditional folk instrument, that is gradually disappearing from Uttar Pradesh's folk music landscape, was documented under the state government's 'Sampada' programme aimed at preserving endangered folk arts and musical traditions, according to an official statement issued on Monday.
The programme was organised jointly by the Uttar Pradesh Folk and Tribal Culture Institute and the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi at the academy studio in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, the statement said.
Director of the Folk and Tribal Culture Institute Atul Dwivedi said folk artists Sukhveer and Harprasad from Mathura presented traditional styles of Algoza and Chang performances during the event.
Their presentation of Braj region's musical heritage and folk tunes captivated the audience, he said.
The event also featured a special interaction focused on Algoza music and folk traditions.
Director of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Dr Shobhit Nahar discussed with the artists the historical background of the instrument, its technical aspects, contemporary challenges and ways to pass on the tradition to younger generations.
According to the statement, the objective of the programme is to document and preserve vanishing folk arts and traditional musical instruments while encouraging folk artists.
Art lovers and researchers described the initiative as a meaningful step towards conserving folk culture, it added.
The Algoza is a traditional wind instrument consisting of two wooden flutes played simultaneously and is widely associated with folk music traditions of northwestern India, including Braj, Rajasthan and Punjab.
Known for its rhythmic and melodic sound, the instrument is commonly used in folk performances and pastoral music traditions but is now facing decline due to dwindling numbers of traditional practitioners.