Jaipur: Sword dances, swirling skirts and traditional music from across the country marked the fourth day of 29th National Folk Art Festival, Lokrang, at Jawahar Kala Kendra Friday. One of the evening’s highlights was Gujarat’s sword Raas from Saurashtra. Rooted in Krishna Raas, the dance evolved to incorporate martial arts and swordplay. Performers combined synchronised movements with skilful handling of swords, drawing applause from the audience. At Shilpgram, Rajasthan’s folk traditions took centre stage. Sudhakar Dave presented Chari dance, Puran performed Kalbelia and Tejpal showcased Kachhi Ghodi. Dausa’s Arman Khan presented a Bahurupiya act, while Mukesh Kumar appeared as Kanhaiya. Prabhu’s Pad singing and Maand performances by Sunita of Jhunjhunu and Babu Lal of Phagi added to the musical line-up. Harishankar from Bundi presented Bail dance, while Mithun’s puppet show drew children. The festival also featured Goa’s Samai, Manipur’s Naga dance, Tamil Nadu’s Thappattam, Punjab’s Sammi, Jharkhand’s Purulia Chhau and Jammu & Kashmir’s Panjeeb, showcasing the country’s diverse folk traditions. The Madhyavarti stage hosted performances including Himachal Pradesh’s Oram Pho, Madhya Pradesh’s Badhai, Rajasthan’s children’s Gair, Goa’s Kunbi and Tamil Nadu’s Jikattam and Karagattam Kavadi. Running until Nov 6, the 11-day festival has also drawn visitors to its handicrafts fair, where around 150 artisans are displaying handloom textiles, terracotta, woodcraft, leatherwork, folk paintings and traditional jewellery. The fair offers visitors an opportunity to interact with craftspeople and explore traditional techniques.
