31 Jan 2023  |   06:26am IST

Lokotsav returns with much more crafts from all over the country

Lokotsav folk festival will be held till February 8 at Darya Sangam, Kala Academy, Panjim. Organized by the Department of Art and Culture, in collaboration with West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur, the national-level arts and crafts fair held annually will showcase the talent of artisans, craftsmen and folk artistes from across the country

The stage is set for the grand festival of folk forms and handicrafts. From all over India, artists will visit Goa to participate in the annual folk festival ‘Lokotsav-2023’ that is being held at Darya Sangam, Kala Academy in Panjim till February 8. This year the festival will feature nearly 800 craftsmen and 600 artists from across the country.

One of the most anticipated art fairs, this festival bring the beautiful and captivating handicrafts of India under one roof. Goans will get a glimpse of not just the creation of these beautiful pieces but some artists even demonstrate their talent. This year, Lokotsav will feature artistes from Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Karnataka and Goa will present folk music and dances to showcase the talent from their respective states.

The ten day festival will feature various folk dances on a single day. Till February 8, one can witness folk dances like Manganiar (Rajasthan), Gotipua (Odisha), Bhawai (Rajasthan), Bihu (Assam), Pung Dhol Cholam (Manipur), Thang Ta (Manipur), Mewasi (Gujarat), Puppetry (Rajasthan), Bahurupia (Rajasthan) and Goan folk dance and music. Kalbelia (Rajasthan), Purulia Chhau (West Bengal), Charkula (Uttar Pradesh), will be performed till February 3 while folk dances like Dhollu Kunitha (Karnataka), Siddhi Dhamal (Gujarat), Ghumar Phag (Haryana), Lawani (Maharashtra) and Koli (Maharashtra) will be performed from February 4 to 8.

Organised by the of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, the exhibition cum sale of handicraft will be open from 10 am to 10 pm and some handicrafts will include mojdi, bandhani, leather work, patch work, bead work, glass, jute work, miniature, paintings, fabrics, handlooms, wooden toys, furniture, jewellery, khadi products, terracotta and Goan handicrafts, etc.

One of Goa’s best attempt at celebrating folk art and culture in a grand and well organised fashion, could well qualify to be a full-fledged regional food festival. Best known for its scintillating dance performances that mesmerize the audiences at the mammoth stage set-up every evening, the ten-day national level festival has on display and sale, a variety of great cuisine at the food court attracting foodies from across the state.