Lucknow, Nov 2 (PTI) More than 500 artists from 16 states will showcase India's tribal art, folk traditions and cultural diversity at the four-day Rashtriya Janjatiya Bhagidari Utsav to be held here from November 23 to 26, the Uttar Pradesh government said on Monday.
Organised by the Uttar Pradesh Lok Evam Janjati Sanskriti Sansthan under the Department of Culture, the festival will be held at UP Darshan Park in Gomti Nagar to mark the birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda.
Culture and Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh said the event would bring together artists, artisans and traditional performers to promote tribal heritage and preserve folk art forms.
"The Utsav will serve as a platform for taking tribal art and traditional knowledge to the younger generation," Singh said.
Artists from several states, including Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Odisha, Assam, Jharkhand and Rajasthan, will present folk dances, music and traditional performances. Madhya Pradesh has been designated as the theme state.
Traditional art forms of nomadic communities, including Bahurupiya performances, Nat-Nati folk acts, puppetry, magic and been performances, will be among the attractions. Plays depicting the life and contributions of Birsa Munda will also be staged.
More than 150 artisans will display handicrafts, traditional jewellery and musical instruments at a craft fair, while stalls featuring tribal cuisine will also be set up.
The festival will feature painting exhibitions, handicraft workshops, seminars and demonstrations of items made from munj grass and wheat stalks.
Schools, colleges and universities will be involved to familiarise students with tribal culture and traditions, the minister said.
Foreign cultural groups are also expected to participate, providing opportunities for cultural exchange, the government said.
