Patiala: Cultural exchanges help build ‘bridges of understanding’ between people, and in this endeavour Punjab International Folk Festival was recently organized by Punjab Cultural Promotion Council in Patiala. Artists came from
several countries including Poland , Argentina and Thailand to perform in the
festival, which was aimed to develop cultural exchanges. These artistes were invited
by the Punjab Cultural Promotion Council to participate in the Punjab International
Folk Festival at Ramgarhia Girls College in Patiala . The guests got to know about
Punjab’s Bhangra whereas Punjabi artists and audiences were enthralled by Poland
’s Polonez , Argentina ’s Tango and Thailand ’s Khon folk dance. “Exchange between
Poland and India is very important because we get to know about the new culture,
we meet new people. It’s very interesting and very important,” said a folk dancer
from Poland . Sukhdep Singh, a Bhangra artist said: “We want to show the folk
dance of Punjab - Bhangra to the whole world. Punjabis are famous across the world.
People of other countries too start dancing to the beats of drums.” Argentine
Yesmin Llebeli put up a spectacular Tango, and the powerful movements and suppleness
of the dancer were striking which grabbed every ones attention. Dance lovers had
great fun watching a convergence of folk artistes from diverse cultures. The Thai
folk group, Ayutthaya Folklore, presented the traditional lore of Thailand in
their interpretative style. The audience appreciated their moves and the grandeur
of their costumes. Polish folk dances by Promyki folk group were another highlight
of the event, as the audience appreciated Polska folk costumes and polish songs.
It was an endeavour to bring Punjab on the global map for its well-known and rich
culture. “Students from Punjab and other countries can interact with each other.
They will become aware of each other’s culture and heritage. A bond of international
friendship will develop. Punjab will earn a name in the world,” said Devender
Singh Chinna, Director of Punjab Cultural Promotion Council. “Punjabi students
will become aware of foreign culture and their vision will become wider and these
foreign artistes will go to all parts of the world as ambassadors of India and
Punjab’s heritage and spread the message of humanity, international friendship
that we have got from Guru Granth Sahib,” he added. . The quintessential Punjabi
flavour to the international festival was added by vivacious and lively Bhangra
performances by Indian students.
