The National Folk Theatre Festival kicked off on a grand note at the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) with a spectacular inauguration ceremony at the Sant Namdev Auditorium. The three-day fest, organized by SPPU’s Lalit Kala Kendra Gurukul in collaboration with the West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC), Udaipur, promises to showcase the richness of India’s folk theatre traditions.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by renowned actress Jaymala Inamdar and veteran comedian Vasantrao Avasarikar, who jointly lit the ceremonial lamp. SPPU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Suresh Gosavi presided over the event, with Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Parag Kalkar and Acting Registrar Prof. Dr. Jyoti Bhakre as chief guests. WZCC Director Furqan Khan and Lalit Kala Kendra Gurukul Head Prof. Dr. Pravin Bhole emphasized the importance of preserving traditional folk arts, highlighting their significance in India’s cultural landscape.
Dr. Gosavi emphasized that folk theatre is a reflection of society and heritage, and through this festival, the university aims to bring these vibrant art forms to a larger audience and inspire young artists to engage with them. Inamdar highlighted the role of folk performances in keeping oral traditions alive, while Avasarikar reminisced about the golden era of folk theatre. The event set the tone for the rest of the festival, with the opening performances drawing in a packed audience of theatre enthusiasts, students, and cultural scholars.
The mesmerizing performances by Balkrishna Gore Dashavatar Mandal and Saurabh Bhat from Jaipur captivated the audience, showcasing the rich storytelling and musical elements of traditional art forms. Speaking about the importance of such festivals, Hemant Mehta, program executive from WZCC, noted that folk theatre is not just entertainment, but a vital part of our cultural history that carries deep social messages. “Folk theatre is a vital part of our cultural history, and festivals like this provide a much-needed platform for folk artists to showcase their craft and ensure these traditions continue for future generations,” he said.
The festival will feature a range of performances, including Lalit, Tura Kalangi, Kuchamani Khayal, and Dholki Phad Tamasha, as well as panel discussions on Religious and Devotional Folk Theatre and Entertainment-Centric Folk Theatre. With a packed schedule, the festival is open to all and has already received a positive response from students and art lovers. Prof. Dr. Pravin Bhole encouraged the public to attend and experience the depth and vibrancy of India’s folk theatre traditions. The event will run until March 23, offering a memorable experience for all who attend.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/national-folk-theatre-festival-begins-at-sppu-9899368/
Category : Cities,Pune
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Publish Date: 2025-03-22 04:49:00
