In the scenic city of Panjim, the rich tapestry of India’s varied cultural heritage comes to life at Lokotsav 2024, a ten-day celebration set to offer an immersive experience filled with visual delights and a culinary spectacle for enthusiasts. Lokostav is presented by the Directorate of Art & Culture in partnership with the West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur. The yearly National Folk Festival will continue until February 4, at Darya Sangam, Kala Academy, Campal.
Lokotsav stands as a testament to India’s artistic prowess, bringing together artisans and performers from every corner of the country. From intricately crafted handicrafts to sumptuous regional delicacies, this festival is a celebration of India’s rich tapestry of traditions and flavours.
Visitors to Lokotsav will find themselves immersed in a sea of artistic wonders, as the festival showcases a diverse array of handcrafted items. The stalls, open from 10 am to 10 pm, offer an extensive range of products, including handlooms, traditional jewellery, clothing, shoes, ceramic pieces, and much more. Each piece is a labour of love, reflecting the unique cultural identity of its region of origin.
Visitors can explore the intricate pottery artifacts from Maharashtra, showcasing the state’s rich tradition of pottery-making. The vibrant paintings from Rajasthan add a burst of colour to the festival, offering a glimpse into the state’s royal history and artistic traditions. Handmade dolls from Madhya Pradesh grace the stalls, reflecting the state’s skilled craftsmanship. These dolls, with their meticulous detailing, capture the essence of Madhya Pradesh’s cultural diversity, making them delightful additions to any collection. Mats from Kutch, a region known for its unique and intricate artistry, find their place in Lokotsav’s stalls. No less significant are the carpets from Banaras, renowned for their fine craftsmanship and intricate designs. Visitors have the opportunity to bring home a piece of Banaras’ heritage and craftsmanship.
Shruti Arolkar shares, “It is always a good experience to visit Lokotsav as people from various states come together. This time, I bought clothes and jewellery, which had a lot of variety.”
Sapna Shirodkar, a regular visitor, expresses her enthusiasm, “Every year, I wait for this occasion so that I can buy a few things. It’s a beautiful experience to have everything in one place at one moment, and it is so huge that one day is not enough. I feel like coming here every day, and the food is also really good.”
Lokotsav 2024 truly encapsulates the essence of unity in diversity by bringing together these artistic masterpieces from different corners of the country, making it a cultural kaleidoscope for all to enjoy. The festival provides a platform for local artisans and small-scale businesses to showcase their craftsmanship to a wider audience. By supporting these skilled individuals, Lokotsav not only promotes economic growth but also preserves and propagates traditional art forms that have been passed down through generations.
A highlight of Lokotsav is the delectable food section that beckons food enthusiasts to embark on a culinary journey through the diverse flavors of India. The culinary delights on offer showcase the richness of India’s regional cuisines, from the spicy curries of the South to the aromatic biryanis of the North. Open throughout the day, this section is a melting pot of flavors, offering visitors the chance to savour authentic dishes prepared by skilled chefs.
Lokotsav’s food section showcases the vibrant street food culture of Delhi with fiery delights, Mumbai’s tangy chaat, and Rajasthan’s treats like ghevar and kachori. Gujarat’s contribution includes the unique combination of jalebi Fafda, while Goa brings in the exotic flavours of Xacuti and Caferal. The festival becomes a culinary journey, celebrating the distinctive tastes of each region. As you indulge in these mouth-watering treats, you not only satisfy your taste buds but also gain a deeper appreciation for the culinary heritage that defines India.
As the day transitions into the evening, the festival bursts into vibrant life with a diverse array of cultural performances taking place from 6 pm to 10 pm. The stage serves as a platform for showcasing the rich traditions of various states across the country, featuring captivating dance, music, and theatrical presentations that transport onlookers deep into the heart of India’s cultural mosaic.
Each night unfolds a fresh line-up of performances, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving spectacle that both delights and enlightens the audience about the immense cultural heritage that India encompasses.
Notable performances include Purvaranga (performed by all actors), Manganiyar (Rajasthan folk song), Rouf dance (Jammu and Kashmir), Morulo (Goa), kalarippayattu (Kerala), Bhavai (folk dance of Rajasthan), Gotipua (Odisha), siddhi Dhamaal (Karnataka), Bihu dance (Assam), Kalbelia dance (Rajasthan), Mando (Goa), Pung Dhol Cholom/thang ta (Manipur), Mayurbhanj dance (Uttar Pradesh), Purulia Chhau dance (West Bengal), and Mewasi (Gujarat).
Khushbu Roy emphasizes, “I like to buy the stuff which is sold here from all around India, especially household things like bed sheets and artefacts for decorations.”
Neha Gaonkar expresses her delight, “I like the items that’s here; it’s new, and there are different things from Assam, MP, etc. Things I wouldn’t have seen in Goa. We have been coming here every year, and the newness of it attracts me here every time. I tell my mother not to buy sarees from anywhere else and to wait for Lokotsav as here we get a lot of variety. We look forward to January as we know Lokotsav will be organized. I love the food here, I come especially on a separate day only for the food.”
Siddhant Gosavi comments, “I am here with friends, and we want to hang out and explore the stalls. The prices here are very reasonable, and it’s a huge place.”
The festival becomes a microcosm of India, allowing visitors to explore the nation’s rich heritage without leaving the picturesque surroundings of Goa. Beyond the joy it brings to festival-goers, Lokotsav plays a crucial role in boosting the livelihoods of local artisans and supporting small-scale businesses. By creating a market for their products and providing exposure to their talent, the festival contributes to the economic empowerment of these communities.
