By Ramesh K Dhiman : Fair and festivals are warp and woof of our composite cultural heritage that spice up our monotonous lives with rare moments soaked in pure mirth, merriment, seasoned with a dash of mysticism. The 9th annual Pinjore Heritage Festival, that goes off to a rip-roaring start at the Yadvindra Pinjore Gardens here on December 6, would roll out a bonanza of, ethnic, artistic, cultural, creativity and captivating culinary activity at that. The event this year would feature noted Punjabi singer Roshan Prince and Sufi maestro Kamal Khan, who would perform on both days in the evening.
The two-day-long festival would be formally inaugurated by State Tourism Minister Ram Bilas Sharma, while Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki would grace the closing ceremony as the chief guest, informed Haryana Tourism Corporation Director Sumita Misra while briefing media persons. Giving details of the programme, she said on the opening day, a rangoli competition for tiny tots in the age group of 4-5 category on the theme “Indian Heritage” would be held. A group dance competition featuring teams comprising 8-10 participants each would be held, followed by a collage-making on the similar theme, slogan-writing competition on the leitmotif ‘Cleanliness’, besides a thali-decoration event for children would offer an opportunity to show their innate talent and creativity.
On the concluding day, a host of competitions for students in the individual category, including toran-making, drawing, card-making, would be held where the up and coming artists would be able to exhibit their ingenious cerebral faculties. Other competitions would have flower- arrangement, vase decoration and clay-modelling, hitherto a non-entity at the festival, would also figure. In the similar category, a pulsating and power-packed performance would be presented by students in the form of ‘Nukkad Dance’. A fashion show would be an added attraction of this jamboree of cultural fiesta.
The unique festivity would add a dash of entertainment and intrigue for one and all, including the senior citizens. A special heritage walkathon and the Best-Dressed-Senior-Citizen competition would also he held and the winners would be awarded. Misra further added that with a view to making the event even more colourful, noted artisans and craftsmen would participate in the cultural mela from various parts of the country. It would offer an insight into the ancient art and craft that these ambassadors of Indian culture have protected against the blind race for modernity, including embroidered crocket items, art metal ware, terracotta, dry flowers, soft toys, curio items.
The behemoth cultural extravaganza featuring folk songs and dances of various states of the country, including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttrakhand, et al, would also be among the highlights of both days of the festival. A puppet show would add to the entertainment quotient of visiting mela buffs. Food stalls rustling up a range of lip-smacking cuisines and beverages would be a foodies’ dream-come-true destination.