At Lokutsav, there may be large crowds but that doesn’t deter people from sampling the wares, be it food or art that echoes the many cultures that define India as a country
Folk dance and music has been a powerful medium of information, discourse and social engagement throughout the evolution of mankind. These art forms evolved as an expression of joy, reverence, fear or sorrow. Many cultures and communities used folk music and dance to pass on legends of their kings and queens, as occasions of match-making; some dances celebrate a successful harvest while some try to appease particular Gods. Fascinating as they are, it is quite difficult to get an opportunity to witness a host of choice folk performances at one go. Luckily for Goa, the Lokotsav does just that.
This commendable event, organized at the Kala Academy Complex in Panaji till January 17, brings together rare performances from all over the country. For example, North Eastern folk performances like the Bihu dance from Assam and Pung Dhol Cholam from Manipur give a rare glimpse of the region’s dressing, music and dance.
Pung Dhol Cholam is an extremely graceful dance where men and women beat a hand-held drum called “pung” while singing and dancing simultaneously. The performance is characterized by melodious, slow tunes and has a spiritual significance. A significant Hindu population of Manipur reveres Lord Krishna and these dances usually precede Raslila performances that depict the life of Lord Krishna. Thang-ta, a type of the Huyen Langlon martial arts form of Manipur, was executed with extreme skill and dexterity by young boys and girls. They demonstrated lightning fast defense movements with swords and spears in a theatrical dance-drama pattern.
Singhi Chham from Sikkim is popular with kids in particular. Some kids are enthralled, some are frightened, but none can remain aloof to the energy of the lion dance. The Singhi Chham dance form consists of two squatting men who are together camouflaged in a life-size snow-lion costume. The mythical creature is has a sacred symbolism with the Kanchenjunga range. Three or four lions take over the performance area in a typical celebration and perform antics to the invigorating beats of a drum.
Baul, Natua and Purulia Chhau performances from West Bengal are also part of the Lokotsav schedule. The Chhau dance from Purulia region of Bengal has origins in martial arts. It is performed with clay masks. Baul music is specific to a small, but highly influential, spiritual sect from Bengal that has Hindu and Sufi Muslim followers. From Rajasthan the Lokotsav brings the Mangniar, Kalbelia, Bahurupia and Bhavai performances. In fact, Kalbelia and Chhau dances and Ramlila shows are recognized as “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. All three performances are lined-up at Lokotsav.
From Gujarat, the line-up includes Kervano Vesh, Mewasi, Siddhi Dhamal and Bhavai performance. There is Bhangra from Punjab, Yakshagana from Karnataka and Pandwani from Chattisgarh. Lavani and Tamasha dances from Maharashtra are also quite popular. In fact, Tamasha, is one of the few folk forms that had a purely entertaining function to begin with. Around mid 1800s, reformers like Jyotiba Phule began including themes of social awareness in Tamasha performances.
The event has also roped in students of Dayanand High School from Chorao, Government High School from Advoi, Sattari and Mustifund High School, Panaji to give folk theatre performances. On January 15, a Russian group is performing. On January 17, troupes from Chattisgarh and Sri Lanka are slotted to perform. The Lokotsav also hosts a handicrafts exhibition. Workshops or demonstrations on making bandhani (tie and dye) fabric, lac bangles, beadwork and cloth toys are also conducted. Such events educate urban populations to the sheer beauty and grace of the country’s vanishing folk forms. More importantly, they give crucial monetary assistance and encourage local performers to preserve traditional occupations.
Take for example, Prem Prakash, a Bhawai performer from Rajasthan. In addition to performing the traditional dance and drama where males act as female characters, he balances a series of water pots on his head and dances with his feet on the edges of a steel plate, even swords. Prem Prakash took odd jobs as a young man and didn't earn much till he stumbled onto a theatre group as a helper. This is where he discovered his aptitude for Bhawai. Today, folk art has enabled Prem Prakash to tour the world.
While the eager audience can also serve as proof of the event’s popularity, many people crib about over-crowding. Yes, shoulders rub and elbows jostle, especially at the food stalls. Last year, the food stalls were spread around the open-air theatre, but this year, the food stalls have been clubbed together in one separate lane. It is the Goan love for food, and the willingness to go to great lengths to sample good dishes, that keeps this place throbbing in spite of many obvious pitfalls. Increasing the width of this food lane could ease movement and make the area less claustrophobic.
That said, perhaps it is elitist, if not unfair, to expect breezy open spaces at an event that celebrates the common man. Look at the long list of positives. The Lokotsav has free entry, there is ample parking space, and it has a rich, well-chosen sequence of performances. Most shows are repeated throughout the duration of the festival. These organizational attributes of Lokotsav ensure that maximum number of people can benefit. Other states rarely get the kind of commitment Goa shows to bring free infotainment to its citizens. Whether at Kala Academy, the Central Library, Ravindra Bhavan or any other venue – it is hard to match the frequency and quality of events organized in Goa and the wholehearted public reciprocation.
