Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
The vibrant three-day Himalayan Cultural Festival, held at Arni University in Kathgarh, drew to a close last evening. The esteemed former Union Minister Vijay Sampla presided over the event, championing the need for folk artists to embrace their cultural legacies. He passionately highlighted how crucial Himalayan culture is to the nation’s heritage, urging all to help preserve and promote it for future generations.
During his address, Sampla expressed deep concern over the youth’s shift away from their cultural roots, attributing this to modern distractions. He advocated for visual storytelling as a powerful means to reconnect younger audiences with traditional folk arts. Celebrating the significance of cultural festivals, he acknowledged their vital role in safeguarding and elevating India’s diverse heritage.
Organized by the Youth Development Centre in Kangra, under the Union Ministry of Culture’s initiative, the festival featured guidance from the Himachal Pradesh Language, Art, and Culture Academy. Approximately 200 folk artists from regions like Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir brought alive their rich traditions through a spectacular array of traditional songs, dazzling dances, and engaging skits, showcasing the essence of their cultures.
Chancellor Vivek Singh of Arni University inaugurated the festival, emphasizing the importance of immersing youth in India’s ancient traditions and cultural richness. In the closing ceremony, he encouraged young folk artists to cherish and further develop their cultural heritage. The gathering culminated in a ceremony where participating artists were honored with trophies and certificates, marking the event’s triumph in celebrating India’s cultural mosaic.
This article highlights the importance of cultural heritage, particularly the Himalayan culture, in modern India. It discusses the need for initiatives that engage younger generations in folk traditions, which are at risk of fading due to contemporary influences. The Himalayan Cultural Festival served as a platform for artists to showcase their cultural expressions, emphasizing the role of such events in preserving India’s rich artistic traditions.
The Himalayan Cultural Festival at Arni University successfully celebrated and promoted the diverse cultural heritage of India. With calls to preserve traditions and engage the youth, the event underscored the importance of cultural festivals in fostering a connection between the past and present. By honoring artists and encouraging the next generation, the festival not only preserved traditions but also ignited a newfound appreciation for them among young audiences.
